The Outstanding Art in Fort Worth, Texas

For most people, Fort Worth, Texas doesn’t conjure up a picture of devoted art patrons who support not just one, but three world-class art museums.  Billy Bob’s honky-tonk, yes; Championship rodeo, yes.  But art?  Actually, yes times three.

The Amon Carter Museum of American Art at least has a western theme, so this excellent – and free – museum is not a huge surprise for a town known to have been the hub for cattle drives back in the 1800’s.  But the fact that the building is designed by architect Philip Johnson and is an example of his best work, makes it particularly special.  The permanent collection has an impressive array of Frederic Remington’s work along with Georgia O’Keefe’s.  Those plus many more, along with fabulous visiting photography exhibitions.  Again, Fort Worth providing patrons with an outstanding Western museum is not a stretch of the imagination, but excellent classical and modern art?  Well, yes, those, too.

Here’s a photo of the Amon Carter:

The Kimbell Art Museum is known to have one of the finest classical collections in the world, plus these treasures are housed in what is considered architect Louis Kahn’s masterpiece, which often tops the list of the most iconic modernist buildings in the 20th Century.  They are currently adding an additional building to the Kimbell – designed by Renzo Piano – which promises to add more space and beauty to this impressive Arts District, which is only a short distance from a largely renovated downtown.

Here is the Kimbell:

The biggest surprise of all is the gorgeous Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, designed by Japanese architect Tadao Ando, which has been described as “the world’s most beautiful art museum.”

Here is the Modern:

This is a lovely building to visit even if you don’t like modern art, but the art is wonderful and provocative, too.

So, don’t let Fort Worth’s nickname of “Cowtown” confuse you when it comes to art.  This city can contend with the best and seems to see itself as an art mecca.

The Modern alone would be worth the trip, but add the Kimbell and the Amon Carter to the mix and you have a compelling reason to head over to Fort Worth, which some describe as “the cultural gateway to the American West.”  Clearly, culture is highly regarded in Cowtown, and you can bet you’ll come away enriched from the experience.