Allisonette #4 and I strolled into the Nasher the other day to have lunch. To buy lunch, unlike at the DMA, we were told we first have to buy admission to the museum.
The policy is understandable considering how the Nasher is configured. To get to the restaurant, one has to walk through the museum, so you see a lot of what people pay admission to see. That design flaw hurts the Nasher and the Arts District, which lacks the sort of drop-by, buy-a-sandwich-and-a-beer, and check-your-IPad places that attract strollers. It also is a revenue-loser for the museum itself.
Memo to Nasher Trustees: Bite the bullet, move your restaurant to the main gallery facing the street, open it up and put tables outside, and invite people to come into your space. It will drive up food and drink revenues, increase paid attendance, and add some life to Flora Street. If you’re worried about architect Renzo Piano, just don’t tell him. He never comes to Dallas. He’ll never know.
