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Browsing Dallas
500X Gallery
Located in a 1916 warehouse for more than 20 years, 500X Gallery has pulsed with the energy and excitement of the local contemporary art scene. The Deep Ellum location is near 5501 Columbia Art Center
This East Dallas Art Center hosts two non-profit organizations: Documentary Arts and Contemporary Culture. Documentary Arts works to collect and archive a variety of art forms from all cultures. You will find the Texas African American Photography Collection and Archive here. Contemporary Culture focuses on the promotion of art from various cultures in mediums including literary and performing arts. Columbia Art sponsors a program called "Art in the Neighborhood" to encourage artistic development in Dallas youth. This is a popular place for visual and book art exhibits rotated on a weekly basis. Admission is free, but you will need to make reservations for larger groups.
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African American Museum
This beautiful ivory-stone building is the home of wonderful exhibits of African American culture, art and history. With one of the largest African-American folk art collections available, this is a must-see. The museum began as part of the Bishop College Library, but ultimately branched out and became autonomous. You will find it located in Age of Steam Railroad Museum
Established in 1963, this living preservation of steam-era railroading is one of the finest collections of historic railway equipment in the nation. Rare and unique pieces have been rescued and assembled to illustrate the importance of the railroads in America's heritage. The museum also presents artifacts for interpretive display to the public. A selection of massive locomotives is featured along with freight and passenger cars. Admission: $5 for adults, $2.50 for children (3 and older).
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American Airlines Center
This impressive brick, limestone and granite marvel, designed by David M. Schwartz Architectural Services and HKS, Inc., was built not only as the home of the American Museum of the Miniature Arts
Children love dollhouses, antique toys, dioramas and miniature street scenes. You will find all of that and more here in stunning detail. The epitome of small scale is found at the American Museum of the Miniature Arts. This museum is a fabulous find for those intrigued by tiny figurines. This collection holds as much fascination for children and historians as it does for collectors. Exhibits range from a 1690 English country house to a 1960 bachelor's pad. The museum is expanding and has recently moved into a larger, permanent location in the West End. Admission is free.
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Ameriquest Field in Arlington
Opened in 1994, this field is home to the Texas Rangers baseball team. Located in Arlington, the ballpark offers several modern features, such as the 17,000-square-foot Legends of the Game Baseball Museum and the Rangers Walk of Fame, which spans the entire perimeter of the building. The 270-acre complex also includes a 12-acre lake, parks and recreation space, and a four-storey office building within the ballpark. The actual baseball field is 22 feet below street level and the park's seating capacity is more than 49,000. Regular season home game tickets range from USD5 to USD40. One-hour tours are organised.
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Amon Carter Museum
The Amon Carter Museum has one of the largest permanent collections of American Art. The art work consists of pieces from the 1830's to the late 20th Century from great American artists such as Alexander Calder, Thomas Cole, Thomas Eakins, Georgia O'Keeffe, and Alfred Stieglitz. There is also a permanent exhibit of Amon Carter's personal collection of Frederic Remington and Charles M. Russell, who are considered to be the best artists of the American West. With more than 30,000 prints, the museum has one of the finest photography collections in the US.
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ArtCentre of Plano
This art center is bringing a world of refinement to the ever-growing city of Plano. Exhibits have included batiks by Jun Ye of China and photographs of Guanajuato, Mexico by June Van Cleef. Eclectic productions range from a show of the Golden Rod Puppets by the Hobey Ford Troupe to classical guitar performed by Robert Bluestone. Every third Friday of each month at 7p is poetry night. Various featured poets are highlighted, and an open-mike session follows. Admission and exhibits are always free; however, performance prices vary.
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Barry Whistler Gallery
The works of contemporary abstractionists, folk artists and photographers fill the Barry Whistler Gallery located in downtown Dallas, near City Hall. Barry was once curator of the Bath House Cultural Center
This small museum was the city's first neighborhood community cultural center. Once a bathhouse for swimmers at White Rock Lake, the serene setting offers a step away from the ordinary. Focusing on multi-cultural art and music programs, exhibits offer a glimpse into other lifestyles and beliefs. In their 3-gallery space they present 16-20 art exhibitions each year. Some of their exhibitions include 'Corazon', 'Digno', 'Zoomorph', and many others. In addition, live music performances of jazz, harp and saxophone are scheduled to accentuate current displays. The museum remains open until 10p on nights with theatre performances. Admission is free for art exhibits. Concerts carry a separate charge to be determined by performer or sponsoring group.
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Billy Bob's Texas
Just north of downtown in the historic Black Academy of Arts & Letters
Founded in 1979, this nonprofit organization was formerly known as the Junior Black Academy of Arts and Letters. Today it gives Dallas a variety of cultural offerings and is the best attended of Dallas' African-American theaters. Most of the performances are touring shows on the national Black Theater Circuit. An annual tribute to Martin Luther King, Jr. features local gospel choirs, international drum and dance by the KanKouran West African Dance company, poetry, art, and many film screenings. Offices and performance space are located inside the Dallas Convention Center complex. Cost varies per type of production.
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Cathedral Santuario de Guadalupe
This historic landmark, built in 1898-1902 by an architect whose identity remains a mystery, is the sentinel to not only the Catholic Church, but also the essence of a bygone era. This Gothic Revival church has survived monumental changes in the landscape of downtown Dallas. It is built of locally produced brick, and renovations over the decades have retained the integrity and dignity of the original structure. This church has served as the base for Dallas' Roman Catholic Bishop since its completion in 1902. Remember to enjoy the exterior of the building without disturbing Mass.
