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Welcome To Texas: The Crow Collection

September 10, 2015 / 4:45 PM CDT / CBS Texas

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DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - Outside of the Trammell Crow Center, there is a ceremonial bell from the 19th Century which rings out in the heart of downtown Dallas, taking you on a journey to the Far East.

The Trammell and Margaret Crow Collection of Asian Art is a museum in the heart of the Dallas Arts District, but it almost did not happen.

"Trammell Crow -- you may know the name from real estate. Even as early as the 1950s, Trammell Sr. was traveling to China on business. And, on those trips, he fell in love with works of art he saw," said Stacie Adams, who in charge of external affairs for The Crow Collection of Asian Art.

So, Trammell and Margaret started buying. Later in life, they thought about parceling out the pieces, but they wanted to keep the collection intact. That is when the family decided to open the museum.

"The pieces he bought were really with a mind towards decorating. So, you see a lot of decorative arts, but things that could be used at his many buildings he owned around the world," Adams explained.

Some of the highlights include a remarkable collection of jade, the facade of a residence and a flawless crystal sphere from the 19th Century. "It's from Japan. It's the second largest in the world. The largest is at the Smithsonian. But we like to say ours is the most beautiful," Adams said.

Plus, the museum is constantly bringing in contemporary exhibits. The Crow Collection of Asian Art also continues to evolve. Just two years ago, outside of the Trammel Crow Center, they opened up a sculpture garden. And, in January, they created a wellness component to the museum.

"We offer meditation, yoga, tai chi, qigong," Adams said. "Really incredible practices that are authentic and always free here at The Crow Collection."

With a focus on the arts of China, India, Japan, Korea and Southeast Asia, you can experience and immerse yourself in Asian culture at The Crow Collection, and never leave downtown Dallas, or pay a dime. It's free and open to the public.