Art lovers, you’re in luck! The Dallas Design District has transformed into the beating heart of Dallas's contemporary art scene, and there’s always something new to check out.
What was once primarily known for interior design showrooms and trade centers has evolved into a vibrant cultural hub where art lovers can explore everything from traditional painting to experimental installations and much, much more! With over 30 galleries concentrated in this dynamic neighborhood near our Downtown Dallas apartments, the Design District offers one of the most diverse and accessible art experiences in Texas.
Whether you're a seasoned collector, a casual art enthusiast or someone just beginning to explore the gallery scene, the Design District provides something for everyone. The galleries here range from non-profit educational spaces to high-end commercial galleries, photography specialists and glass art studios, making the area perfect for an afternoon of gallery hopping where you can experience different artistic perspectives and mediums — all within walking distance of each other!
Art galleries in the Dallas Design District
Dallas Contemporary
Dallas Contemporary stands out as one of the district's most significant cultural institutions. This non-collecting, non-profit gallery has been presenting challenging ideas from regional, national and international artists since 1978, focusing on exhibitions and education rather than building a permanent collection. The gallery offers a variety of educational programs and monthly free public tours, making contemporary art accessible to everyone regardless of their art background or budget.
The space, which itself is also pretty impressive, is housed in a former warehouse that provides the perfect backdrop for large-scale installations and experimental work. The gallery regularly features cutting-edge contemporary and experimental art across multiple mediums, from video installations to performance art, making it a must-visit for those interested in what's happening at the forefront of the art world!
Laura Rathe Fine Art
Laura Rathe Fine Art represents a wide range of established and mid-career contemporary artists whose works have been included in world-renowned private, corporate and museum collections. Medium-wise, the gallery focuses on contemporary paintings, sculptures and mixed media from nationally recognized artists.
What sets Laura Rathe apart is their philosophy of making art approachable to everyone, and they aim to bring art out of the intimidating realm and into the accessible for anyone interested in learning more. With multiple locations across Texas, including the one here by our Dallas Arts District apartments, the Laura Rathe name has established itself as a major player in the Texas art market while maintaining a welcoming atmosphere for newcomers to the art world.
Holly Johnson Gallery
Founded in 2005, Holly Johnson Gallery has built a reputation for representing contemporary artists from throughout the United States and abroad. The gallery maintains an active exhibition schedule with eight exhibitions per year, primarily featuring one-person shows by mid-career and internationally acclaimed artists.
The gallery represents artists working in various forms of media including painting, drawing, sculpture, photography and mixed media installations. Beyond its regular calendar of exhibitions, Holly Johnson Gallery provides comprehensive services to collectors, including advising private and corporate collections, making recommendations for collection enhancement and expansion, as well as offering solutions for framing, conservation and installation — a full-service approach that makes it an excellent resource for both new and experienced collectors.
Erin Cluley Gallery
Located in the Riverbend development, Erin Cluley Gallery represents a variety of emerging and mid-career artists from both here in Dallas and around the East Coast. The gallery presents a provocative program featuring the artists working in both traditional and alternative forms including painting, sculpture, new media, photography, sculptural installation and public intervention — a little bit of everything!
In 2014, Erin Cluley Gallery ignited a creative movement in West Dallas, establishing itself as a hub for visual arts and community engagement. The gallery has since relocated to the Design District while maintaining its commitment to nurturing artist careers and creating meaningful community partnerships, a focus on community engagement that sets it apart from more traditional commercial galleries.
Daum Gallery
Situated in the heart of the Dallas Design District, Daum Gallery takes a fresh approach to the traditional gallery model by disrupting the typical white-wall gallery atmosphere. Instead, visitors find a warm, inviting environment complete with a free coffee bar, a community gathering space and an artistic book nook!
The gallery features an eclectic, abstract artistic vibe with movable walls that allow for customizable layouts, making it an ideal venue not just for exhibitions but also for events ranging from weddings to corporate gatherings. By challenging conventional gallery norms, Daum Gallery creates a more accessible and comfortable environment for people who might feel intimidated by traditional art spaces.
Christopher Martin Gallery
The Christopher Martin Gallery offers something a little more unique here in the Design District landscape.
Established by American artist Christopher Martin, his first gallery here in Dallas showcases Martin's own acrylic paintings which feature his innovative technique of "Verre églomisé," a reverse glass painting method that produces unique results conveying a sense of calm and harmony.
This focus on a single artist's work using a distinctive technique provides visitors with a deep dive into one particular artistic vision, offering a more intimate gallery experience compared to group exhibition spaces.