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Cattle Raisers Museum
This fascinating, interactive museum is part of the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Foundation's efforts to preserve the heritage of ranch life in the Old West. Opened in 1981, the museum educates and entertains 25,000 visitors annually. Hands-on exhibits, a theater presentation, talking mannequins and authentic artifacts illustrate the days of cowboys, cattle barons and Texas Rangers. Admission is $3 for adults, $2 for ages 60 and up and ages 12 to 18, $1 for ages 4 to 12, and free for children under 4 and school groups.
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Cavanaugh Flight Museum
An education, non-profit institution, this museum showcases flying machines important to history. The aviation fan will find the heritage from a century of flight, including the warbirds such as the Sopwith Camel, P-51 Mustang and German Me-109. Many of the planes still fly; visitors are encourage to spend time in conversation with mechanics who keep the machines in the air-worthy.
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Cedar Hill State Park
In the far southwest corner of Dallas County is a hilly patch of landscape called the Cedar Mountains, which can be a bit misleading. Nevertheless, this 1,826-acre preserve feels utterly rural, in spite of its proximity to urban life. Within the park are several elements that make it a destination for the outdoor enthusiast: Joe Pool Lake, one of the larger reservoirs in North Texas, offers about 100 miles of shoreline; more than 350 improved campsites and 30 primitive campsites punctuate the woodsy spread; and living history plays out at a reconstructed 1800s village called Penn Farm Agricultural History Center. The park is a primary destination for mountain bikers and birders, too.
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Cedar Ridge Preserve
The beauty of Texas' nature can be experienced first-hand with a hike through this 630-acre preserve. With guided and self-guided tours available along the ten miles of wooded trails, outdoor enthusiasts can wander up to the Escarpment Nature Preserve, the highest point in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Along the way you can view ponds, wildflowers and a butterfly garden before arriving at vistas and an observation tower. The trails vary in difficulty. All are natural terrain paved with rock, mulch or dirt. They are designed for foot traffic only, and bikes or roller blades are not allowed. Hikes can last anywhere from 15 minutes to three hours, depending upon selected trail. A snack bar, gift shop and amphitheater are also scattered on the preserve grounds.
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Comanche Peak Electric Station
Owned and operated by TXU Energy and named for the nearby mesa that was given this moniker ages ago by Native Americans who lived in the area, this nuclear-fueled power plant is found in Somervell County near the town of Glen Rose. About a 90-minute drive from Dallas and a 45-minute drive from Fort Worth, Comanche Peak has a visitors center, open by appointment only, that tells the story about nuclear power.
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Craighead-Green Gallery
While enjoying time in the Arts District, be sure to stop at the Craighead-Green Gallery. Founded in 1992 by Kenneth Craighead and Steven Green, the gallery is known for displaying quality art in a variety of media by both established artists and emerging talent. If you visit in the summer, you may be able to view the independently juried group show, 'New Texas Talent'.
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Dallas Arboretum
Off the shores of White Rock Lake lies the garden of a lifetime. Sure to make anyone green with envy, the 66 acres of lush, perfectly manicured landscapes hold a treasure trove of trees, bushes and flowers. Quaint and quiet walkways meander throughout the grounds, with countless coves. Also located on the grounds is the DeGolyer House, a 1940s-style Spanish mansion. Tours of the house and its sculpture garden are offered. The Johnson Color Gardens, the Woman's Garden and the Lay Ornamental Garden with water walls are exquisite features of the picturesque grounds. The admission prices are $8 for adults, $7 for seniors (65+), $5 for children aged 3-12yrs. The charge for on-site parking is $5.
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Dallas Arts District
One of the largest urban cultural districts nationwide, the Dallas Arts District is home to numerous performing and visual arts venues. Visitors will marvel at unique masterpieces on display in the district's museums and galleries. World-class culture abounds with ongoing art, music, drama and dance performances. The Dallas Children's Museum
This museum is a completely hands-on exhibit. A variety of well-planned play areas give children the opportunity to shop for groceries, produce a puppet show, involve themselves in computer games and much more. Games, art and music areas abound with plenty of toys and will delight children of all ages with different interests. Admission is $3 for adults; $2 seniors; $4 for children 2 and up; free for children under 2. Group rates are available. More »
Dallas Convention and Visitors Bureau
The Dallas CVB is the office that works both with groups coming to meet in Dallas and in the function of dispensing a wealth of visitor information for all travelers coming to town for work or play. If you're looking for complete listings of museums, shopping centers, hotels, restaurants, places to take kids and much more, this office distributes plenty of free literature. The easiest place to access this service is at the Visitor Information Center at the historic Old Red Courthouse downtown, which has touch-screen kiosks and friendly staffers.
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Dallas County Historical Plaza
Reaching across the space behind (east) of the Old Red Courthouse on the edge of downtown, this plaza has long been home to the John Neely Bryan cabin, the first home of the pioneer credited with settling Dallas. In early 2006, the cabin had been moved temporarily while an underground parking garage was being built beneath the plaza. What you can see at this time is the stark but deeply moving John F. Kennedy Memorial, a tribute to the slain president and a work by the late, renowned architect Philip Johnson.
