Unbeknownst to many, Dallas is home to a thriving art scene. A variety of galleries and boutiques are located in the central Design District. However, excellent displays can be found in other trendy neighborhoods that will have art lovers hopping on flights to Dallas. Of the city’s 100 art galleries, here are six hidden gems that stand out to us.
PDNB Gallery
Officially known as Photographs Do Not Bend, this gallery is co-owned by a long-time art appraiser featured on “Antiques Roadshow.” PDNB Gallery captures the breadth of creative, documentary and fine art images. It is our top pick for anyone who enjoys photography as a hobby or professionally. Exhibits focus on disparate topics ranging from contemporary self-portraits to historic crime scene photos.
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The Reading Room
Unique is one word that describes The Reading Room in Expo Park. It’s open for just three hours between 2 and 5 p.m. on Saturdays. The intimate space features provocative text-based visual art as well as experimental performances and readings. Hours are extended for some special exhibits, so we recommend checking before you go.
Beaux-Arts Gallery
Founded by Bob Schutze in 1988, the Beaux-Arts Gallery is a one-of-a-kind treasure trove. It focuses on antique maps as well as botanical and zoological prints. This nondescript building on Hi Line Drive in the Design District houses more than 25,000 competitively priced prints and contemporary paintings. Don’t forget to check out the store’s bathroom, which has its own art display.
500X Gallery
This local legend is located in Deep Ellum, a former warehouse and factory district that’s had a chic makeover. Since 1978, the cooperative has been a premier location for Texas-based artists to showcase their work in solo and group exhibits. It is arguably the best gallery for viewing local art and finding a souvenir from the Lone Star State.
RELATED: Want more Texas arts & culture? Read about the Best Museums to Check Out in Dallas!
The Kettle Gallery
The Kettle features local art and edgy exhibits with a late-night atmosphere that’s more like a dance club than a stodgy fine art gallery. This exhibit space has featured works from the Dallas community since 2005. Expect to see underground art, photography and political statement pieces between 7 and 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and after 4 p.m. on Sundays. If you don’t mind a crowd, we recommend exploring The Kettle and other Deep Ellum galleries during the neighborhood’s second Saturday art walks.
Valley House Gallery & Sculpture Garden
Since 1953, The Valley House Gallery has offered art lovers a respite from the bustling downtown area. This prominent gallery in north Dallas has a superb collection of native, outsider and early Texas art as well as traveling exhibits. The other attraction is the 4-acre sculpture garden, which features dozens of pieces from world-class artists in a lush and beautifully landscaped setting.
The best thing about these shops is that you can see outstanding art for free, in a unique and inviting setting.
Now that the art lover in you can see a different side to the Big-D, all you have to do is find cheap flights to Dallas and get over there ASAP!
