On my way to see two exhibits at the Amon Carter Museum, I walked around to see the recently opened addition to the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, as well as the Cowgirl Museum, the Kimbell Art Museum and the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth.

From Fort Worth Museum of Science and History (http://www.fwmuseum.org/) press release:

“The opening of the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History’s (FWMSH) new building Friday Nov. 20, 2009, marks the completion of the latest architectural masterpiece in the city’s Cultural District. Designed by the father and son team of Ricardo and Victor Legorreta of Mexico City, the campus represents a commingling of the architectural styles of Texas and Mexico in a city that takes enormous pride in its Hispanic and Western roots.

“The 166,000 square-foot contemporary and colorful building, replete with state-of-the-art technological exhibit innovations, is the latest example of a Legorreta + Legorreta’s exemplary blend of space, light, color, and water with the use of strong, basic geometric forms.  Built adjacent to a natural plaza, the pedestrian-friendly museum is anchored by the building’s iconic signature attraction: a 76-foot-tall glass and stone tower – the Urban Lantern – which functions as the Museum’s main entrance. This elegant entry, marked by clean lines, invites natural light into the building during the day and softly illuminates the surrounding area in
the evening.”

I want to go back after dark and see the Urban Lantern.

Detail of the landscaping and lighting.

The dome of the new Noble Planetarium. I think my visits to the original Noble Planetarium are what instilled my fascination with the stars.

Another view of the Urban Lantern.

Adjacent to the Museum of Science and History is the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame. http://www.cowgirl.net/ This museum was founded in 1975 and was located in the Texas Panhandle community of Hereford, about 40 miles southwest of Amarillo until June of 2002. From the website:

“Its purpose was to preserve the history and impact of western women living roughly from the mid-1800s to the present — the pioneers, the artists and writers, the tribal leaders, the entertainers, the social activists, and the modern ranchers and rodeo cowgirls.

“Recognizing the increasing interest in the museum and the fact that the available audience for this important program was limited in the Hereford location, the board initiated a search in 1993 for alternative sites that promised greater audience exposure while simultaneously affording the opportunity for an expanded and improved public education program.

“When Fort Worth community and business leaders learned of the possibility of moving the museum to Fort Worth, they sought to make it a reality. They knew that the museum would be a natural fit within the fabric of Fort Worth’s rich western heritage.

“The museum’s decision to move to Fort Worth was met with enthusiasm by the community. The museum was constructed in the heart of Fort Worth’s Cultural District (also home to the Kimbell Art Museum, the Modern Art Museum, the Amon Carter Museum, the Museum of Science and the Will Rogers Memorial Center).”

It would be easy to assume that this is a place with limited interest to modern women (and men), but that is far from the truth. There are exhibits that will hold the interest of even the most die hard city dweller. And the architecture alone is enough keep you enthralled for a long time. Interior photos will follow, but here is a photo of the life size bronze sculpture, High Dessert Princess, by the artist Mehl Lawson, who is a member of the Cowboy Artists of America and has won gold medals on several occasions at the prestigious organization’s annual exhibition. His work has also achieved numerous awards including the Remington Award at the Prix de West Show at the National Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City and the Thomas Moran Award at the Masters of the American West Show at the Autry Museum.

(Note the cattle barns in the background. They are part of the Will Rogers Memorial Center (http://www.fortworth.com/meetings/convention-center/will-rogers-memorial-center/) where many events, including the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, take place.

Just a glimpse of the Art Deco styling of the architecture.

Next I’ll take you across the street with glimpses of the Kimbell Art Museum, the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth and, finally, my original destination, the Amon Carter Museum. Perhaps there will be a few surprises.