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Dallas Farmer's Market
With roots reaching back to the 1880s, the Dallas Farmers Market has been one of the centers of culinary and agricultural interest in North Texas for decades. Found downtown near City Hall, the farmers market is one of the rare places where the public buys produce, plants, fresh flowers and food goods directly from the farmers or other producers.
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Dallas Heritage Village at Old City Park
The city’s oldest park--an accredited history museum--is home to 38 restored historic buildings spread over 13 acres of parkland on the edge of downtown Dallas. Visitors have the choice of self-guided tours or can reserve a private, docent-led 90-minute tour of the Village’s Settler and Victorian homes, church, school, commercial Main Street, and more. The tour operates seasonally; check the website for the latest offerings and special events. During spring and fall a select number of historic buildings are populated with living history characters who talk with you about their lives, speaking in the vernacular of the 19th century. There are also farm animals on site.
The Dallas County Heritage Society oversees the park and organizes events year-round, including the Candlelight Country Fair and an Old Fashioned Fourth of July. More »
Dallas Holocaust Museum - Center for Education and Tolerance
A wide variety of artifacts remind us of the tragedy which we must never forget. Among the graphic reminders on display is an actual boxcar that was used to transport victims to their death. Rotating exhibits from all over the world stop here on a regular basis. Call ahead to learn about the special current and upcoming displays. Tours led by a Holocaust survivor can be arranged by appointment.
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Dallas J. Erik Jonsson Central Public Library
Dallas' Central Public Library's namesake is J. Erik Jonsson, a civic leader who worked for Texas Instruments. In honor of his heritage, the library has a handcrafted scale model of an eighth-century Viking ship, the Drakkar, in permanent exhibit on the second floor Children's Center. The library's copy of the Declaration of Independence may be viewed in the Declaration of Independence Room on the seventh floor. While there you should check out the First Folio, the authentic first printing (in 1623) of William Shakespeare's plays. If your visit is more literary in nature, roomy aisles and shelves hold a tremendous collection worthy of a large city's main library. The wooden library tables and chairs create a comfortable atmosphere in which to study or read for enjoyment.
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Dallas Market Center
Dallas Market Center, located on 175 acres just minutes northeast of Downtown Dallas, includes Market Hall, the World Trade Center, the Dallas Trade Center, the International Menswear Mart and the Aparrel Mart. While most of the buildings are generally not open to the public, Market Hall is privately owned and hosts numerous arts-and-craft shows, antique shows, boat shows and various other events throughout the year. The Infomart, also considered part of this huge complex, is known as the world's largest high-tech information resource center. Some offices, trade shows, computer classes and exhibits are open to the public. The timings of public shows vary.
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Dallas Museum of Art
The cornerstone feature of the Arts District, this museum holds a renowned collection of treasures and timeless exhibits. Permanent collections include "Ten Treasures," highlighting the key areas of the museum's interests and the "Wendy & Emery Reves Collection," a personal gathering of quality pieces from their mansion. A multitude of temporary exhibits travel into and out of various galleries. Previous exhibits have included "Degas to Picasso: Painters, Sculptors and the Camera", "Watch the Skies! The Art of David Weisner" and "Art in Post-Revolutionary Mexico". A restaurant and café are located in the museum to quench your appetite. Extensive selections of books, posters and designer items are available for purchase in the Museum Store.
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Dallas Museum of Natural History
This collections-based, research-driven museum, founded in 1936, has a vast collection of rare and extinct wildlife, rocks and minerals, and the first mounted dinosaur in Texas. Each exhibit portrays a distinct era in the natural diversity of the state. Working archaeologists and paleontologists ensure the continued growth of each intricate exhibit as well as a deeper understanding of what it represents. Permanent exhibits include a paleontology lab, a wildlife diorama, Lagoon Nature Walk and Prehistoric Texas. The highlight exhibit is a reconstructed dinosaur discovered in Wise County, just west of Fort Worth. Collections range from mammals, birds and fish to rocks and minerals, insects and gastropods. Special temporary exhibits are displayed throughout the year and have included Ramses the Great and Elephants!
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Dallas Theater Center
You will thoroughly enjoy seeing a play in this beautiful theater. It's the only one in America designed by the famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Both lifelong residents and visitors to the city appreciate the diversity of performances that range from a lighthearted Oscar Wilde or Neil Simon play to a thought-provoking historical drama. If you are planning to visit the city in late March, be sure to catch the annual Dallas Video Festival. The center is actually a complex composed of the Kalita Humphreys Theater built in 1959 and the barn like Arts District Theater (located at 2401 Flora Street), which was built in the 1980s.
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Dallas World Aquarium & Zoological Gardens
Discover a South American rainforest filled with unique plants and animals such as monkeys, colorful toucans, crocodiles, manatees and otters. The aquarium portion features 85,000-gallons of saltwater with marine life from around the world. Rare sea dragons, giant clams and endangered sea turtles are but a few of the intriguing animals on display. An outdoor lagoon-like exhibit features Black-footed penguins. See their website for information on special exhibits and prices.
