10 Pro Tips for Visiting the AMA (or any art museum)

Art can be like the transporter in Star Trek if you let it! You can experience moments in time and history, travel around the world, explore different styles and mediums through which artists create, and meet personalities that have shaped our modern culture in unique ways.

With these 10 Pro Tips for Visiting the AMA (or any art museum), our art can transport you. Bonus: the art exhibits at the AMA completely change every 3-4 months so there will always be new worlds to discover.

1. Know before you go. Check out the museum’s website and social media before your visit! It’s a great way to familiarize yourself with all of the museum’s current exhibits so you won’t miss a thing.

At the AMA, we recommend you purchase your exhibition tickets online before you visit us to ensure a quick check-in at our front desk. Another pro tip: if you become an AMA member, you get free tickets are one of your member benefits!

More AMA visitor info:
Parking, hours, and directions: arlingtonmuseum.org/visitor-info
FAQs: arlingtonmuseum.org/plan-your-visit

2. Pick up (or scan) a museum guide. As soon as you arrive, ask for a museum map or guide, then familiarize yourself with the layout and highlights of the museum.

The AMA provides self-guided tours, so bring your smart device and earbuds or headphones so you can access this bonus content. Sometimes the AMA offers guided tours as well. Any kind of tour is a great ways to gain deeper insights, interpretations, and back stories about the artworks.

3. Slow down. Instead of making it your focus to “get it all done,” spend time with the artworks. Regardless of the size of the collection, exhibition or the museum itself, taking your time will enhance your entire experience and create lasting memories.

Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour Collection; Girl in a Country Song: Women of Country Music; Hometown Harmonies; and Toni Martin: Butterfly Kisses are the four exhibits currently on display at the Arlington Museum of Art. Some guests complete their visit in less than an hour; others spend close to two hours to fully experience all four collections. Because there is no average museum-goer, there’s no way to predict how long it will take you to view the entire exhibition.

4. Practice mindfulness. Be present and in the moment when you visit an art museum. Here are some questions you can ask yourself to become fully immersed and help capture a sense of wonder:

1. Do I like this piece of art? Why or why not?
2. Does the art make me feel anything? If so, what?
3. Does the art remind me of anything? If so, what?
4. What is this piece made of, and how did the artist create it?
5. Step forward, and observe the details.
6. Step back, and observe the piece in its entirety. 
7. Why did the artist create this piece? What was the motivation?
8. What was going on in the artist’s world that might have influenced them?
9. Are there elements in this piece that feel “dated,” and if so, why?
10. Are there elements in this piece that have really stood the test of time?
11. If this piece of art was the first page of a book, what would happen next?

Bonus Tip for viewing the AMA’s current exhibition: While every artwork throughout our exhibits is unique, collectively they are interrelated in ways that we have intentionally left open and undefined. Our hope is that you will discover themes they have in common, too. While you are standing or sitting within each exhibit, we also encourage you to view the bonus content in Guide by Cell (see Walk in the Door, Grab a Museum Guide above), especially the music videos and media interviews with Taylor Swift.

5. Respect other guests. Museums typically have rules to protect the artwork and ensure a positive experience for everyone.

At the AMA, we encourage an informal atmosphere for viewing the art. We play music in our galleries and welcome conversation. However, we do ask that our guests abide by a few rules guided by courtesy and art conservation, including photography restrictions, maintaining a reasonable distance from the artworks (except in clearly designated interactive spaces), food/beverage, and restricted items. Click here for a complete list of AMA guidelines and FAQs.

Bonus Tip for Kids: You’re welcome to bring your children to the AMA, but please talk with them in advance about what to expect and what’s expected of them: No running, do not touch the art or cases, smart devices can only be used with earbuds or headphones, and be considerate of other guests who are viewing the art. Click here for more guidance.

Please note that children ages 15 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. 

6. Bring a notepad for writing and sketching. There’s nothing like the experience of being creative in a creative space.

7. Visit museums with friends. Engaging in dialogue can deepen your understanding.

Art is subjective, and everyone’s interpretation will likely vary. Embrace diverse perspectives and engage your family and friends in discussions to gain new insights and deepen your understanding of the art.

The AMA encourages group visits and even provides guided group tours with at least two weeks advance notice. We offer generous group rates; click here for more information.

8. Broaden your horizons. Don’t limit yourself to only viewing works by familiar or popular artists. Explore different genres, time periods, genres, and cultures.

At the AMA, art is our way of doing good in the world. Instead of showing a permanent collection that rarely changes, we dedicate 100% of our space to changing up our exhibits 3-4 times a year, and our exhibits are wildly diverse. Previous exhibits at the AMA featured Keith Haring, Picasso, Kehinde Wiley, Rembrandt, original sketches by Disney artists, works by Syrian refugees, authentic Renaissance armor, photography by Ansel Adams, and so much more. We can’t wait to show you what’s next…

What’s next:
José Guadalupe Posada: Legendary Printmaker of Mexico, October 21, 2023 – January 7, 2024
Reimagine the AMA, starting March 2024

9. Attend special events and museum lectures. Museums typically offer a variety of events. Art lectures are great ways to more deeply dive into art, artistry, the lives and times of artists, and artists’ lasting legacies.

The Arlington Museum of Art hosts a variety of events dedicated to nurturing life-long art lovers, building community through conversation, and inspiring the next generation of creatives, including:

Articulate is the AMA’s series of free art talks. Experts from around the country join us for informal and entertaining conversations about our current exhibits.

Art+Wine at the AMA is our monthly DIY art series. Hands on, casual, and super fun, each Art+Wine class is led by a professional artist.

Enjoy an hour of meditative relaxation in our galleries by joining us for Yoga with Arlington Yoga Center.

Upcoming events also include a performance by Opera Arlington and mixology class inspired by our current exhibition! Check out our calendar of events for a complete event listing, more information, and links to tickets.

10. Explore more. After your visit to the museum, stay in town and discover more about the local culture.

The Arlington Museum of Art is located in Arlington, Texas, which offers a wide range of experiences for the whole family to enjoy. Visit Downtown Arlington’s interactive directory to discover all of the arts, music, and cultural attractions within walking distance of the AMA, as well as restaurants, coffee shops and pubs. If you’re visiting us from out of town, make your trip planning easier by first visiting the Arlington Convention and Visitors Bureau for information about nearby hotels, transportation options, vacation packages, and more.

BONUS PRO TIP

11. Avoid obsessing over taking photos: While it’s tempting to take a ton of selfies or to photograph every artwork, try to strike a balance between capturing memories and being present in the moment.

But when you do post, you know, tag us: @arlingtonmuseum #arlingtonmuseum