The 15-foot-tall statue in front of The Women's Museum: An Institute for the Future in Dallas shows a woman perched delicately on a strong saguaro cactus. The piece, chisled in 1936 to commemorate Texas' independence from Mexico in 1836, has taken on a feminist symbolism that sculptor Raoul Josset may not have ever intended. And yet, here his Spirit of the Centennial sits greeting guests at the door of the only comprehensive women's museum in America.
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The Spirit of the Centinnial greets guests.
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A patron explores the female references in pop culture.
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Browse and extensive women's history timeline along the Milestones in Women's History wall.
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Stepping inside this 70,000-square-foot coliseum in Fair Park is enough to take your breath away. The site, more than 100 years old, has played host to everything from livestock shows to operas to major events for brides, delegates and dignitaries. Woodrow Wilson even gave a speech here during his tenure as United States president. In the late '90s, the building underwent serious renovations and, since 2000, the historic landmark has devoted itself to taking an extensive look at women's contributions to society.
"This museum tells stories of American women across time and from all walks of life," said Shana Hamilton, event manager at the museum. "Spend a day here and you'll discover why it's important to learn about women's history."
Take a stroll
The Women's Museum: An Institute for the Future combines collections of artifacts with video displays and interactive terminals. The exhibits are a mixture of low-tech artifacts — one of Babe Didrikson Zaharias' golf bags, for example — and high-tech displays such as a digital patchwork quilt that features images from all the museum's permanent exhibits.
Start your tour by walking up the floating staircase past the Wall of Words — a collection of quotes from amazing women such as Eleanor Roosevelt, Susan B. Anthony and Helen Keller. Next, stroll through a hall featuring a timeline of milestones in women's history. Then meet the unforgettable women who forged the path to the rights and opportunities we enjoy today, from "Rebels with a Cause" like Harriett Tubman to "Mavericks and Trailblazers" like Margaret Sanger.
Weave your way through rooms and exhibits, which include a maze that showcases 19th- and 20th-century icons of womanhood and a staircase where dangling photos of religious women dance and play in the light. Some displays are devoted to women's health, science, business, entertainment and social situations, while others chronicle women's impact as inventors and sports figures.
Leave your story
This museum is a place filled with stories of women who made a difference in American society. Every person who comes to the museum may leave the story of someone who is important in their lives to be stored in the digital database. Hundreds of stories are being archived for others to access and read. Take a trip to The Women's Museum and share your story with others.