Conduit Gallery
Conduit Gallery has been forging connections between contemporary artists' work and the public since its inception in 1984, making it one of the oldest contemporary galleries in Dallas!
The gallery runs three exhibitions concurrently, including a Project Room dedicated to showing works by unrepresented artists, often featuring experimental or small-scale pieces that include painting, sculpture, works on paper, photography and video. Since relocating to the Design District in 2002, Conduit Gallery has been instrumental in establishing the area as a vibrant gallery sector.
Craighead Green Gallery
Craighead Green Gallery is recognized as one of the finest contemporary art galleries throughout Texas and the Southwest, representing over 40 artists working in all mediums and focusing on contemporary paintings, archival pigment prints and sculpture in various styles.
As one of the most established galleries in the region, Craighead Green has built a reputation for quality and consistency, making it a reliable source for collectors looking for investment-grade contemporary art!
Cris Worley Fine Arts
Cris Worley Fine Arts dedicates itself to promoting innovative work by contemporary artists at various stages of their careers. Specifically, the gallery specializes in contemporary painting, sculpture and mixed media with an emphasis on Texas artists.
As a charter member of the Contemporary Art Dealers of Dallas, Cris Worley has played a vital role in the growth of the Dallas arts community, encouraging the evolution of contemporary art collections throughout the region.
Galleri Urbane
Galleri Urbane brings a unique perspective to the Design District, having operated in Marfa, Texas for 17 years before establishing its Dallas location in 2009. The gallery has promoted contemporary artists since 2000, advocating for emerging and mid-career painters, photographers, sculptors and mixed media artists who share the gallery's mission to innovate beyond existing applications and conventions.
This connection to Marfa, a renowned art destination in West Texas, brings a different sensibility to the Dallas art scene, bridging the gap between the experimental art world of West Texas and the urban Dallas market.
Kirk Hopper Fine Art
Kirk Hopper Fine Art represents contemporary artworks in all media, with a special emphasis on emerging and established Texas artists. The gallery maintains a laid-back, unpretentious atmosphere that makes contemporary art approachable while focusing strongly on regional talent.
The gallery features diverse work including pluridisciplinary artist Jorge Alegría's melancholic, futuristic digital photographs and graphite/ink on paper drawings that explore themes of loss and the relationship between reality, war and the cosmos. This commitment to Texas artists helps nurture the local art ecosystem while providing collectors access to regional talent.
Liliana Bloch Gallery
Liliana Bloch Gallery operates as a multicultural contemporary art gallery representing national and international artists working in all mediums. The gallery distinguishes itself through its URBANO public art program, which promotes the understanding of contemporary art outside the confines of a physical gallery space.
This international focus brings global perspectives to Dallas, exposing local audiences to artistic voices from around the world while the public art program extends the gallery's reach beyond its walls and into the community.
Samuel Lynne Galleries
Founded in 2008, Samuel Lynne Galleries provides both seasoned collectors and newcomers to the art world with opportunities to view and acquire the finest examples of 21st century art, focusing on making contemporary art accessible to all levels of collectors.
Ginger Fox Studio
This contemporary fine art studio in the Dallas Design District features the work of artist Ginger Fox. As an artist-run studio gallery, it offers visitors an intimate view into the creative process, providing a different experience from traditional commercial galleries.
The Dallas Design District has truly become the epicenter of the gallery scene in Dallas, offering art lovers an incredibly diverse range of experiences within a concentrated area. From the experimental programming at Dallas Contemporary to the innovative glass art at LMB to the international perspectives at Liliana Bloch Gallery and more, the district provides something for every artistic taste and interest.
What makes the Design District special isn't just the number of galleries, but also their sheer variety and accessibility. Whether you're interested in building a serious collection, looking for the perfect piece for your home or simply want to spend an afternoon exploring contemporary art, you'll certainly find galleries that welcome you! The mix of established institutions and emerging spaces, traditional approaches and innovative models, local focus and international reach creates a dynamic ecosystem that continues to evolve and grow.
The transformation of this neighborhood from a primarily commercial design center to a thriving arts district demonstrates Dallas's growing commitment to contemporary art and culture. As more galleries continue to open and establish themselves in the area, the Design District solidifies its position not just as a local destination but as a significant player in the national art scene.
For anyone in or near our Dallas apartments who are interested in experiencing the best of Dallas's art world, the Design District offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore, discover and engage with contemporary art in all its forms.
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Third photo by Zalfa Imani on Unsplash
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The AMLI Editorial Team consists of a team of writers and editors who work together on blog articles, and may occasionally employ AI tools to assist in developing content.
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