Dallas Attractions

Nasher Sculpture Center
Downtown Dallas' cultural wealth got yet another boost in late 2003, when the Nasher Sculpture Center opened near the Dallas Museum of Art. Here you'll see what is essentially an indoor-outdoor art museum and a serene oasis of visual beauty that serves as home to the collection of 20th-century sculpture belonging to Dallas developer Ray Nasher. There is a lovely flow between interior galleries and the garden, opening to the sky and filled with dramatic installations and native foliage. Among dozens of artists whose work is featured are Claus Oldenburg, Pablo Picasso, Auguste Rodin, Joan Miro, and Jeff Koons.

2001 Flora Street
Tel: (214) 242 5100.
Website: www.nashersculpturecenter.org
Opening times: Tue-Sun 1100-1700, Thu 1100-2100.
Admission charge.

Afternoon Tea at The Adolphus hotel
The Adolphus (see Hotels), with its baroque splendour, is the place to seek respite amidst Downtown's hubbub. The epitome of old-style southern refinement, the hotel was built in 1912, by Adolphus Busch, the Missouri beer magnate. In its day, it was not as imprisoned by modernity as it unfortunately is today, hemmed in by other buildings. Inside, however, the city may as well be on another planet. High tea, in the English style, includes the hotel's own scones topped with Devonshire cream and raspberry marmalade, finger sandwiches, fruit tarts and hand-dipped chocolate truffles.

1321 Commerce Street
Tel: (214) 742 8200.
Website: www.hoteladolphus.com
Free admission.