Dallas Contemporary

This was my first time at The Dallas Contemporary. We were not disappointed. The exhibition featured artworks from Patrick Martinez, Karolyn Jablonska, Sally Saul, Brian Fridge, and others, is bold and has power behind the imagery. I honestly can't believe it's free to enter. There is a $10 suggested donation which it's nice to give if you can. They currently have amazing prints for sale at a huge discounted price. Took advantage of that. Will be back next time I'm in Dallas.

The Patrick Martinez: Histories installation is captivating. In today's divisive political environment and society at large, the show was poignant, perceptive, and pertinent. The pieces were incredibly beautiful and sparked thought-provoking discussions. I appreciate Dallas Contemporary showcasing the work of this gifted artist.

Small gallery - current exhibit was graduate student work - which is very exciting to me! Seeing someone’s last produced work before graduating! I do wish the pamphlet/ online list of students and exhibition work was easier to follow. I like seeing artist name and name of piece for a better connection. But otherwise still very enjoyable. I love the location in a mist of other galleria, collective items and studios!

Sometimes they have a numerous amount of really cool art on display and other times they have less amount of cool art on display. Make sure to check the website before hand to see if you will like it. It is free anyways so the only thing you lose is time. Make sure to reserve online in advance! The times will say 11am but it means all day.

Came here for the Brian Fridge exhibition and as I’ve never been to the contemporary museum I was excited to go. The museum itself has plenty of parking and a few exhibits on display. The exhibit I visited for was a short film (6 mins) summarizing the solar eclipse we have coming up in a few weeks. After that, we toured the museum and saw two other exhibits that were very interesting but nice to see. The customer service was great and they offer complimentary wine. I look forward to returning to see future exhibitions as they come.

What an incredible little museum to stumble upon during a visit to Texas from the Midwest for specialized medical treatment. Having spent a couple of years as a gallery guide at another free admission contemporary art museum up in Michigan, I was excited to check this place out and was very glad I did. I visited in late June and found three beautiful exhibitions including Histories by Patrick Martinez, whose work in neon was absolutely stunning, especially transposed against the stark industrial style of the gallery space. The guides at the gallery were super friendly and engaged, polite and knowledgeable about the space and the exhibitions. It was really comforting to find an openly & actively BIPOC & LGBTQ+ friendly space while visiting the south as a queer man from the northern states. All in all a great experience and with free admission and free on site parking, it's a must-visit for anyone in the Dallas area that enjoys contemporary art.

Beautiful space with art so thoughtfully displayed. This would be a great date spot! We went with a small group, and it was easy to spread out since the space isn’t too huge. Admission is free, but make sure to book your tickets in advance. There is a free parking lot connected to the museum and another free lot directly adjacent to the museum.

Loved the art but the staff was very rude. I guess I was supposed to reserve a ticket in advance, although that was not obvious from the website. I arrived 35 minutes before close, but they didn’t want to let me in, even though the museum is small and you can walk through in 15-20 minutes. It was clear the staff just wanted to close the museum early so they could leave. I don’t want a bad review to impact the artists so I’ll just give 3 stars instead.

Love the curation of this place and it's FREE! Perfect place to impress a date on a budget or if you love art. The space is small compared to other museums (3 exhibits going on when I went), but that's a plus for me as everything has to be extra extra curated and it doesn't feel overwhelming for friends that can't do hours in a museum. It's also very covid safe since not many people are there at a time. I went on a Saturday afternoon and there were maybe 10 people including the staff. The staff is also very friendly and knowledgeable about the exhibits. Only drawback is the museum "shop" (really just a wall near the entrance) is also extra extra curated, so don't expect to come home with too much memorabilia.

This little small non profit museum is always worth a visit .I've watched it grow from a very small space and limited budget to an impactful player in the Dallas modern art scene. Today's show is based on ceramics. While not my thing,the show is well curated and worth a look. If you haven't been by this converted industrial building in the shadow of Downtown Dallas,make a trip.

