FAIR PARK. With exhibits like "Face of the Rising Sun" (an African American expression in decorative arts), Dallas's African American Museum is truly enlightening. The multimillion-dollar museum, one of Fair Park's newer complexes, is built in the shape of a cross. Exhibits highlight the lives of African Americans via historical and cultural representations. The museum features rotating exhibits and also houses the largest collection of folk art in the US. Collections include African Art, African American Fine Art, the Billy R. Allen Folk Art Collection, and the Historical Collection and Archives.

FAIR PARK. All things small are the passion of this unique museum. Incredibly detailed dollhouses, toy soldiers, and antique playthings are lovingly preserved and treated as works of art rather than simply regarded as childhood ephemera. Currently on display in the Sharp Gallery at the Hall of State at Fair Park as well as the lobby areas of the Children's Medical Center, the museum's exhibits draw attention to the painstaking workmanship of the pieces, as well as interpreting their historical and cultural contexts.

NORTH DALLAS. With a popular "Miracle at Pentecost" light and sound show, this museum personifies the roots of Dallas' Bible Belt. The center displays contemporary artwork as well as ancient archeological artifacts in an effort to educate visitors on Biblical events. The Biblical Arts Center is renowned for allowing the Scriptures to come alive via a life-sized replica of Christ's Garden Tomb and a Pentecost mural. As a non-denominational, nonprofit agency, the center also has artwork for sale.

DOWNTOWN DALLAS. Have you ever wondered why Abe Lincoln and John F. Kennedy were assassinated? Are you a closet political sleuth? If so, a visit to the Conspiracy Museum is certain to excite you. The museum offers an historical account from 1789 to 1940 and chronicles incidents such as the deaths of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Robert Kennedy. Located on the ground floor of the Katy Building across from the JFK Memorial, the museum also delves into additional mysterious cover-ups from 1835 to the present.

DEEP ELLUM. This spare, open space not far from the downtown Arts District spotlights emerging Texas talents with 20 exhibitions a year. Shows feature thematic groupings, solo displays, and outdoor sculpture gardens. Studio art classes, educational programs, and spirited fundraising events provide opportunities for the community to get involved. Welcoming, high-ceilinged galleries filled with natural light create an ideal environment for engaging with art.