After the success of its limited-time reopening during the World Cup, the Dallas Museum of Natural History is coming back for real!
The Dallas Museum of Natural History was established in 1936 in celebration of the Texas Centennial. For decades, it was a staple for local field trips, offering an expansive look at regional biodiversity. The museum’s signature exhibits included beautifully detailed dioramas, taxidermy animals, and accurate recreations of native Texas wildlife habitats.
This past June, officials reopened the museum in effort to reactivate programming at Fair Park. Initially, officials aimed for the reopening to be temporary – where the museum would be open on Sundays throughout the duration of the World Cup. However, the instant success of the reopening has lead officials to make the Dallas Museum of Natural History as a permanent fixture of Fair Park.
“You asked, we listened”, Fair Park wrote in an Instagram post. “After all the incredible feedback, we’re excited to announce that the Fair Park Visitor Center/Natural History Museum will now be open every Sunday“.
Also making a return is Walt Davis, the museum’s longtime curator and exhibit director. An artist and naturalist who actually grew up exploring the museum’s halls, Davis eventually spent 15 years curating its spaces. During his tenure, he oversaw the creation of its iconic dioramas and beautifully painted landscapes. Just a year after the institution closed, he further cemented its legacy by authoring a book on its rich history.
The Dallas Museum of Natural History is now open for visits on Sundays from 10 am to 3 pm. Admission is completely free.
“It was a part of the childhood of thousands of people, and several of them came in Sunday and were so happy to see it open again,” said Davis.