Came here for the Brian Fridge exhibition and as I've never been to the contemporary museum I was excited to go. The museum itself has plenty of parking and a few exhibits on display. The exhibit I visited for was a short film (6 mins) summarizing the solar eclipse we have coming up in a few weeks. After that, we toured the museum and saw two other exhibits that were very interesting but nice to see. The customer service was great and they offer complimentary wine. I look forward to returning to see future exhibitions as they come.

Discovering this hidden gem off the road was a delightful surprise! The gallery offers free admission and a captivating array of unique pieces, complemented by interactive exhibits that engage visitors throughout the relatively small but beautifully curated space. The super-friendly and helpful staff enhance the overall experience. A must-visit for art enthusiasts seeking an interactive and enriching adventure!

Came to this cool contemporary art museum on a quiet Saturday afternoon with family. Entrance is free though they do request a donation if you can. It's a cool industrial building with plenty of space and light, perfect for the rotating exhibits they feature. There were four artists showing their work in different parts of the building, all with very unique styles. Great spot to wile away an hour!

Excellent exhibit space. I never feel like the piece of shown are crowded or bunched together. This visit I saw the ceramic exhibition that had some thing for everyone's taste. So much talent on display. Hopefully, next time more of the museum will be filled with heart. The young lady at the desk when I came in, was very helpful and friendly. We had a nice chat, and it added to my enjoyment for the day. I live near Philadelphia but always visit whenever I am in town. The Contemporary never disappoints.

Pretty cool place to visit while in dallas! It's free admission and theres some free parking! It is pretty small and won't take like more than 30 minutes to get through it all but you are welcome to stay around and take pictures and hang out there. I went during this one exhibition with dancing pink and blue puff balls omg it was so cute and fun ! My bf and I had a blast trying to take pictures and not get smooshed at the same time. It was also pretty peaceful to watch and oh man they are super soft!! Definitely a place to go to for friends or a date! Theres lots of good places to eat around the area too and happy hours so maybe plan it near that time!

Dallas Contemporary is a phenomenal art museum. Extraordinary and thought provoking installations which changes every 3-4 months. Spotlighting national and international contemporary artists and their perspective art pieces. Wondrous discoveries to be made at this art space in the Design District. Presently, till August 18th, enthralled I am with Francesco Clemente: Watchtowers, Keys, Threads, Gates; mesmerized with Yelena Yemchuk: Mabel, Betty & Bette; haunted by Mario Sorrenti: Kate; and, bewitched by SELF SERVICE: Twenty-Five Years of Fashion, People and Ideas Reconsidered. CHEERS!

i'd recommend checking this place out -- the staff are kind & informed. i was most interested in the ceramics exhibit & the eduardo sarabia this must be the place exhibit -- some of the stuff was a bit underwhelming like the cardboard for example and the pickle. creative works of art on display overall. also free!!

The Dallas Contemporary is a great, low-key way to enjoy art in Dallas. - Location: The Dallas Contemporary is a sizable museum tucked away in the Design District. There is plenty of parking so it makes for an easy visit. The space is sizable so I am able to enjoy the artwork without struggling for space to view each piece. - Art: They typically have three exhibitions, which provide a variety of art work. The exhibitions seem to rotate every 3 to 6 months so you can visit a few times a year and see completely new art each time. On my most recent visit, I really enjoyed the Ian Davenport exhibition - Horizons. I'd recommend seeing it before it leaves in March! - Value: The museum is free, but they recommend a $5 donation. Who doesn't love great art for the optional price of $5?!

I think the exhibits when we went were... underwhelming. I wanted to see the big, bright pink and orange teddy bears!! I wanted to see different art and paintings! The room with the lock and key paintings were pretty cool. I'm glad this museum was free (they accept donations at the front) because I would have felt ripped off if I had to pay a $20 admission fee.

I've been here many times; guided tour and solo. Every time has been pure bliss! My favorite being Mary Katrantzou - went multiple times. I actually enjoy the guided tour now after experiencing it, as you learn so much about the artist themselves. You also get an idea of how much work the volunteers put into making Dallas Contemporary so great, lots of free labor and I applaud them for it. Truly, the staff is so kind, passionate and informative. Can't wait for the Jeremy Scott exhibition! This place is a must see when there's an artist you're even slightly fascinated by showing there.

