The Kimbell is one of the most surprising venues west of the Mississippi. Walking through the galleries feels like one is walking through the Met in New York - just on a smaller, friendlier scale. The architecture of the original building is outstanding and a classic in itself. The new Renzo Piano pavilion is a perfect complement to the original and provides the museum some much needed additional space. Those outside Fort Worth think of it as "cowtown." The locals in Fort Worth know that the city offers cultural facilities and events matched only in New York and Europe. The Kimbell is a great example of just that.
Designed by Louis Kahn, the original Kimbell Art Museum is a beautiful building that houses a fine collection of pre-20th century art. The Kimbell's own collection makes way about 4 times a year for special exhibits on loan from art institutions and private collections. A controversial addition to the property, the Renzo Piano Pavilion, opened about two years ago. The original building is still there and unchanged but is now known as the Kahn Building. On several visits to the Piano Pavilion I have found the galleries dark and unwelcoming, the exhibits difficult to see. Perhaps the lighting is dim to help conserve the art work. Admission is free to the permanent collection; there is a charge for special exhibits. Non-ambulatory persons must travel between the two buildings via free golf-cart shuttle along the perimeter of the property. The interior of both buildings is wheelchair accessible.
I grew up near and was in Chicago alot through my early 40's. So when I moved here, I knew nothing about Ft. Worth's Museum district.If you are visiting, take a day, and go to all three. Open your mind. It is significant.Parking ? easy.Traveling Exhibitions ? world class.Architecture ? beautiful.Museum owned and borrowed pieces ? world class.The Amon Carter, The Kimball, and The Modern,,,,, all next to one another. About a city block's walk from one to the next.Fabulous restaurant district right next door.The whole thing is amazing.
Art lovers of the world, if you visit Fort Worth, you must put this place on your to do list. A lot of the artwork is on display year round, unless there is a touring special exhibit, and there are usually several of those each year. Admission to permanent collection is always free. Admission to traveling collections is only free to members.
Fort Worth's best kept secret is it's many high quality museums. The collections and architecture are stunning.
I've always loved this museum, even from afar. My hubby and I were in town for the day and this is the only place I wanted to go. I love the small size - we were done within two hours - and I love the addition of the Piano Pavillion!The earliest painting I saw was Michelangelo's earliest painting as a teen. We really enjoyed the Nancy Lee and Perry R Bass Exhibit. What a beautiful collection of art, from Bronze Remington's to Monet and Matisse.And how wonderful that the museum is fee of charge. What a blessing to the public!
Permanent collection includes works by Michelangelo, Bellini, Boucher, Gericault, Goya, David, Manet, Mondrian, and Monet that I hadn't seen before. Quiet and intimate. Beautifully designed galleries and a wonderfully unique exterior. As a bonus, the Bass Collection is on display in the new building (also free). They certainly knew art. It must have cost a fortune just to maintain the works of Picasso, Matisse, Miro, Van Gogh, Renoir, etc. I also recommend the cafe, where we had a delicious homemade lunch that included soup, salads, sandwich/quiche and drink for $10. Highly recommended for nerd families like us!
This is the place in Fort Worth to see great art. The regular exhibits are worth seeing. I always enjoy the special exhibits the most though. Recent exhibits included paintings from The Musè d'Orsay in Paris. I saw this exhibit twice. Park underneath and walk across to the main building. The exterior fountains are worth seeing by themselves. An extra treat is brunch in the Museum cafe. Enjoy!
There is a real nice variety in their collection, you can see the entire collection in 1-2 hours, and it's free. Definitely worth the time.
a beautiful art museum with exhibits geared to all ages and interests. the rect samueai exhibit was fascinating!