Today, we explore my favorite destination in Fort Worth, the Kimbell Art Museum! The Kimbell is the most well-known of the three art museums in Fort Worth’s Cultural District.
Rebekah and I have visited the Kimbell Art Museum more than thirty times. Always fresh and new, the museum exhibits traveling collections, hosts lectures, shows movies and offers concerts.
The Exterior of the Kahn Building
The Kimbell’s Architecture
The two buildings, separated by a pleasant lawn, are amazing pieces of art. Louis Kahn’s design for the original structure (1972) displays artwork in natural light without damaging the sensitive pieces. Light plays such an important role in the viewer’s ability to appreciate the art. Instead of dark, drab, artificially lit areas, the Kahn building is filled with pleasant light filtered around the rounded roof. The Kahn Building is one of the best pieces of architecture in the state of Texas.
The Kimbell hired Renzo Piano, a second world-renowned architect, to expand the growing collection. Opening in 2013, Piano added his complimentary, free-standing building. The Piano Pavilion doubled the museum’s exhibition space and allows most of the permanent collection to be exhibited. The Pavilion also features a 300-seat auditorium, adding musical performances to the artistic mix.
European Art Gallery in the Kahn Building
The Kimbell’s Art Collection
Compared to other museums around the world, the Kimbell has a relatively small collection. However, every piece is an excellent acquisition. The collection proudly focuses on quality over quantity. I have visited many world-class art museums in Italy, Paris and London. Most of them have an excess of art. Pieces are plastered on the busy walls, which makes focusing on the best pieces challenging. At the Kimbell, every work displayed is of the highest quality. The permanent collection includes works by Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Bernini, Poussin, Jacques-Louis David, Monet, Gauguin, Cezanne, Picasso, and Matisse. In addition to the western art, the Kimbell has a great selection of art from Africa, Asia and Central America. Free access to view these masterpieces is the best part of the permanent collection.
In addition to the powerful permanent collection, the Kimbell organizes special exhibits. Rebekah and I loved the recent traveling exhibit, Faces of Impressionism: Portraits from the Musée d’Orsay. The exhibit was simply wonderful. The docent-led tours scheduled throughout the week truly brought the French masterpieces and their creators to life. These special exhibitions cost about $15 for adults. Audio guides are available for the permanent collection and special exhibitions.
The Asian Art Gallery in the Piano Pavilion
Planning a visit to The Kimbell
Free garage parking is conveniently located under the lawn separating the buildings. The Kimbell’s buffet restaurant is located in the Kahn Building.
Please note, the Kimbell Art Museum is closed on Mondays and some holidays, so plan your trip accordingly.
If you live in Fort Worth or the DFW area, consider joining the Museum for a relatively small fee. Rebekah and I have been members for a couple of years, and have thoroughly enjoyed the benefits. See the Kimbell’s website for membership information.
Do you have a favorite piece of art at the Kimbell? If so, share it with us in the comments section!
Gallery Space in the Piano Pavilion
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