This place was smaller than what I thought but very nice and quiet - perfect for the pandemic , low traffic, a lot of nice art and quiet time - if that's what you like. I was given a clipboard and a sheet of paper to draw what I interpreted from the photos as well as colored pencils and a chair. Most art was very interesting and there were 3 separate exhibits- one that was photography focal. It's a must, will come back once the exhibit is updated. This space would be great for dates, friend and family outings.

A great place to stay connected to the contemporary art world. Always an engaging exhibit. Fun openings and lots of reasons to be a member. Really important for the Dallas art scene and our future status as an international art powerhouse.

Absolutely wonderful gallery. Helpful staff and very interesting modern exhibits. I wouldn't spend more than an hour or so here but it's a great short afternoon activity. Will definitely be back soon.

Love, love, love Dallas Contemporary! I've been a member of its young professional group, Dallas Contemporaries, for the last 2 yrs. I became a member bc I liked the exhibits so much. I was captivated & knew I had join after the first exhibit I saw. I didn't want to miss art that translated into such visceral and memorable experiences as the exhibits I saw at Dallas Contemporary. Becoming a member only added to my positive D.C. experiences allowing me to attend private exhibit openings which are fabulous parties with amazing art, interesting people, a DJ, drinks, and the Dallas skyline as the backdrop. Of course there's the occassional exhibit that doesn't speak to me as much, but that's to be expected. Dallas Contemporary is a must whether visiting or becoming a member.

This is growing to be one of my favorite art spots in dallas. It's HUGE and has giant pieces and art installations that are very unique! But I will say they could make more use of all the space they have! Aka, I wish there was more art to see because it would make for a longer experience at a place I already enjoy. The receptionist is nice and the restrooms here are top notch and clean. Bring a camera and a $5 donation!

The Dallas Contemporary is free, conveniently located for Dallas, has rotating exhibitions, and usually high-quality art. There's no reason not to check it out if you live in Dallas and enjoy art. There have been 3 exhibitions each time I have gone. It's fun to see multiple works by each artist next to each other. This place is more like a gallery than LACMA or MOMA, so go with appropriate expectations. ~45 minutes is enough time for a visit.

They live up to their name, contemporary! Never censored, emotional, RAW pieces that make you feel awkward. The contemporary isn't about pretty happy paintings, they are serious pieces that make you feel all kind of feelings. The huge open space they have gives the exhibitions even more life. The art here isn't art that you find at the Kimball or DMA! No way! I've been lucky enough to attend opening shows, they are amazing! Open bar, food, live music, people from all kinds of backgrounds. Yes, it may be a little snopy at times, but after a couple of drinks no one cares. It's places like this that makes Dallas such a great place to live!

Dallas Contemporary is such a gift. The staff are incredibly knowledgeable, allowing those of all backgrounds (not only the arts) to feel welcome. All demographics are able to come here and experience art work that is at the forefront of a worldwide conversation. Kids and families would have an amazing experience here where the current exhibition is interactive and vibrant while thought provoking and refreshing. Dallas Contemporary has played an integral part in making Dallas an emerging powerhouse for the visual arts. Thanks for everything!

Great big space for contemporary works. Super nice and helpful staff. Really liked both contrasting exhibits. They were literally installing a third while we were there. If you dig contemporary art, this is your place. I always thought the place was another smarmy commercial design district gallery, but it's truly a top notch museum. 10/10

Loved the exhibit! Wish I could of made it when they had more than 1 exhibit! The guy at the front was super nice as well

It's a true gem here in Dallas. It's completely free and you get to see so many different works. All they ask is that you donate $5 when you leave. We're really lucky to have this here, not only for the art the showcase but also the activities they provide for the community.

Highly recommend the Dallas contemporary. They have outstanding exhibitions and for the price of free! The staff is always wonderfully helpful and nice. Dallas is lucky to have this place. I often visit with out of towners and it's always a great experience.

