Museums in the Dallas Area

Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza - Dallas, TX

The Sixth Floor Museum Logo

In true American spirit, the Texas School Book Depository has evolved from its dark past to become the site of the Sixth Floor Museum.

You may have heard that there is plenty of culture in Dallas, but where can you find it? One sure way to find the higher, sophisticated side of Dallas is to look for museums in the Dallas area. Two museums that are particularly fascinating are the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza and the Women's Museum in Dallas.

Dallas is the state that legendary president John F. Kennedy was assassinated, his death falling on November 22, 1963. In the aftermath of that event, a cloud seemed to fall on various Dallas locations, including the Texas School Book Depository building located on Dealey Plaza, since this is where the lethal shot was fired. For many years, this building was left unkempt and with no buyer, because of the damaged reputation. However, a buyer decided to keep this important part of U.S. history in the hearts of Americans by turning the building into a museum dedicated to the legacy of John F. Kennedy. The Sixth Floor Museum contains exhibits and displays that examine the life and death of the former president, as well as how his decisions have affected the world.

The museum contained testimony from eyewitnesses as well as in-depth information on the four different investigations that were launched to uncover the truth behind the mysterious assassination. Visitors can look through over 400 photographs, 45 minutes of film and various articles that were a part of the case. There are also important artifacts that belonged to Kennedy, as well as the Zapruder camera and an FBI-created model of Dealey Plaza that was used by the Warren Commission in investigating the case. Visitors can also stand right at the window where the assailant supposedly fired the shot and then made the escape. This museum is opened daily from nine to six pm and even on most holidays, excluding Christmas. Cameras are not allowed inside, but there are individual audio tours lasting up to 90 minutes and available in various languages.

The Women's Museum in Dallas lets visitors learn about the past, present and future and how women fit into a progressive society. The museum reviews challenges that women have faced in reaching the status that they do today using entertaining exhibits, educational programs and art collections. Some of the exhibits to look forward to include the Apron Chronicles: A Patchwork of American Recollections, Lauren Greenfield's Thin, AT&T Presents Women's Perspectives, In The Beginning and Virtual Exhibits, an interactive electronic exhibit. The Women's Perspective exhibit is particularly interesting, as it features 50 unique pieces from all across the world, and includes paintings, prints, textiles and sculptures by exclusively female artists. Some of the popular virtual exhibits include Finance Lessons and Wall of Worlds.

Some other popular Dallas/Plano museums include the Dallas Museum of Art, the Interurban Railway Station Museum and the Irving Arts Center. While Dallas is well known as an energetic city easy to enjoy with its restaurants and clubs, there is also a much more sophisticated side of the Think Big City.