Dallas prides itself on being a major champion of the arts. From live performances to studio art and more, there is something for everyone here.
MOST CREATIVE BACKDROP FOR COCKTAILS
Hall Arts Hotel Having just opened this December, the boutique hotel, developed by HALL Group chairman and founder Craig Hall, is nothing short of spectacular. Enjoy cocktails alfresco as you look out onto the bustling Arts District below or opt to grab a drink inside and delight in live piano music. hallartshotel.com
COOLEST NEW GALLERY (AND GIRLS) ON THE BLOCK
12.26 Blazing an exciting new trail for artists and offering a fresh perspective in the Dallas gallery scene, this contemporary art hub founded by sisters Hannah and Hilary Fagadau will spotlight emerging, midcareer and established artists. gallery1226.com
BEST PLACE TO SIT UNDER THE STARS
Nasher Sculpture Center Enjoy an evening at this magical oasis of a museum as they host the beloved ’Til Midnight series. Starting this month and running through November 2020, every third Friday of the month will showcase live concerts and film screenings open to the public at no charge. nashersculpturecenterorg
BEST EVENT TO LEAVE DANCING
Flying Horse for Booker T. How many people can say they left a fundraiser feeling like they were back in high school and ready for their close-up? This annual performing arts fundraiser shines a light on the incredibly talented students featuring in a selection of performances from each department. Infectiously engaging, the performance is usually closed out with a singalong or with audience members dancing out the door. bookertflyinghorse.com
MOST LUXURIOUS WAY TO CATCH A FLICK
Cinepolis Order all the snacks and recline as you enjoy the ultimate in-cinema experiences. Located in Victory Park, this theater practically offers an at-home feel to it. Try not to fall asleep. cinepolisusa.com
BEST BOOKSTORE EXPERIENCE
Deep Vellum Books Founder and owner Will Evans brings the rich history of Deep Ellum together at this cozy bookstore and community center for the neighborhood where regular events and innovative programming come to life. Evans also founded Deep Vellum Publishing—a nonprofit publishing house with a mission to translate some of the most lauded novels into English for American audiences. deepvellum.org
MOST STUNNING LOOK THROUGH HISTORY
Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum Having opened this past fall, this beautiful establishment opens a window to history of the Holocaust. Striving to further the advancement of human rights to combat prejudice, hatred and indifference, the museum hosts regular speaker series, lunch and learns, and book clubs. dhhrm.org
BEST WAY TO MIX OPERA AND OVER-THE-TOP FASHION
Dallas Opera First Sight/First Night Celebrating the 63rd season of The Dallas Opera, the two-part event featured an over-the-top fashion presentation featuring storied fashion house Dolce & Gabbana. Presented by NorthPark Center, the festivities welcomed D&G founders Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana and celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House and the AT&T Performing Arts Center. attpac.org
BEST PLACE TO STIMULATE THE SENSES
Galleri Urbane Sparking initial success from a pop-up in Marfa during the Chinati Foundation’s Open House Weekend, Galleri Urbane continues to offer fresh prospective in the art scene. Owners Ree and Jason Willaford house their jewel box gallery on Monitor Street and feature innovative programming of contemporary art. galleriurbane.com
BEST LECTURE SERIES
SMU Tate Lecture Series
Offering a platform for discussions on current events, politics, the arts and more, the lecture series raises funds for academic scholarships and programming at Southern Methodist University. It features public figures and highly regarded professionals in their field including Misty Copeland, who will serve as the featured speaker Jan. 27, and Brian Grazer, who will be in town Feb. 25. smu.edu
BEST REASON FOR A TRIP TO FORT WORTH
Kimbell Art Museum As if we needed an excuse to head to our favorite neighbor to the west, this museum boasts its own private art collection as well as a wide range of traveling exhibitions featuring some of history’s most storied artists, including their current exhibit, Renoir: The Body, The Senses, running now through the end of January. kimbellart.org
BEST PARTY TO GO HOME WITH A PIECE OF ART
Art for Advocacy In November, General Datatech was transformed into an art enthusiasts paradise for the annual Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center. The evening was packed with energy as patrons bid on works from artists including Ashley Longshore, Dan Lam, Nicole Franco and Carly Allen-Martin. dcac.org
BEST PLACE TO BE SPEECHLESS
Dallas Museum of Art Consistently striving for innovative programming, the DMA in conjunction with the High Museum of Art presents Speechless: Different by Design. The exhibition, which runs through March 2020, features a multisensory, interactive and immersive experience unlike any other. dma.org
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