Almost always pretty empty and chill unless it's the last weekend of an exhibit... almost always at least one really cool exhibit... free admission... easy parking... what's not to like? Worth checking out every time they change exhibits...

This small museum is a joy to visit. If you like unique and varying shows, it will not fail to delight.

Great Free non collecting museum. The Dallas Center for Contemporary Art (a.k.a. The Dallas Contemporary) is an indispensable part of the present-day Texas art scene. Twenty yearly exhibitions at this welcoming, dynamic space highlight up-and-coming, ethnically diverse Texas artists. Studio art classes and a resource room for practicing artists make this a functioning creative center and a cutting-edge showcase of new talent. The shows are topical, multicultural and conceptual. As an example, a showing of fireworks corresponded with a national ceramics convention held in Fort Worth, while the monthly Mosaics series always features the work of ethnically diverse artists. There is no charge for admission, but exhibit charges may vary. Also a great size so you can get a little art and not feel overwhelmed. Also this is walking distance to the Latino Cultural center as well as a couple of private galleries.

This is not your typical art museum. Located in the Design District on a semi-shady street, you can already get the feel of this museum. The large warehouse spaces is usually filled with 3 - 4 exhibitions of contemporary art. While you can walk around a view the art on any given day, I recommend coming to their exhibition openings. They are usually much busier, include the actual artists and incorporate partying. They also offer fun volunteer positions.

Small contemporary museum with big name shows. Stuff you won't see anywhere else. They have epic gallery openings. Not really for kids.

We went here to visit a little while ago and although I was wanting to love this museum, I left feeling a little down and wondering "huh?" The entire facility was basically abandoned and just had one maintenance guy working there so werent very sure what all was an exhibit or just a exhibit in the process of being setup. We really wish tha there was someone at their front desk to ask questions and get some information about the facility and their art exhibits. Like scott mentioned, I felt like some of the exhibits left me wondering if what i was seeing was art but I did appreciate the vision of the museum to display non-traditional pieces. I'm planning on coming back to see what else they have later on down the road but this probably wont be a museum I frequent on a regular basis

I just don't get it. I love art museums. I really do. I like street art if its real and from the heart too. This place? Its just not for me. I don't get it. I guess there are people who do. I want for an evening event for the Dallas Observer complete with food bites, drinks, and awful music. Just because you put on go go boots and a pink sparkly dress doesn't mean you should be on stage screaming into a microphone trying to be Courtney Love. Really? It was pretty awful. There were a couple decked out lowriders on display and the uptight women in mini black dresses with their sky high stripper heels admiring them would probably never give the Mexican guys who built the art the time of day. And the fashion show? Putting gas masks on your models in four variations of a white bikini isn't new. It has been done already. Not avante garde. Not even interesting. I felt like the majority of the place was trying too hard to be cool and failing at it. A star for the "Seafood Shack" which had some awesome ceviche. Another star for the free strong cocktail of tequila from Sauza. The rest of it? Oh my. Go on preening for each other. I'll go to the DMA and the Fort Worth museums and the Fort Worth Main Street Arts Festival and never will I totter around on hooker heels with my skirt halfway up my ass nor shall I wear a gas mask to look at art.

Attended their Design District Market this past Saturday, August 10. Had a lot of random vendors and quite a bit of traffic. They may need to find a means to draft air through the building using fans when the event is held in August!

Its a good size space, but you can be in and out in 30 minutes. But you don't feel bad because its free! The current exhibits aren't my cup of tea. One is graphic, but at least it was art. The other big exhibit was the "weird" kind of I-guess-its-art kind of art. But, doesn't mean I won't go back in a few months. All 3 exhibits close at the same time turn over. Every 4 months its like a brand new museum. Fingers crossed I like that one better.

Took some students from Makarios Community School here on a field trip and they loved it! We had students from 5-13 on the trip and Dallas Contemporary was very accommodating for all ages. They all loved the interactive T-shirt exhibit and the rug of fingers especially. Angela was a great guide and even provided an art-focused story time for the little ones on the bean bags in the midst of an exhibit. I was a bit apprehensive about having five-year-olds here but they loved it- one of our best field trip experiences yet.

