High-quality exhibitions, interactive spaces and a reason to skip the drive downtown
If you haven’t visited the Crow Museum of Asian Art of The University of Texas at Dallas in Richardson yet, now is the time. Located on the University of Texas at Dallas campus, the museum offers free admission, thoughtfully curated exhibitions and hands-on experiences that make it one of North Texas’ most approachable cultural stops.
It’s a museum experience that feels intentional rather than overwhelming, ideal for families, students and anyone looking to engage with art without committing an entire afternoon or navigating downtown Dallas traffic.
A New Chapter For A Beloved Institution
Originally founded in 1998 in the Dallas Arts District, the Crow Museum became known for its focus on Asian art, culture and dialogue. In 2019, the Crow family gifted the collection to UT Dallas to ensure its long-term care and accessibility.
The Richardson location opened in fall 2024 as part of the Edith and Peter O’Donnell Jr. Athenaeum, a modern arts complex designed by Morphosis Architects. The space is bright, calm and intentionally designed to encourage curiosity and exploration, even for first-time museum visitors.
Exhibitions Worth Your Time
Current exhibitions reflect the museum’s range, from immersive digital work to traditional craftsmanship and personal storytelling.
Whiskers and Paws: Cecilia Chiang, on view through March 8, 2026, offers a softer, more playful counterpoint, celebrating animals and emotional memory through nature-inspired works.
Mounds and Mist: Kondo Traditions in Clay, on view through May 31, 2026, examines generations of ceramic mastery within the Kondo family, highlighting how tradition and innovation coexist across decades.
[ ____] Mirage, on view through June 21, 2026, is a 360-degree multimedia installation that surrounds visitors with sound and imagery drawn from environmental data in the American Southwest. Designed by artist Sara Dittrich and UT Dallas professor SV Randall, the experience rewards slow movement and close attention.
Built For Kids, But Not Just For Kids
One of the Crow Museum’s standout features is how welcoming it is to families. Several displays are clearly marked “PLEASE TOUCH,” encouraging interaction rather than silence. The on-site hands-on studio invites visitors of all ages to create their own artwork, and it’s common to see adults just as engaged as children.
While the museum is compact, the experience feels rich. Many families spend an hour or more between galleries and the studio without feeling rushed.
Why Locals Love It
The Crow Museum’s Richardson location offers something North Texas doesn’t have much of: a free, high-quality art experience that’s close, manageable and genuinely engaging. It’s an easy cultural outing after school, a weekend stop with kids or a quiet solo visit that doesn’t require advance planning.
And because admission is free, it’s the kind of place you can return to often.
Plan Your Visit
The Crow Museum of Asian Art at UT Dallas is free and open to the public. Visitor information, hours and accessibility details are available at crowmuseum.org/visit, with FAQs at crowmuseum.org/about-the-museum/faqs.
For anyone looking to experience art without the pressure or price tag, this Richardson museum quietly delivers one of the best cultural experiences in the area.
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