A free art museum in the Dallas Arts District with Open Studio Sensory Hour: the first hour of Open Studio on the first and third Saturday and Sunday, September to May, is set aside as a calm, relaxing time for making art. Earmuffs and earplugs are available, and the museum has a social story to download.
Sensory supports. Open Studio Sensory Hour, earmuffs, social story.
Hours
Wednesday to Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Closed Monday and Tuesday, and closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. Open Studio: 12:00 to 4:00 pm on the dates below; the first hour is the sensory hour.
“The first hour of Open Studio will be dedicated to providing a pleasant sensory environment for art making, with a focus on creating a calm and relaxing atmosphere. While this hour is geared toward visitors with auditory sensitivities, all are invited to join.”
“Earmuffs and earplugs are available in the Center for Creative Connections, located in the Tower Gallery on Level 4.”
“We recommend visiting on Wednesdays, Thursdays, or Sundays around 11:00 a.m. for families seeking a quieter Museum experience.” cms.dma.org
The museum has a Social Story About Visiting the DMA to download and read together before you go.
Sensory Days are early openings on selected days for children with autism and their families, with a sensory room during the event. To hear about upcoming ones, sign up for the museum's Sensory Day Newsletter.
The museum describes the Center for Creative Connections in two ways: Open Studio in Studio 1 on Level 1, and the earmuffs and earplugs in the Tower Gallery on Level 4.
For a full-size copy your child can use, open this page at squaredsteps.com, tap Make it yours, then print.
More about Dallas Museum of Art
The museum's underground garage is entered off North St. Paul Street or Harwood Street (both one way, south). It's first come, first served at a public rate of $25, cards only, no cash. Accessible parking spaces are on Levels P1, P2, and P3. Garage hours are Monday to Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (may exclude special events).
By DART: ride to St. Paul Station and walk north to the Ross Avenue Entrance.
Children under 12 must be supervised by an adult. Please don't carry your child on your shoulders, and don't run in the museum.
The Tower Gallery on Level 4 is a family-friendly space for snacks and bottle-feeding, Thursday to Sunday, noon to 4:00 p.m. Picnics are allowed on the lawn of Eagle Family Plaza, in the Sculpture Garden, and in Fleischner Courtyard with prior approval. Outside food and drink aren't allowed in the DMA Cafe.
The museum is fully wheelchair accessible. Wheelchairs are limited and first come, first served; the museum names both the Guest Services Desk and the Main Entrance (north side of the museum) for them. To request accessibility accommodations for lectures, events, or gallery tours, email access@dma.org 2 to 3 weeks in advance.
Ticket questions: Guest Services at 214-922-1803 or guestservices@dma.org.
