Even among the many highly regarded museums in the Fort Worth Cultural District, the Kimbell Art Museum is something very special. Travel through thousands of years of art history at this world-famous museum and spot masterpieces by some of the biggest names from many different art movements.

The museum’s first building, the Louis I. Kahn Building, was named after its architect and opened in 1972. Visit today, more than four decades later, and you will immediately see why it is still considered one of Fort Worth’s most distinctive structures. This striking white building was designed to harness the power of natural light, which comes in through its large skylights. Today it is accompanied by its neighbor, the Renzo Piano Pavilion, an equally bright and airy expansion of the museum, built in 2013.

Explore the permanent collection of the museum and you will find works dating back as early as 3000 B.C. The collection runs all the way to the mid-20th century. Look for famous paintings and sculptures by artists such as Picasso, Mondrian, Matisse, Goya, Monet, Rembrandt, Bernini and many more. Although the high-profile names from European art might be the most familiar, you can discover and enjoy many impressive works here drawn from non-Western nations too.

Make sure you check the museum’s schedule before you visit. The temporary exhibitions held here change regularly. They cover a wide range of subjects, as varied as fashion designed by Cristóbal Balenciaga and Asian artworks from the vaults of private collectors.

Pick up merchandise from the exhibitions at the gift store or finish your visit with a meal or drinks at the café. Take the time to visit other artistic attractions in the Fort Worth Cultural District, including the Amon Carter Museum of American Art and the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth.

Enter the Kimbell Art Museum and browse its permanent collections for free. However, note that admission to temporary exhibitions has a fee.