Showing a mix of regional and international contemporary art, this place rocks. Best of all, unlike other museums in Dallas, it's free and full of current education connections - via video and qr codes. Totally worth a trip over to the design district. My company rented out the space for a product launch in April and it was off the hook. All the customers loved the building....Elizabeth, the events manager was super to work with. A real pleasure.

I attended the CBS White Out Party ! It really made me feel like it was a red carpet affair. It was awesome how they transformed the place it to a white wonderland. The vendors were great. There was alcohol everywhere to taste. They event had Kenichi and other resturants with appetizers. I enjoyed my self. The only negative that it felt like a sweet box. If the AC was on full blast it would have gotten 5 stars. The neighborhood looked a little sketchy.

Came here for the Iron fork event, it was ok there were lots of booths set up with lots of food and drinks. It was fun except that it was too hot on one side of the event.

Drive past their art space all the time. I love it here. You must go visit!

I highly recommend the Dallas Contemprary both as an incredible venue for viewing contemporary art in Dallas, but also as an event space. The exhibitions and programs that they bring to the Dallas community are interesting, challenging and represent signifcant trends and artists in the contemporary art world. Beyond frequenting the museum as an art lover, I have also worked extensively with the staff to produce a series of events in conjunction with my position at the Dallas Art Fair. I found the Dallas Contemporary, especially Elizabeth in special events, to be extremely helpful in orchestrating these events and working with me to realize the best possible results. In addition, the attendees for these events were all thrilled with the space and the insitution, and many said they would be returning regularly. I look forward to visitng and working with the Dallas Contemporary in the future.

Functioning as an art museum I would give this space a higher rating but I am submitting this review as an "event host" who rented their facilities for my wedding reception. We had quite a bit of trouble even contacting, Elizabeth, the woman in charge of coordinating events due to her constantly being "out of the office". We have numerous automatic e-mail replies from her with this message. My husband was very involved in the establishing of this museum and we received no extra effort on anyone's part whom he had closely and fervently worked with on his own donated time. He had spoken to Elizabeth about having the tables and chairs available to rent cleaned and ready to be set up by our crew prior to the event and she ensured him that the tables and chairs (many in which were in need of repair) would be brought in from the outside of the back of the building and cleaned and assembled for us. This is not an unusual request for rented seating. When our crew got there to set up, the tables and chairs had been left in the same condition we saw them in weeks prior to my husband requesting they be cleaned. They were told by DC staff that the tables and chairs behind the building had been "untouched for at least the last 6 months". The A/C in the room we had rented was not sufficient in keeping our 150 guests comfortable and some even ended up leaving early because of it. We were not instructed to bring our own trash bags and sweep and mop the floors after our event. Most facilities charge you a rental fee partially for the purposes of having their regular cleaning crew come and clean up afterwards. We were sent an email after our reception stating that we had breached the contract and that we would be charged an additional fee for cleaning and repairs. Along with this e-mail were pictures sent of our leftover "mess". The pictures were of one rolling trashcan, (property of Dallas Contemporary) drop cloths and a ladder behind a retaining wall (property of the DC and items that were there prior to the event), a dent in the retaining wall (which we took responsibility for and agreed to pay for repair although we felt the deposit and insurance should have taken care of that), and a 1' x 1' swept pile of dirt and debris. We were outraged when the additional fee was automatically charged to our card before any dispute resolution and contacted the event coordinator's boss who basically told us to deal with her about it. So of course, when we tried to contact her again we got another "out of office" automatic email reply. We went ahead and rolled over, dropped further contact with the DC and decided on reporting to the BBB and warning others about the poor accommodations. If more effort on their part had been made to keep good on their promise to have the rental furniture in ready condition and to own up to the fact that the property they took pictures of and attributed to our mess was theirs and was present before the event, then we would have been satisfied with paying a little extra to repair the dent in the retaining wall and walking away generally happy. The responses to our disappointment were unprofessional, lackadaisical completely irresponsible.