Texas is rich in art world credibility: the former stomping grounds of Robert Rauschenberg and Donald Judd, among many major artists. The fasting growing metroplex in the nation, Dallas has established itself a staple on the art world map and is home to several important institutions, galleries and artists. April is the perfect time to visit the city. Spring is in the air, as are fresh new openings and events—from the launch of art gallery Various Small Fires, the opening of spring exhibitions at Dallas Contemporary (from April 16) and Dallas Art Fair, running April 21 to 24.

Where to Stay:

Thompson Dallas

The rooms are impeccably designed and spacious. Its ninth-floor pool deck with skyline views located in the heart of downtown Dallas is nearly unbeatable. On property, don’t miss the various culinary and nightlife options—from Monarch’s famed steak to Kessaku’s sushi and Catbird’s late night DJ series, this property has it all, even a Lucchese store! 

Mansion on Turtlecreek

The timeless elegance is unparalleled and its bar makes one of Dallas’s best martinis. Plus, you can’t miss the spa for a little rest and relaxation. It’s a Dallas institution that will become your home away from home.

Where to Eat:

Beverley’s Bisto and Bar

Owner Greg Katz brings the bistro dining experience to Dallas. The service at Beverley’s is as brilliant as the food. The chicken schnitzel has been on the menu since day one, and it’s now a staple as much as the matzo ball soup. You can’t go wrong with dessert here, but the key lime pie is heavenly. Oh, and get the caviar latkes to start! 

The Charles

The Charles—it’s family style, so the more the merrier. I start off with a LALO tequila neat with three luxardo cherries. Don’t miss the steak tartare and the wood-fired oysters to start, then move on to the lemon ricotta gnudi and the spicy creste di gallo. The hanger steak, rare, is also a must to complete the meal. Wrap it all up with a glass of Amaro Averna, one rock and an espresso.

What to See:

Dallas Contemporary

Since 1978, Dallas Contemporary has presented some of Dallas’s most cutting-edge art, always at no cost of admission and accompanied by unparalleled learning programs. Our spring exhibition program debuts April 16 and features solo presentations by artists Joseph Havel, Lonnie Holley, Borna Sammak and Natalie Wadlington. Renowned Houston-based sculptor Joseph Havel presents “parrot architecture,” an exhibition of never-before-seen wall assemblages and totemic bronze and resin sculptures, made with the help of his pet parrot hannah during the pandemic. Self-taught artist Lonnie Holley comes to Dallas Contemporary from his native city of Alabama for his first exhibition in Texas with a new body of ceramic works made especially for the show. “America, nice place” marks New York-based mixed-media artist Borna Sammak’s first solo exhibition in Texas and his first museum show. Natalie Wadlington makes her institutional debut with a presentation that features a new series of figurative paintings created in the artist’s signature style, whisking visitors into her fantastical world.

Nasher Sculpture Center

Open since 2003 and located in the heart of the Dallas Arts District, the Nasher Sculpture Center is home to one of the finest collections of modern and contemporary sculptures in the world. Upcoming exhibitions include Magali Reus, Lynda Benglis, Nairy Baghramian and Matthew Ronay.

What to Explore:

Latino Cultural Center

One of my favorite spaces in Dallas, the LCC’s mission is to support Latino arts and culture in the city. Not only is their programming great, but their building designed by Ricardo and Victor Legorreta is a must-see. Currently on view are works by Venezuelan artist Marian Ichaso Lefeld. 

100 W Corsicana

Only an hour drive from Dallas is Corsicana, Texas, the home of 100W Corsicana, an international residency space for artists and writers that spans 11,000 square feet of an 1898 Odd Fellows Lodge. Each residency term hosts three artist residents and two writer residents, inviting them to advance the production and presentation of new work. Visits are welcome by appointment.