If the Kimbell can be summed up in three words, those words are “quality over quantity.” With a collection of fewer than 350 pieces, you might assume that this museum is one that can be missed; however, this is most certainly not the case. Perhaps its small bark and large bite are the most charming aspects of the Kimbell.
Its exterior architecture, the work of American Master Louis Kahn, speaks to the museum as a whole, crafted with care and infused with benchmark and landmark pieces. The careful and delightful exterior reflects care exercised within the interior, as well. Having been open for a relatively short 35 years, the collection is particularly well-known for its holdings of European old- and modern-master paintings and classical Egyptian, Asian, and ancient American art. The museum has an uncanny quality of touching on the high and transitional points of artistic movements, leaving you with the overall feeling of having traveled through a condensed highlighted tour of the world’s art.
In short, the Kimbell Art museum is a true treat; adding convenience to quality, it’s also located within walking distance of the aforementioned Amon.
- Public Transportation: Good (see Amon above)
- Parking: Free parking is available at the museum, off Arch Adams and Darnell Streets. Additional parking is also available at the Darnell Street Auditorium, across Arch Adams Street from the museum
- Handicapped Accessibility: Good (the Arch Adams Street entrance is handicapped accessible and a limited number of wheelchairs are also available upon request)
- Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Friday noon–8 p.m., Sunday noon–5 p.m., closed Monday
- Admission: Free (There’s a charge for special exhibitions, but half-price exhibition admission is offered on Tuesdays all day, and on Fridays from 5 to 8 p.m.)
- Basic Tour: Tours are offered Wednesday 2 p.m., and Sunday 3 p.m.
- Membership: Individual $65 membership entitles members to unlimited admission for 2 adults to all exhibitions, a 20% discount on museum publications, invitations to purchase two tickets for Patron opening receptions, Patron previews of exhibitions before they open to the public, priority admission to select presentations, and members-only tours. Dual and Family Patron Membership ($100) includes all the above benefits, plus unlimited admission for four adults to all exhibitions, unlimited admission for children under 18 living at same address and an invitation to purchase four tickets for Patron opening receptions. All memberships include previews, free admission to special exhibitions and advance notice of programs and events, and discounts on shopping, programs, and courses
- Other Benefits: Other premium memberships are offered. The Texas Reciprocal membership program is available to all members contributing $250+ per year.
