When the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth was founded well over a century ago, the need for an institution devoted to culture and the arts was recognized as an important and enriching component in a thriving community. Decades later, this need still exists. Along with its museum neighbors in the Cultural District, the Modern provides an authentic, first-hand experience with art. A true cultural landmark, the Modern is one of several anchors in this special section of the city making major civic and social contributions to the vibrancy of Fort Worth. The Modern's key and differentiating role is its focus on modern and contemporary art, which helps connect the past with the present, as we look ahead to the future.
The principal activities of the Modern revolve around the presentation of art exhibitions and programs related to modern and contemporary art. The Modern promotes understanding and interest in art and artists through curatorial research and publications, and a variety of educational programs, including lectures, guided tours, classes, and workshops.
Major accomplishments include the presentation of numerous critically acclaimed exhibitions-nearly 600 since 1950. Some of the most recent include Women Painting Women (2022), Shirin Neshat: I Will Greet the Sun Again (2021), Mark Bradford: End Papers (2020), Robyn O’Neil: WE, THE MASSES (2019), Takashi Murakami: The Octopus Eats Its Own Leg (2018), New Works by Ron Mueck (2018), KAWS: Where the End Starts (2016), Frank Stella: A Retrospective (2016), Kehinde Wiley: A New Republic (2015), Urban Theater: New York Art in the 1980s (2014), and Lucian Freud: Portraits (2012). The Tadao Ando-designed building was completed in 2002 and is considered an architectural monument of international importance and one of the finest venues for the display of modern and contemporary art in the world. The Modern features 53,000 square feet of gallery space, a 5,600-square-foot education center, and a state-of-the-art auditorium that seats 249 guests. Since the opening of the new building, the Modern has welcomed 3,000,000 visitors.
Our Needs
The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth seeks contributions from the public to support outstanding art exhibitions and educational programming. Current needs include support for general operating, education, exhibitions, and endowment.