The Ann & Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Museum: The Samurai Collection

The Iron Men exhibit at the Ann & Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Museum is a gem in Dallas. It is a captivating journey into the history of the samurai. The exhibit features an interesting collection of artifacts, showcasing the intricate ironwork that epitomized samurai armor and weaponry.It's tucked away on the second level of Saint Ann Restaurant, a little hard to find but well worth it. We initially entered the building adjacent to the restaurant and found a few other displays from the exhibit which I'm glad we got to check out before they helpfully pointed us to the right place.The museum itself is small inside but well curated. Each piece tells a story and reflects the skill and artistry of the craftsmen who forged them. It was fascinating to learn how the armor was made. One of the highlights of the exhibit is the life-sized display of the samurai horses adorned with their armor and riders.The best part is that admission is free. Reserving a time slot online and updating it was easy and convenient. There is also a free parking garage next to the museum with limited spaces. For those intrigued by a part of Japanese history not commonly found in the states, this museum is a must. It's an immersive experience and offers a unique glimpse into the world of the samurai.

This museum is located on the 2nd floor of a restaurant. There is street parking or a paid parking garage around from Mercat Bistro. You do have to walk into the Saint Ann Restaurant and Bar and go up the stairs to the exhibit. You scan and register and the exhibit is free. It is a very cool collection and they do a good job showcasing the history and also the making of the different armor.

Came here for the first time with my family. Everything is free so why not check this place out. We were in the city and my kids are fascinated with samurai stuff. It's a lot smaller than most museums, but it was perfect for us because we had other places to go. Lots of cool old artifacts and armors with a lot of info posted on the walls.Staff are friendly and helpful. This place is located on the second floor of some cafe restaurant. Not sure if there's another way in, but we cut through the restaurant and went up the stairs. The parking structure is located next door to them and it's also free.

Talk about a real hidden gem, The Ann & Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Museum: The Samurai Collection is located in the St. Ann's School Building, right above Saint Ann Restaurant & Bar, that houses the largest collection of samurai items including armor, masks, helmets and weaponry in the world. This museum is free to attend. I was able to get tickets (there are timed tickets but the friendly employee at the entrance didn't seem strict on the time) online the morning of. Parking is free inside the garage, valet is complementary. The museum is on a rotating schedule that changes twice a year so there may be some different pieces on display if you come back for another visit in the future. Japanese armor has such a long history that dates back to the 4th century, with numerous of different styles, for different purposes and also may be worn differently due to the season. The word "bushi" means warrior, specially one that is highly trained. The term "samurai" means servant to nobility. A samurai is an elite military class soldier or official who has been highly trained with well protected armor that protects. The same can be said for their horses, which you can see a few horses in full armor at this museum. From this museum, there are some armor suits that has fine detailed lacquer work, some with very lavish textiles, some with different types of steel pieces used to protect a samurai in battle (like chain mail) and some made with leather pieces. Each of these armor pieces are all made by hand and can take quite a long time to make. Unfortunately many suits have not been able to survive to this day but at this museum, there are many pieces that are well preserved that are on display here. There are several parts of armor that have the following:Do- Chest armor made of iron or leather plates of various sizes/ shapesSode- Meant for shoulder protection, this is a large rectangular and broad piece that may be made with leather plates or iron.Koten- A glove or sleeve that a samurai wears under the large pieces to protect the forearms. This may be made from cloth covered in iron plates.Kabuto- The helmet that can be made from leather plates and/ or iron riveted together. There are many different types and styles with very unique meanings to try to scare away enemies before battle.Haidat- Thigh guard that is tied around the waist and used to cover the thighs. This is made from cloth with leather plates or iron. Suneate- Shin guards made from iron splints that usually is sewn to cloth and tied around the calf. Kusazuri- Used to protect the lower body and upper legs, made from leather pieces or iron. All of these pieces (which are incredibly skillfully crafted) are typically connected to each other by either cords or rivets. If cords are used, they are usually braided and made from silk, leather or chain. Often times armor was lacquered to keep safe against Japan's harsh climate. With the many pieces of armor, you can imagine how heavy or how very hot one can get when wearing it during battle. With many of the armor suits that are on display, they are surprisingly not all in a glass case so you really can get very close up to them and look at all the fine detail each piece is made of (although of course you know you can't touch them, that would degrade the armor). My husband and I spent about an hour at this museum. Although small, it was really bigger than I was expecting. After we finished our visit, we checked out the little museum store (which is behind the front desk). I ended up purchasing some very cute, small samurai plush dolls for my 2 nephews and also some samurai nesting dolls. My husband purchased a samurai figure key chain. I think if I had more room in my luggage, I would have probably bought more things to bring back home for family (and for myself). To learn more about the many pieces in this collection, you can check out the free audio guide here (https://bit.ly/samurai-audioguide).Please note that this museum is closed on Mondays and only open on Tuesdays for select appointments. So I guess for everyone else, it is open on Wednesday- Sunday, from 11 am- 5 pm (they are closed on Christmas day). Restrooms are located right outside of the museum. Please note that if you go the the lobby in the building across from this building, you will see a display of two different samurai on horses. If you are interested in Japanese history, Samurai history, etc, The Ann & Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Museum is truly worth your time for a visit. Even better that it is free, including parking. And afterwards, maybe check out one of the restaurants here.

Where is everyone at? Only 14 reviews? I found this small but stunning museum a few years ago and this was my second trip back. It's conveniently located above a great restaurant in downtown Dallas. Admission is free but, at least have a drink at the great bar downstairs, if not lunch or diner.These artifacts of Samurai life are from the collection of the developer owner of a significant chunk of office building, residential, restaurant space in what is known as uptown. Much of the collection is located in adjacent office lobbies etc.If you're local, the Ann and Gabriel Barbier museum should be on your to Do list!Definite Go

A tucked away adventure that I would recommend to anyone who admires Japanese culture. Such beautiful exhibit and well preserved artifacts.

This little museum was super cool! It's small, but thankfully it's free. The displays were excellent and the museum objects were fascinating to look at. They did a great job of explaining the history and meaning of these objects and I feel like I learned a ton, and as someone who has a Master's in History, that really means something!My two qualms are that there's no nearby parking and no clear directions as to how to get into the museum. It's above a cute little restaurant, and you have to go into restaurant to get to the museum.

A fun hidden gem! Absolutely fascinating. Who knew this was in Dallas? We spent about an hour here.

A very cool museum above the Saint Ann's restaurant. We were looking for the restroom, when we stumbled upon this hidden gem. It's intimate, with not too many pieces that feel overwhelming, the staff is friendly, and it's free! Sounds like a win to me

would recommend stopping by! as other folks have mentioned it's located upstairs of a restaurant. free too! nice staff. interesting to check out. it's quite small.