Fort Worth is a veritable cornucopia of culture, as evidenced by the several galleries and museums often within walking distance of each other. Obviously, there's the Kimbell Art Museum, The Modern and plenty more big players in the city’s museum scene. But looking beyond and into Cowtown’s nooks and crannies reveals an even more storied city.
This selection of free or relatively cheap museums is but a start to discovering the knowledge Fort Worth has on display.
Leonard’s Department Store Museum
This collection right next door to M&O Station Grill in the Foundry District celebrates the downtown department store that charmed generations from 1918 through the ‘70s. It’s filled to the brim with relics from yesteryear, from tin-can products, vintage advertisements to one impressive electric train set kids used to yearn for on Christmas morning.
Address: 200 Carroll St., No. 100
Cost: Free
Find them on Facebook
Fort Worth Aviation Museum
Aircraft that once soared and sliced through skies in warfare find rest here. This volunteer-run facility features nearly 30 airplanes, many of which exist in limited numbers worldwide, and also displays advances in the science of aviation over the years.
Address: 3300 Ross Ave.
Cost: Individual rates range from free to $7
Lenora Rolla Heritage Center Museum
Presented by the Tarrant County Black Historical and Genealogical Society, this museum situated out of the historic Boone House serves as a collection of exhibits spotlighting African American culture and a gathering place for the community. Open Tuesdays and Thursday, you can email [email protected] to make an appointment to view the collection.
Address: 1020 E. Humbolt St.
Cost: Unspecified
blackhistoricalmuseum.info/lenora-rolla-museum
Oscar E. Monnig Meteorite Gallery
This exhibit located on TCU campus offers what its name promises: meteorites in countless shapes and shades collected over several decades for which the public to marvel upon. The gallery boasts “10 percent of the best meteorites in the collection on display,” and touts itself as a world-class facility: perfect for extending your recent Star Wars kick, no?
Address: 2950 W Bowie St., at TCU
Cost: Free
Fort Worth Memories Museum
Be stewarded through an expansive collection of Fort Worth memorabilia, owned and showcased by Larry O’Neal, the local historian behind the popular “Fort Worth Memories” Facebook group with more than 90,000 followers. O’Neal, who also owns Classic Auto Detail Shop, frequently makes public appearances and is a well known speaker in the community.
Address: 1633 Rogers Road
Cost: $10 per tour
