The Kimbell Art Museum is known as "America's best small museum," and offers a world-class collection of art, with masterpieces from antiques to the 20th century, including works by Rembrandt, Picasso, Matisse, El Greco and Cezanne. Designed by the great American architect Louis Kahn, the museum is widely regarded as one of the most outstanding public art facilities in the world. Collections include Ancient, European, Asian, Pre-Columbian, African and Oceanic.
Works by Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Gainsborough, the only painting by Adam Elsheimer on public display outside Europe. Two important paintings by Piet Mondriaan mark the modern end of the period covered.
The museum offers the following collections:
Ancient. The select collection of antiquities range from the Egyptian Old Kingdom of the third millennium B.C., through ancient Assyria, Greece and Rome, to the Early Christian Church in the fifth century.
European. The collection of European paintings and sculpture is remarkably rich in works of the Italian Renaissance, although its fullest and most celebrated holdings are in Italian, French, Spanish, Dutch, and Flemish works of the 17th century.
Asian. The Asian collection comprises sculptures, paintings, bronzes, ceramics, and works of decorative art from China, Korea, Japan, India, Nepal, Tibet, Cambodia, and Thailand.
Pre-Columbian. Pre-Columbian art is represented by Maya works in ceramic, stone, shell, and jade, Olmec, Zapotec, and Aztec sculpture, as well as pieces from the Conte and Huari cultures.
African. The African collection consists primarily of bronze, wood, and terracotta sculpture from West and Central Africa, including examples from Nigeria, Angola, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Oceanic. Oceanic art is represented by a Maori figure. One being their "Standing Ancestor Figure'' of New Zealand origination, Maori culture, made possibly by the Rongowhakaata people. The collection housed here offers the public a view into the era of these works.
The Kimbell offers a wide range of programs and resources to enrich the experience of our exceptional permanent collection, special exhibitions, and world-renowned building. Designed for audiences with diverse interests and learning styles, these programs seek to increase understanding and enhance appreciation of the artworks on view, as well as their historical and cultural context. Kimbell's offers extensive educational materials for adults, children, teachers, students, and the university communities.
The museum offers Lectures & Public Programs, Family Activities along with School and Teaching Programs. They regularly host major traveling exhibitions. Museum hours are Tues.-Thurs. & Sat. 10 am-5pm; Fri. noon-8pm; Sun. noon-5pm. Half-price admission is offered all day on Tuesdays, and from 5-8 p.m. on Fridays. Kimbell Patron members (membership is tax deductible) receive free admission to all special exhibitions for 12 full months. Phone: 817-332-8451
