Nestled in the Arts District, this serene jewel box museum offers a captivating trove of Asian art from ancient to modern times, and best of all—it's free!
"Crow Museum of Asian Art As the patriarch of one of the most prominent real estate empires in the country, Trammell Crow’s work took him all over the globe—including on frequent trips to Asia, during which he and his wife, Margaret, developed a passion for Asian art. Over three decades beginning in the 1960’s, the Crows amassed a deep and diverse collection of important works from all over the region, from a six-foot Ming Dynasty-era seated Buddha and stellar examples of 18th-century jade sculptures to intricately-carved panels from Indian temples. For many years, these pieces were scattered between family properties and commercial buildings, until they all came together under one roof in 1998, with the opening of this Arts District museum. Featuring open galleries framed by natural light and greenery, the jewel box museum is a serene space in which to contemplate pieces from the ever-growing permanent collection, which now includes over 1,000 works from a dozen countries, as well as a library of over 12,000 books and journals; along with all the treasures inside, don’t miss the 15 sculptures in the garden, which span from the ancient to the 20th century. Temporary exhibits might highlight specific techniques (like lacquer work or miniature painting), genres (like the art of the Japanese samurai), or the works of contemporary Asian artists and sculptors. Entrance to the collection is always free; additional fees may apply for tours, talks, or events like yoga and meditations sessions. In 2019, the entire museum was donated to The University of Texas at Dallas , which will continue operating this original location, as well as a future outpost slated for the UTD campus."
"Crow Museum of Asian Art As the patriarch of one of the most prominent real estate empires in the country, Trammell Crow’s work took him all over the globe—including on frequent trips to Asia, during which he and his wife, Margaret, developed a passion for Asian art. Over three decades beginning in the 1960’s, the Crows amassed a deep and diverse collection of important works from all over the region, from a six-foot Ming Dynasty-era seated Buddha and stellar examples of 18th-century jade sculptures to intricately-carved panels from Indian temples. For many years, these pieces were scattered between family properties and commercial buildings, until they all came together under one roof in 1998, with the opening of this Arts District museum. Featuring open galleries framed by natural light and greenery, the jewel box museum is a serene space in which to contemplate pieces from the ever-growing permanent collection, which now includes over 1,000 works from a dozen countries, as well as a library of over 12,000 books and journals; along with all the treasures inside, don’t miss the 15 sculptures in the garden, which span from the ancient to the 20th century. Temporary exhibits might highlight specific techniques (like lacquer work or miniature painting), genres (like the art of the Japanese samurai), or the works of contemporary Asian artists and sculptors. Entrance to the collection is always free; additional fees may apply for tours, talks, or events like yoga and meditations sessions. In 2019, the entire museum was donated to The University of Texas at Dallas , which will continue operating this original location, as well as a future outpost slated for the UTD campus."
"The collection includes Chinese jades, Buddhist sculptures, and intricately painted Japanese screens, all carefully selected for display from the more than 4,000 pieces that Trammell Crow, a successful Dallas property developer, and his wife Margaret purchased throughout their travels in Asia. It spans three galleries, with the second and third galleries connected by a glass skybridge overlooking the Seated Daoist Deity fountain." - Priya Krishna
Came here on a late weekday afternoon & it was a very pleasant experience. The building the museum is held in is quite charming. There was no wait. No crowd. Museum is on the smaller side. 3 floors showcasing beautiful Japanese artifacts—a couple of textiles but mostly stonework/pottery. The museum was FREE but donations are welcome. A parking garage is available for $5/hour during the week.
Jason Kim
Google
Just went to see Montgomery Form and Function. If you’re a fan of pottery it’s a good one. Beautiful building and still free. They will ask for your zip code when you enter.
Mini Me
Google
Really cool free museum. Mostly about pottery. I loved learning about the history behind everything. Had to park in parking garage. $10 for a little over an hour
sierra kenison
Google
Even if you have no interest in decorative Japanese arts, you should come just for the amazing architecture of this museum. And if, like me, you love Asian arts and architecture, you’ll be in heaven!
The unique design of this museum only highlights its wonderful assembly of items. Each is well labeled so you know exactly what you’re looking at. The collection has pieces dating from the beginning of pottery in Japan to modern day. There’s also wood, metal, and fabric arts represented.
And it’s free. There’s no reason not to go!
Bernard White
Google
The detail of the pottery and murals was incredible. The museum had free entry to the exhibit and different levels to view the eras of asian culture añd history. I highly recommend it. Great staff and I took amazing pictures.
Rachael Kohler
Google
Would recommend spending 1-2 hours here! Currently the entire museum is displaying a private collection of Japanese works with a focus on pottery and textile work from what I saw. Very quiet, and definitely a change of pace from the rest of the city's offerings. And the best part is that it's free !
Kelly Low
Google
The museum is quite small but also free! Every time I have visited, they always have something new. Occasionally some people will host events there. I attended this Batik workshop and Indonesian fashion show.
All they ask from you is that you check you large bags in, and that you provide them with a zip code.
Mike Gayed
Google
Very small, very nice collection of pots and Japanese history. Free experience, friendly girl at the reception desk