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Dallas Zoo
This refuge encompasses 95 acres of exotic and traditional zoo animals. Its entrance is marked by the tallest statue in Texas, a 67.5 foot giraffe that greets visitors. The Wilds of Africa attraction includes the chimpanzee forest, the gorilla center and an aviary on a quarter-mile nature trail where six natural habitats are featured: forest, mountain, woodland, river, desert and brush. A 20-minute monorail ride runs the course of the attraction and costs an additional fee. The ZooNorth attraction includes a bird and reptile building, children's zoo with touchable animals, cheetah exhibit and birds of prey, as well as elephants, giraffes, flamingos and other traditional animals.
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Dallas-Ft. Worth Airport
Opened in 1974, DFW is the nation's second largest airport in terms of land mass at nearly 30 square miles. Situated in the cities of Grapevine, Irving, Euless, and Coppell, the airport is about 25 minutes from either downtown Dallas or downtown Fort Worth by car or taxi, traffic permitting. The airport is also served by Super Shuttle and the Trinity Railway Express (TRE), rail service to both downtowns. Offering 165 gates and 170 non-stop flights to domestic and international destinations, generating $14.5 billion annually for the North Texas economy, and handling about 60 million passengers per year, DFW is the third-busiest airport in the world. Of the five terminals, Terminal D is the newest, opening in late 2005 with an outstanding art collection, as well as shopping and dining. Passengers can move from one terminal to another in 3 minutes by using the new Skylink rail system.
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Deep Ellum
Travel three blocks east of Downtown Dallas and you will find Deep Ellum. It is a conglomerate of unique shops, eclectic restaurants and residential lofts. Previously deserted historic buildings and warehouses are now thriving with people eating, working, living and playing. Deep Ellum is home to numerous clubs, featuring an array of music, from blues and jazz to reggae and alternative rock, but it is also home to various theatrical and artistic venues. For a sampling of the best music the district has to offer, come out on the first Friday of any month, where you will get into five participating clubs for five dollars. Credit card acceptance varies from store to store.
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Dinosaur Valley State Park
This park lies about 90 minutes southwest of Dallas and nearly an hour southwest of Fort Worth just outside the town of Glen Rose. Some experts agree that the limestone riverbed beneath the clear waters of the Paluxy River contain some of the world's best preserved dinosaur footprints.
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Empty Walls Gallery
If you are interested in viewing a variety of works in a single location, stop by Empty Walls, located in the Preston Royal Shopping Village. Recent exhibits include the works of Michael McWillie, known for his whimsical dog paintings, and those of Shawna Lee Chovanec, a 14-year-old prodigy. Along with a large collection of paintings, antique bookplates are also available. Empty Walls also offers custom framing and a large number of frames, fabrics and mats are available.
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Fair Park
This historic site sprawls over 227 acres and embraces one of the nation's largest collections of Art Deco buildings. Built in 1936, Fair Park is registered as a National Historic Landmark. It was built by the WPA to house the Texas Centennial celebration of independence from Mexico. Fair Park boasts an inspiring list of museums including the African American Museum, Age of Steam Railroad Museum, Dallas Museum of Natural History, The Science Place, Music Hall (home to Dallas Opera and Dallas Summer Musicals), Dallas Aquarium and Dallas Horticulture Center. You will also find concerts at the outdoor Coca Cola Starplex, college football in the Cotton Bowl, and the annual There is no charge to enter Fair Park. Charges vary for each museum. More »
Freedman's Cemetery Memorial
This memorial honors former slaves buried in the Freedman's Cemetery. The cemetery was developed in the 1850's near Freedman's town, the post-Civil War cultural, social and economic center of the African-American community. When Central Expressway was widened several years ago, a number of graves were moved; some still remain, however. An arched granite gate now stands at the site entrance. Niches on either side contain symbolic sculptures by David Newton. Admission is free.
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Frontiers of Flight Museum
An assembly of artifacts celebrates the history of flight. From Leonardo Da Vinci to the Space Age, each display is carefully organized to provide in-depth information on aircraft history. Displayed artifacts are on loan from the University of Texas at Dallas' Collection of Flight, one of the largest aviation archives in the country. Display highlights include one of the first aviation licenses issued in the U.S. and the largest unburned piece from the Hindenburg, a radio operator's stool. Additional sections include women in aviation, lighter-than-air flight, commercial airliners, personal and business-style aircraft, airplane racing and an overview of Love Field airport.
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Gilley's
The storied Gilley's in Pasadena was the setting for the hit 1980s movie called Urban Cowboy, but it closed years ago. This Dallas version has grown beyond the honky-tonk confines to be a multi-purpose entertainment center, hosting country music, along with jazz and boxing events.
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Greenville Avenue
The stretch of Greenville Avenue from Ross Avenue to Mockingbird Lane comes alive each night when both locals and visitors flock to the myriad of unique shops, restaurants and clubs. Located just northeast of Downtown Dallas, the district is divided into three parts - Upper, Lower and Lowest Greenville. While Upper Greenville is best known for its cosmopolitan services, Lower Greenville offers an assortment of one-of-a-kind shops and outdoor dining, speckled along an historic 1920s neighborhood. Lowest Greenville's free-spirited atmosphere is obvious in the mix of antique shops, homey pubs and ethnic restaurants. Credit card acceptance varies from store to store.
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Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge
Roughly two hours north of Dallas on Lake Texoma, which is a giant reservoir formed by the damming of the Red River, this national wildlife preserve is a favorite destination for birders. Hiking is popular around the wild lands, too, where there are plenty of marshes that attract migratory birds in the winter months.
