We had the pleasure of meeting Howard and Cindy Rachofsky during their annual TWO x TWO for AIDS and Art gala and auction benefiting the Dallas Museum of Art and amfAR The Foundation for AIDS Research held at their home-turned-museum designed by architect Richard Meier.

The Rachofsky Collection comprises roughly 800 works of contemporary art including American Minimalism, post-war European art, with a specific focus on Italian art, and the art of post-war Japan— one of the most complete contemporary holdings— which will eventually be donated to the DMA.

“A visit to The Rachofsky House unfolds as a kind of procession through a series of zones, taking one from the outdoors to indoors, and then back outdoors again. All of the spaces of the house, works of contemporary art, and vignettes of the surrounding landscape combine to animate the interiors of the house. The potential of the house as a work of architecture is as a catalyst for further contemplation of nature and art, and the science of bringing them together in harmony.”- Richard Meier. Here is Cindy Rachofsky’s city guide to Dallas, Texas.

Where are you from originally? New York, but have lived in Dallas since 1965

Where did you meet your husband, Howard? On the proverbial blind date...

Were you interested in contemporary art or did he inspire you? I studied Art History as a minor but never was able to use it in any meaningful way until I met Howard.

How did you become involved with amfAR and ultimately the host for the incredible Two x Two charity event benefitting the Dallas Museum of Art? We were asked to host an event for amfAR in our home 22 years ago. At the time, amfAR was not sure the people of Dallas would support an event that raised money for AIDS research and asked if we could suggest another nonprofit with which we could split the proceeds. We suggested the Dallas Museum of Art, which we thought would be a one-time event, but here we are 22 years later and over 92 million raised.

Do you have a favorite art movement, artist or work? Arte Povera, a style of art originating in Italy in the late ’60s. It translates in English to Poor Art, making use of commonly available materials.

Who or what inspires you? People, cities, etc. Travel inspires me. In the US, it’s hands down New York. The food of certain countries inspires me as well.

Where do you dream of traveling next? San Sebastián, Spain and Copenhagen, Denmark.

STAY

The Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek when I want to hide away and the Joule when I want to pretend I am out of town or just need a great spa day. 

DINE | DRINK

Well, I had to think of this since I haven’t been to a restaurant in over a year due to Covid.  Our favorite restaurants are Grange Hall for beautiful and delicious food— the best lunch place in Dallas.  For Japanese food, it's Tei An. For comfort food it’s Homewood.  You can’t live in Dallas without Mexican food and for me, it’s Jose’s.  The bar at Bullion is so beautiful, you feel like you are out of town and they make a mean cocktail. 

ART | CULTURE | ACTIVITIES

The Arts District has made such a cultural impact on Dallas in so many ways, from the institutions with important family names, Nasher Sculpture Center, Perot Museum of Nature and Science and the Crow Collection of Asian Art that have changed the cultural landscape. The Dallas Museum of Art is our city jewel. You can’t come to Dallas without at least driving by the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, which chronicles the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. 

SHOP

Shopping is central to life in Dallas and NorthPark Center and Highland Park Village have everything your heart desires. 

DAY & WEEKEND TRIPS

Fort Worth is 45 minutes away with wonderful museums. Cowtown is a perfect way to spend an afternoon.  Austin is a quick 3-hour drive with great restaurants and of course the University of Texas.  Houston has amazing museums, a theater district, and of course the space center.  A perfect weekend trip.

Text: Veronica H. Speck Photo: © The Rachofsky House Follow: @cindyrachofsky and @twoxtow_dallas