Ever since it opened in 2003, the Nasher Sculpture Center has been an integral part of the Dallas arts community. Its exquisite collection of sculptures attracts visitors from around the world, and with its array of events and lectures it is an essential resource for those looking to learn and to immerse themselves in a world of art.
Throughout the five pavilions that comprise the center, visitors can wander among the masterpieces and get up close and personal with works by some of the most brilliant creative minds who ever lived. The building itself is a triumph of architectural design by Pritzker Prize winner Renzo Piano, and the array of sculptures incorporates virtually all artistic movements of the last 150 years. The Nasher has also made a concerted effort to include more pieces by female artists and artists of color.
From de Kooning to Matisse to Picasso, you’ll find works by just about every major sculptor of the 20th and 21st centuries, as well as a range of rotating exhibitions designed to generate discussion and to foster a wider appreciation for sculpture as an art form. Current attractions include the “Nasher Mixtape,” which is a sequence of micro-exhibits that serves as a major introduction to the wider museum as a whole- perfect for newbies. Another current feature is “Nasher Public,” an exhibition with a focus on local Texas artists, contextualizing their work amid the wider framework of contemporary sculpture.
But the gallery itself is just one of the facets to the center; it also boasts an auditorium which hosts all manner of lectures, not to mention the research facilities, restaurant and store. With a very busy calendar of events, there is something to cater for all interests and levels of ability. Regular “Kids Clubs” are designed to introduce youngsters to the art and craft of sculpture, and to foster their inquisitive knowledge-seeking instincts. But there are also plenty of guided studio tours and other specialized events for adults and teens.
For the tech-savvy visitor, the Nasher app provides a wealth of educational information about the exhibits, and is guaranteed to make your visit that bit more special. Also available is the Sensory Inclusive kit to make sure that every guest gets as much enjoyment as possible from their experience.
Set in one and a half acres of exquisite garden which affords a perfect setting to reflect and contemplate, the Center really is a peaceful oasis in the heart of the metropolis. It’s like stepping into another world.
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