The Crow Collection of Asian Art 2010 Flora St., Dallas, 214/271-4485, crowcollection.org
Hours: 10am-9pm Tues.–Thurs., 10am-6pm Fri.-Sat., 12pm-6pm Sun. Closed Monday.
Admission: Free.
When most people think of Dallas, they think oil, cowboys, steak and big hair, but don’t be fooled. Big D has many cultural treasures, and The Trammell & Margaret Crow Collection of Asian Art is one of them. Located in the Arts District, this small museum presents a fascinating contrast of cultures with its collection of pieces from China, Japan, India and Southeastern Asia dating from 3500 B.C. to the early 20th century. Anything that ancient and delicate is probably a red flag to keep your kids away and their hands to themselves, but the free museum welcomes all ages to explore the other side of the world right in the heart of Dallas.
The museum opened in 1998 in the Trammell Crow Center with light-filled galleries showcasing collections from the Crow family. Nestled around larger attractions such as the Dallas Museum of Art and Nasher Sculpture Center, “The Crow” attracts renowned collectors and artists. As you enter kids will immediately want to visit The Lotus shop to check out unusual toys and curiosities. The first attraction is the Qiu Anxiong animated narrative, which is so intriguing you’ll want to watch it over and over. The Shanghai artist uses a stop-motion animation technique in which he records the painting, makes an adjustment to the painting and records it again. He then compiles the recordings to create a video of moving images that make you stand in wonderment. The exhibit is there until February 5, so get your move on.
The Qualities of Jade exhibit combines Confucian teachings and Chinese carved jade to illustrate lessons of virtue that should provoke conversation in your family. Don’t worry; the centuries-old jade is enclosed behind protective glass. The exquisiteness of the pieces might be lost on younger minds, but there is never an age too young to learn about the world beyond the bubbles we live in.
The Yogiños: Yoga for Youth© program at The Crow is a must. You and your little ones ages 2-12 can work on your Namaste in the museum on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Classes use the OHmazing™ program of art, music, games and stories to promote physical and mental wellness.
Bring the whole family and take a trip to the Eastern world minus the jet lag. Start the trip off on February 4 for AdventureAsia Family Day to celebrate the year of the Dragon, a lucky year in traditional Chinese culture. We could all use a little luck too.
