Dallasites have long boasted possessing the largest continuous urban Arts District in the nation. With the Dallas Museum of Art, the Nasher Sculpture Center, the Perot Museum of Nature and Science and many other galleries and performance spaces, Dallas’ arts scene is nationally renowned. These were my top three must-visit art stops:
Balloon Museum (Price: $29-49, through April 26, 2026) (IG: @balloon_museum) 2901 Botham Jean Blvd
In November of 2025 the Balloon Museum came to Dallas, showcasing their “Let’s Fly” exhibition. The exhibition uses air not only as the substance that fills balloons but also as an agent for movement. If you visit, make sure to see Hyperfrequency, Mariposa and ZEROS.
- Hyperfrequency –Bruno Ribeiro/STROBOSCOPE
The “Hyperfrequency” exhibition at the Balloon Museum (Aneeka Tansen)
Designed by Hyperstudio in collaboration with Bruno Ribeiro/STROBOSCOPE in 2025, Hyperfrequency is an interactive, kinetic installation that is the focal point of the exhibition. The performance has three acts, synchronized with sound and music that evolves with visual elements. Visitors sit in a pit of black spheres with balloons that drift in and out of the walls at intervals. The immersive setup allows the audience to sink into the pit and absorb the rush of feelings created by light, sound and motion.
- Mariposa—Christopher Schardt
The “Mariposa” exhibition at the Balloon Museum (Aneeka Tansen)
This 26-foot-wide butterfly sculpture designed by Christopher Schardt in 2023 is made of aluminum wings, a wooden body, plasma globe eyes and over 39,000 full color LED lights. Originally built for Burning Man 2023, the installation hangs from a tower with a swing attached directly below. Visitors can either use seating provided in front of the installation or can sit on the swing and feel the motions of the butterfly. The butterfly wings and swing are in constant motion. More than any other installation, Mariposa fully transported me into the sensation of flight.
- Zeros—Spy
The “Zeros” exhibition at the Balloon Museum
This installation is made from 12 inflated black tubes, each around 10 feet high. The tubes, stacked closely together, embody a life-like nature to them as they move together in slow, cyclical movements. The name takes inspiration from the ZERO group, which was a collective from the 1950s that explored how artwork is impacted by space. Watching the tubes move together is an eerie and overwhelming experience that makes the visitor feel small in contrast to the work’s scale and movement.
Dallas Museum of Art (DMA) FREE (IG: @dallasmuseumart) 1717 N Harwood St
Founded in 1903 by the Dallas Art Association, the DMA boasts over 25,000 works of art from renowned artists like Claude Monet and Frida Kahlo. The collection captures over 5,000 years of art and is situated at the heart of the Dallas Arts District. The museum showcases two standout exhibitions that will run through parts of 2026:
- Rhythm of the City (Feb 14, 2026 – Jul 19, 2026)
North Dallas mural from Rhythm of the City (Aneeka Tansen)
This 150 foot-long mural is divided into six regional sections that depict Dallas’ musical heart with each section representing a distinct flavor of the city’s music. Artists Bobby Miller and Ebony Lewis used their music knowledge as a lens into identity gained through art in the city. The six sections are Oak Cliff, South Dallas, East Dallas, Central Dallas, West Dallas and North Dallas with each area containing specific elements special to the region.
- Constellations: Contemporary Jewelry (Nov 9, 2025 – May 3, 2026)
Front piece necklace featured in the collection (Aneeka Tansen)
This exhibit showcases over 350, never seen before, wearable art pieces. Although the collection features many sought after pieces, it mostly seeks to capture the variety in contemporary jewelry. From golden crowns intended to look like cardboard to plastic bag necklaces, the exhibition has a piece for everyone.
Bishop Bazaar FREE (IG: @undergroundmrkt) 200 N Bishop Ave, Dallas, TX 75208
This bazaar that originated in the Bishop Arts District is open monthly. The market hosts over 30 local vendors selling goods from permanent jewelry and vintage clothing to homemade treats. The area is vibrant each weekend with friends and family from all over Dallas visiting the market to explore the goods.
Look out for these popups!
- Digital Camera Pop Up
- Permanent Jewelry
- Sourdough
- Flash Tats
- Vintage Clothing
- Cookies & Treats