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Heritage Farmstead Museum
This historically correct museum is dedicated to safeguarding the history of farm life on the Texas prairie from 1890 to 1920. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this four-acre site is accredited by the American Association of Museums. You will be able to view a restored 14-bedroom Victorian farmhouse with its original outbuildings, gardens and smokehouse along with a blacksmith's shop and farm animals. Period-dressed volunteers give guided tours.
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Homestead Winery
Nestled in the heart of historical downtown Grapevine, this converted home is a cozy place to enjoy an afternoon of wine tasting. The wines come from Gabe and Barbara Parker's winery located in Ivanhoe, Texas. The selection includes 12 wines and one sherry—choose four for only $5. For groups, Homestead Winery offers tastings for as little as $12.50 per person. You can host an event in their tasting room or outdoors. When you are finished, take a stroll and try one of the many great restaurants in the surrounding area.
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Irving Convention and Visitors Bureau
The Irving Convention and Visitors Bureau is a customised travel information center for vistors. It offers group tours and general information regarding accomadation, sightseeing and transportation in and around Irving. The Convention Centre provides a media center for meetings and conferences as well as organising events for clients.
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John Fitzgerald Kennedy Memorial
Dallas chose to honor the memory of storybook President Kennedy by erecting this monument. This 30-foot-high, 50-foot-square monument was erected in 1970. The open-air structure in the historic West End, resembles an ancient tomb. It is the first memorial by famed American architect and Kennedy family friend, Philip Johnson. The monument, built with the help of private donations from the citizens of Dallas, is open 24 hours daily and is lighted at night.
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Knox-Henderson
Crossing North Central Expressway just a short distance north of downtown, this retail thoroughfare is Knox Street to the west of the freeway and Henderson to the east. The mixture of vintage brick buildings and contemporary structures is a good example of the urban renewal that fills Dallas' older neighborhoods.
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La Buena Vida Vineyards - Grapevine
For more than a decade La Buena Vida Vineyards in Grapevine has lured thirsty locals and visitors to North Texas with its fresh approach to wine tasting. Pay homage to Bacchus (the Roman god of wine) in its calm, accommodating atmosphere complete with Spanish-tiled fountains and lush landscaping. Post up at the turn of the century bar inside and taste award winning Texas wines. Wine gets better with age as does La Buena Vida, staying true to the Texas history of viticulture spanning three centuries. The risk of anything but fun is low at La Buena Vida's Sippin' Saturdays held weekly. The alluring sounds of live music intermingle with chill conversations as patrons wine down at Dallas-Fort Worth's best kept wine secret. The Vineyards also serve as a tranquil escape from the daily grind and can be a place to pick up some knowledge on wine. Qualified "wineologists" hook up customers with interesting tid-bits of information such as the difference between crisp and creamy vino.
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Las Colinas Urban Center
Exxon, Zales Jewelers and hundreds of other corporations call the contemporary business complex in Irving home. Carefully landscaped with a lake and canal, Las Colinas rises from ranchlands northwest of Dallas, with easy convenience to DFW Airport.
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Lone Star Park
Lone Star Park is a 36,000-square-foot pavilion featuring quarter horse racing annually from April through July. Off-season simulcast races are presented on over 175 television monitors and video walls. The facilities include a large, supervised playground, restaurant, abundant parking and an outdoor patio. Drive-through paramutual betting windows are available for those who don't want to leave their cars. Special family events are often held on weekends. An adult must accompany children under 18. Admission is $3 and parking is $2.
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Majestic Theatre
The sole survivor of the 1920s movie palaces, this restored showplace is an honored venue for a variety of perfomers. It has helped breathe new life into the Arts District. Gilded and ornate, its prestige sweeps patrons into a lost time. This venue seats just over 1,600. It hosts the Majestic Broadway Series during the Dallas Summer Musicals festival as well as the world-renowned Dallas Black Dance Theater. Additional commercial performers have one-night only or multiple night runs. Admission varies depending upon performance.
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McFarlin Auditorium
An amazing array of artists and speakers visit this auditorium to inform and delight Dallas audiences with their talents and knowledge. Originally built in 1926, McFarlin was initially constructed so that Southern Methodist University would have a chapel and auditorium large enough to hold the entire student body. Since that time, the auditorium has increasingly been used as an entertainment venue. Past speakers and performers include Elton John, Bob Hope, Will Rogers, Jr., Helen Hayes, The Kronos Quartet, Marvin Hamlisch, William F. Buckley and many others. The auditorium seats 2,398.Parking: You can park at the southeast corner of the building. However, you should arrive early, carpool or plan to walk a bit from surrounding street parking spots or other campus lots. More »
McKinney Avenue Contemporary (The)
Opened in 1994, this is the first venue in North Texas where contemporary arts in all forms can be explored and presented under one roof. This forum establishes a unique dialogue between artists and audiences. The artist's role in society is cultivated and supported through education and innovative programming. An advocate for creative freedom, the dual galleries have hosted an array of exhibits and lecture series by nationally and internationally known artists. Admission is free.
