
8 Unique Museums In Dallas To Check Out
Known for its stunning features and eco-friendly designs by world-renowned architect, Thom Mayne, the Perot Museum of Nature and Science is a jewel in the heart of Downtown Dallas.
Once you're inside, you'll discover hands-on-activities, interactive kiosks, eleven permanent exhibits and a state-of-the-art 3D theater.
Cost: General admission tickets are $15-$25 for non-members. Tickets must be pre-purchased for specific dates and times for entry.
Hours: The museum is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesday - Saturday. The museum is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. The museum is closed on Tuesdays.
Even though the Victory Park museum was founded in 2012, its history dates back to 1936 when the Dallas Museum of Natural History opened in Fair Park. That institution, along with The Science Place and The Dallas Children’s Museum merged to create what is now The Perot Museum of Nature and Science.
The four-story building features an eye-catching T. Rexcalator (an escalator on the outside of the building with clear views of downtown on the ride up). The best way to see the museum is by taking the ride to Level 4 then exploring each floor until you reach the main level again. Permanent exhibits on display include the Rose Hall of Birds, the T. Boone Pickens Life Then and Now Hall, Expanding Universe Hall, Tom Hunt Energy Hall, Lyda Hill Gems and Minerals Hall, Discovering Life Hall, Lamar Hunt Family Sports Hall, and the Moody Family Children’s Museum. A 3D theater also shows a variety of science and nature films on a rotating basis, with some screenings bringing to life dinosaurs and going deep beneath the sea to explore that unique world.
In addition to the museum’s often-interactive exhibits, special events provide the chance to experience the Perot in totally new ways. For children, a Discovery Camp brings science to life for kids in the hopes of creating the STEM leaders of tomorrow. For adults, the Thursdays on Tap series provides a 21-and-over party atmosphere with food trucks, live music, and alcoholic beverages without the daytime crowds or children running around. The National Geographic Live Speaker Series is another popular program with grownups.