Zita C.
Yelp
Set in the heart of downtown Dallas (Arts District),the Nasher Sculpture Center has an interesting collection of contemporary sculptures on display within the building and spilling outside into the garden. I visited for the first time to attend their "'Til Midnight at the Nasher" event series. So every third Friday of the month (this year- through October 2017), the center offers free admission to view the exhibits, enjoy a couple of live music artists, and a complimentary movie in the garden.
The center has multiple levels - clean, modern look - very spacious and roomy with minimal art pieces. The security at the entrance to each room navigated the foot traffic one way and doesn't really let you back into the previous room (not sure if it was just for that one night since there were a lot of people). There is a Wolfgang Puck Cafe on one side of the main floor, with a full bar set on the opposite side of the building. Street tacos, elote, and chips were really the only offerings. They were ok, not the best tacos I have had. By the time I got to the lower floors, the rooms were packed full of people enjoying the live concerts - usually held outside in the gardens, but moved inside because of the impending rain.
For me, the highlight was the gorgeous garden outside, sprinkled with trees, sculptures, and fountains. Lights strung between the branches and the backdrop of the tall city buildings - a lovely little oasis in the middle of the city. Very romantic. People had blankets on the lawn enjoying their food and drink. I did not like that you could not bring your own food. For the 'Til Midnight series you can pre-reserve picnic dining from the Central Market Lovers Lane location. There was a decent selection of various cheese, fruit, charcuterie snacks, or a full dinner for two on their menu.
I would love to go back, spread a blanket on the lawn, and catch the movie outside on another night when it is not raining.