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McKinney Avenue Trolley
Dallas historic trolley system transports visitors and residents along a three-mile stretch from downtown to uptown McKinney Avenue seven days a week, 365 days a year. Workers discovered the original trolley tracks under layers of asphalt and concrete in 1983, and today five authentic streetcars use those restored lines, preserving a piece of Dallas history. In the future, the city plans to extend the tracks to run farther south into the West End Historic District. Current stops include the Meadows Museum
Few cities outside of Spain have a finer collection of Spanish art than what is exhibited in this Dallas museum. The funds to construct it were donated by oil magnate Algur H. Meadows back in the 1960s and was built in memory of his first wife. The nearby Elizabeth Meadows sculpture garden was inspired by Mr. Meadow's love for his second wife. The museum's permanent collection includes such works as Velasquez's "Sibyl With Tabula Rasa," Picasso's "Still LIfe in a Landscape" and Goya's "Yard With Madmen." The sculpture garden includes works by both Rodin and Claes Oldenburg.
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Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center
This venue is an outstanding accomplishment both architecturally and culturally. Noted as having some of the finest acoustics in America, the hall is the crown jewel of the Arts District downtown. The center was opened in 1989 and is hallmarked by the Lay Family Organ. Rising the full height of the concert chamber behind the stage, the organ is one of the largest mechanical action organs ever built for a concert hall. The center stage is home to the One-hour public tours are offered each Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Tours start at 1pm, performance schedule permitting. There is no fee for the tour. Group tours are available for parties of 15 or more by appointment. Performance times vary. More »
Music Hall At Fair Park
The Music Hall was dedicated to 'the good, the true and the beautiful', in 1925. It is located in Fair Park, which itself is a renowned landmark. Originally designed in Spanish Baroque style coupled with Moorish influences, the Music Hall boasts of six soaring stair towers and five arcade porches overlooking panoramic views of the park. Broadway favorites such as 'Les Miserables', 'Miss Saigon', 'The Phantom of the Opera', 'Aida', and 'Madam Butterfly' have performed here. It is also home to the Dallas Summer Musicals in summer (May-October) and the Dallas Opera in winter. Tickets must be booked online.
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Mustangs of Las Colinas
It took seven years for world-renowned wildlife sculptor Robert Glen to complete the larger-than-life sized herd of wild Mustangs. Since its installation in 1984, the Mustangs of Las Colinas have been among the most photographed and visited sites in North Texas. Known as the largest equestrian sculpture in the world, the Mustangs are a breathtaking sight honoring both the heritage and spirit of Texas. An exhibition center is located across the plaza and is open Tuesday-Saturday from 10a-6p. Informative films on actual mustangs as well as the creation of the sculpture are available for viewing. Admission is free.
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Nasher Sculpture Center
The Nasher Sculpture Center is widely considered the largest single collection of sculpture in the world. Begun by a Dallas developer in the 1950s with a few pieces of pre-Columbian art found in Mexico, the collection now encompasses a great many works by living artists. Indoor and outdoor galleries feature work by well-known names, including Picasso, Miro, Moore, and Matisse. An on-site cafe adds to the visiting pleasure.
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National Scouting Museum
Opened in New Jersey in 1959 and moved to Kentucky in 1986, the scouting museum found a permanent, spectacular new home in Irving in 2002. Its purpose is to preserve the scouting heritage and story while illustrating the influence and impact of the Boy Scouts of America on our culture.
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Nokia Live At Grand Prairie
The Nokia Theatre, regarded as the first of its kind plays host to concerts of different genres, from entertainment to music concerts to family shows. With a capacity to accomodate upto 6350, the theatre has state-of-the-art amenities and exceptional acoustics to match. It also offers business facilities like meeting rooms that have been occupied by Fortune 500 companies, such as Microsoft and Capital One.
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Old Red Courthouse
The Old Red Courthouse is an outstanding feature of the Dallas County Historic Plaza. It was built in 1892 in Romanesque Revival style. It is constructed of rough-cut, red pecos sandstone and trimmed in Arkansas blue granite. The courthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a City of Dallas Landmark and a Recorded Texas Historical Landmark. Four prior courthouses have graced the same location. The Visitor Information Center is on the ground level, and the high tech Internet Cafe is housed in one of the turrets.
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Olde Fan Museum (The)
Children and adults will love this collection. Rows and rows of antique fans are everywhere. Here you will see the first electric ceiling fan dated at about 1885. One display shows that rubber blades were once tried as an option to metal. The oldest fans in the museum come with a cast-iron base and motor housing covered with Art Deco. Perhaps the oddest fan on display consists of a tall metal bar with a thin crosspiece at the top and a paddle at the end of each crosspiece. The fan was to be placed in the center of the table at mealtime. As it revolved, it would assure flies did not bother you during your meal. This collection presents a great opportunity to show a little piece of oddball history to your children and is enjoyable to adults as well. Admission is free.
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Palace of Wax / Ripley's Believe It or Not
Enjoy seeing wax replicas of some of your favorite celebrities at this combined Wax/Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum. The Ripley's Believe It or Not! portion of the museum holds such unusual wonders as a 7-foot Leaning Tower of Pisa. This site truly has something for every taste. There are movie scenes from Gone with the Wind and The Wizard of Oz and a beautiful exhibit on the Life of Christ. The horror section may make you jump it's so lifelike. House sculptor Peter Carsillo is a former makeup artist who does a wonderful job creating the wax characters.
