The North Texas town of Frisco proves that art is, in fact, bigger in the Lone Star State, and here’s how your group can take it all in
There’s a saying for just about everything about Texas. For the city of Frisco, the saying goes that art is woven into the very fabric of its being. Frisco is far from being just a bedroom community in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Art can show up in the most unexpected places in this city, from the Frisco Heritage Museum to a terrazzo floor in a fire station.
So if you’re due for some R&R and you prefer your vacations to have a visually pleasing aesthetic, get thee to Frisco.
How Do I Get to Frisco?
Getting to Frisco is easy; it’s only about 25 minutes from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (one of the largest and busiest in the U.S.) and Love Field, a smaller airport that is served by Alaska, Delta, JSX and Southwest.
The Centre at Preston Ridge
Driving to Frisco is convenient for those in the North Texas area and beyond; the city can be accessed by US 380 and Highway 121 as well as the Dallas Parkway.
Once you get to Frisco, you can start satisfying your desire for art almost immediately. Public art is on display here in a big, Texas-sized way. Just driving down the street can be an experience. More than 60 items are ready to be visited (for free!) throughout the city in places like parks, the municipal center and an outdoor shopping mall.
What Are Frisco’s Best Artsy Experiences?
Art has numerous definitions: live music, dance and theater can be art; fine paintings can be art; sleek modern sculptures can be art. Frisco can give devotees of each definition something to admire, starting with the city’s massive public art initiative.
Drive down Frisco’s main corridors and you’ll see green parks, huge eye-catching bronzes and even a kinetic wind sculpture. Demonstrating the importance of art to this city is the huge, cowboy-themed installation in The Centre at Preston Ridge. Oh sure, it may look like an outdoor shopping district, but that’s no reason to not to use the space to depict a Shawnee Trail cattle drive.
Texas Sculpture Garden
Another must-see sight is the Texas Sculpture Garden and International Art at Hall Financial Group. This is the largest private collection of contemporary Texas sculpture in the state, with over 150 objects. Outdoors, you can admire the sinuous lines of John Brought Miller’s steel Dolphin Rhythm or the playfulness of David Iles’ H.O.P. Rabbits in bronze. Inside, watch the light play through Jim Bowman’s blown-glass Bluebonnets or share a knowing smile at Richard Neidhardt’s Clock Rider.
Frisco Discovery Center
Anything to do with Frisco’s art scene would be remiss if it didn’t mention the Frisco Discovery Center. This is the hub of arts of all descriptions, from music, dance and theater to visiting art exhibitions. Past exhibits include those by Indian fabric artist Preksha Kapadia and a show featuring the art of the emoji.
What Art-Inspired Events Can I See?
If you’re looking for something free and artsy in Frisco, you’ll have plenty of it in the city’s public art displays. But if you’d like to buy some art or just hang out in a place filled with fun and community spirit, you’ll want to catch Arts in the Square. This two-day-long arts fest in late April hosts over 120 local and regional artists and features displays in all kinds of mediums, including fabric arts, fine arts, pottery, glass and jewelry. There’s plenty of food from local restaurants and live music.
Arts in the Square
Speaking of live music, Frisco Square is the home of Music in the Square. Every Friday evening in June, you can kick back and enjoy some live music with Frisco locals.
Where Can I Eat and Sleep in Frisco?
After a busy day of sightseeing and shopping, it’s nice to come back to a hotel with all the amenities and a relaxing, welcoming atmosphere. For groups, staying in suites can be an especially desirable option, and Frisco’s hotels don’t disappoint. Mid- and upper-priced hotels offer perks like gathering-friendly lobbies, gyms, pools and meeting areas; inside the rooms, you can find soft linens, flat-screen TVs and comfy areas that are perfect for lounging.
Frisco’s dining scene is no less eclectic than its art scene. Naturally, you’ll find plenty of the foods that this part of Texas is famous for: thick and juicy steaks, hearty Tex-Mex specialties and tasty home-style American dishes rank high on many a traveler’s gotta-have-it list. But don’t overlook the area’s more cosmopolitan offerings found at Indian, Greek, Japanese and Thai eateries.
Can I Get Help With My Frisco Travel Plans?
If you have any questions or planning needs, learn more and contact the Frisco CVB via the specialized Groups page.
Art is bigger in Frisco. Walk down the street, say hi to a bronze cowboy and you’ll see what we mean. But like all art, it’s best when you can appreciate it for yourself. So schedule a group trip to this North Texas city and enjoy its exuberant contemporary art!