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Pioneer Plaza
An amazing bronze sculpture of a lifelike cattle drive graces this 4.2-acre plaza in front of City Hall and the Convention Center. It was originally the site of the Shawnee Cattle Trail, begun in 1854. The nationally acclaimed artist and native Texan Robert Summers sculpted the piece. The site is great for photos, and kids love to climb the sculptures. Watch out though; in summer they can get pretty hot.
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Reunion Tower
This Dallas landmark has graced the downtown skyline for 21 years. Three levels of activity top the 50-story structure, which are encircled in a dome of lights. The triangle formations of the structural cylinders encase the elevators that carry passengers to the top levels in 68 seconds. For the more actively inclined, an 837-step stairwell is located in the middle of the tower. Over 200 lights add shimmer to the geodesic dome, which can be programmed to form an infinite number of patterns. Some of the more famous include "The Electric Moon," "Texas Raindrops" and "Dallas Disco Fever." The tower opened in 1978, just two years after construction began and only five years after its conception. The Lookout is the lowest of the upper levels and provides both an indoor and outdoor observation area. Visitors can view many points of interest throughout the Dallas area from 360-degrees. Admission is $2 for adults, $1 for seniors (age 65 and over) and children (age 3-12).
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Samuell-Grand Park
One of the oldest city parks in Dallas, Samuell-Grand is also one of the more beautiful. In addition to its 78 acres of rolling landscape with walking/running/biking trails, there is a swimming pool and tennis courts, as well as golf at the adjacent Tenison Park. Samuell-Grand is home also to Dallas' Shakespeare Festival, held on summer evenings in the park's amphitheater.
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Science Place
Using their senses, children of all ages can understand why and how things work. From the solar system to honey bees, dinosaurs to sound waves, the thrill of discovery is found through hands-on exhibits, workshops and special programs. Each exhibit is designed to make the wonders of science and mathematics fun to learn. Exhibits include a dental gallery, dinosaur dig, physics gallery, medical gallery, electric theater and laser lab. The planetarium produces programs exploring the far reaches of space. Features have included Comets, Asteroids and Meteors, the Constellation Hunt and special clips from NASA shuttle programs. The IMAX theater features true adventures in a larger-than-life format. Presentations are shown on a 79-foot domed screen with accompanying surround-sound system.
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Six Flags Hurricane Harbor
Located outside the city of Dallas in Arlington, this is a great escape for the family when things get too hot in the city. Open all summer, roughly from Memorial Day through Labor Day, the park features thrill rides and family rides that leave everyone refreshed and pleased at the end of a long day of fun. Tickets: General admission USD30, Guests under 48 inches tall USD23, senior(55+)/disabled USD23, children 2 & under FREE, parking USD7, preferred parking USD10. Hours of operation vary seasonally, so call for details.
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Six Flags Over Texas
Often referred to as "The Entertainment Capital of Texas," Six Flags offers 200 acres of rides, shows and attractions. For 38 years, this family amusement park has delighted Texans and others from around the world. Ride the 109-foot-tall "Batman the Ride," which travels up to 50 miles per hour and watch stuntmen perform as Wild West gunslingers in an action-filled street shootout. General Admission: $39.99 for adults, $19.99 for seniors and children under 48 inches. Rates vary during the winter months. Parking is $8 per car. The park is usually closed between early January and early March, reopens daily for two weeks in March and then opens on weekends until the area schools let out in late May. Phone ahead or visit the website to check on any schedule changes. Timings vary widely by month and season.
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Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza
This is a permanent exhibition of the tragic events leading to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Opened in 1989, the museum is located in the Texas School Book Depository building, where Lee Harvey Oswald allegedly shot the late President. Displays include a moving overview of the time period as well as the life and accomplishments of the 35th President of the United States. Enlarged police photographs, news footage and audiocassettes allow visitors to re-visit the tragic events of November 22, 1963. Visiting the Sixth Floor of the Texas School Book Depository Building can be an unnerving experience, especially for anyone who has memories of the actual assassination -- and who doesn't since the media makes Nov. 22 a national event each year. Looking out the windows toward Dealy Plaza, you're struck by how short the distance is to where the presidential motorcade drove by. Who knows who shot JFK (the Warren Commission notwithstanding) but it will give you pause seeing that Oswald's alleged shots may have been easier than photography or newsreels would indicate.
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South Dallas Cultural Center
Located in South Dallas, the Cultural Center displays African American art. Anitra Blayton, a Fort Worth artist with an extensive exhibition history, recently displayed a multi-media show called "Allegory of Faith". The Center offers art classes and hosts a regular Marketplace, where original works of art are sold. It also has a theater facility as well as a gym where you can enjoy live jazz every third Friday.
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Southern Methodist University
This private, four-year, liberal arts university has an enrollment of just over 9,000 students. People from more than 80 countries and all 50 states come to study on this campus. Though named after the Methodist denomination, students from every religious background are welcome. SMU has been ranked by U.S. News and World Report as one of the top 100 national universities. In addition to its fine undergraduate degree programs, SMU offers graduate degrees through its Underwood School of Law, Perkins School of Theology and Cox School of Business. Other graduate programs are also available.
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Southfork Ranch
The homestead of the fictional Ewing family has become the "world's most famous ranch." The sprawling acreage of this North Texas ranch is located 20 miles north of downtown Dallas and, although the long-running television series Dallas has been off the air for several years, the mansion and grounds are still a popular place to visit. Tram tours carry guests on a voyage through the history of the series every half-hour throughout the day. The Ewing mansion is the key point of the tour, offering insight to the characters and filming of the series. Shopping is available at Lincolns and Longhorns, where inspired clothing is sold, and at Ranch Roundup, focusing primarily on souvenir merchandise. Snacks and beverages can be found at Miss Ellie's Deli. Admission is $7.95 for adults, $6.95 for seniors, $5.95 for children (age 4-12).
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Stockyards Station
Stockyards Station occupies a corner of the Stockyards National Historic District that once served as livestock pens in the late 1800s. The old clay brick walkways are still in place, but the complex has been renovated to house a number of shops, restaurants, watering holes, and galleries. The Stockyards Visitors Center sits adjacent to the station, with a small children?s amusement park features a lovely old carousel and several other rides behind it. A few steps beyond is a livery stable, where you can saddle up to ride a horse along the Trinity River. Through the middle of Stockyards Station are train tracks, where you can board the Grapevine Vintage Railroad for a nostalgic round trip to and from the nearby city of Grapevine.
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Swiss Avenue Historic District
This 22-block area is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and the homes represent several architectural styles, including Mediterranean, Spanish, Georgian, Prairie School and English Tudor. Approximately 200 carefully preserved and restored homes line Swiss Avenue. As modern amenities became necessities, water, sewage and telephone lines were installed in alleys to preserve the authentic architecture of the area. The district includes portions of Bryan Street, La Vista Avenue, Live Oak Street, Swiss Avenue and Bryan Parkway. The success of Swiss Avenue has inspired preservation in other Dallas neighborhoods as well, leaving the city with several historic districts, both residential and non-residential.One is free to tour the neighborhood during the day. The Dallas Museum of Art offers a guided tour on cassette tape, complete with directions, as well as interesting facts about the homes and the leaders who built them.
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Texas Motor Speedway
This speedway was the first to host a Winston Cup Series Race and is ranked the second largest sports facility in the United States and is also the third largest worldwide. Seating is available for up to 150,000 fans, not including the 194 skybox VIP suites. The front grandstand is two-thirds of a mile in length and refreshment stands are located every 250 feet. The complex includes a 23 acre lake for water competitions and a new oval dirt track that features some of the most exciting racing available. Ticket prices vary from USD10-USD125 depending upon the event. Tours are available for USD6 adult and USD4 children over 4 years of age.
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Texas Stadium
Located in Irving, Texas Stadium is universally recognized for its design and as the home of the five-time World Champion Dallas Cowboys. Besides hosting both pre-season and regular season NFL games, the stadium is popular for concerts, festivals, events and even private parties. Daily one-hour tours are available throughout the year except on game days or during special events. Some of the highlights of the tour include the spectacular view of the entire field from the Stadium Club, sneaking a peek at a luxury box and going inside the Cowboys' actual locker room. Go to Gate 8, where you will begin and end your tour at the Dallas Cowboys Pro Shop. Call ahead for reservations and ticket prices.
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Thanks-Giving Square
This spiral-shaped chapel was designed by Philip Johnson, the noted American architect, and features stained glass by Gabriel Loire. It honors the spirit of gratitude as it is represented in world religions. The chapel comprises just part of this lovely downtown oasis, which includes the Bell Tower, a garden, walkways with reflecting pools and waterfalls. Allow one half hour to tour. Group tours are arranged by appointment. Admission is free.
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The Galleria
Opened after the Galleria in Houston, this monument to retail magnificence has been a prime destination for generations of shoppers. A recent, multi-million-dollar renovation gave it a sprucing up to lure the crowds that may have been distracted by newer, flashier shopping centers. Big name stores to note here include Macy's, Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue, and the glitzy names among specialty stores include Tiffany & Co., Versace, Armani, Louis Vitton, BCBG, Cartier and Gucci. Numerous restaurants are on site, and valet parking is available thanks to the adjacent Westin Hotel.
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Trammell & Margaret Crow Collection of Asian Art
This fine collection of Asian art includes more than 300 paintings, sculptures and architectural items that have been part of the personal collection of real estate czar Trammell Crow and his wife for more than 30 years. Although originally acquired for personal enjoyment, many pieces in this vast collection are museum quality. Highlights include a 120-item exhibit from the Crows' 1,200 piece Chinese jade collection, the world's second-largest impeccable crystal ball (19th century Japanese), plus several Japanese paintings and antique Indian stone statues. Although some objects date from 3,500 B.C., most are less than 400 years old. Adjacent to the museum you will find the Trammel Crow Center with its shaded sculpture garden featuring delights such as Rodin's Genius of Eternal Rest, Maillol's Nymph With Flowers and Bourdelle's Horse for Alvear Monument. Admission to the museum is free.
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Union Station
A beautiful relic from long-ago Dallas, Union Station was built in 1916 in the Beaux Arts style to serve rail passengers as Dallas began to boom as a financial center of the Southwest. A major facelift in the 1990s restored it to its original elegance, and the station continues to serve Amtrak and DART light-rail passengers. It's connected to the Hyatt Reunion and Reunion Tower.
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Victory Park
Anchored by the American Airlines Center -- or AAC, as it's commonly called by the throngs regularly attending Dallas Mavericks and Dallas Stars games -- Victory Park is a $1 billion project and is expected to be one of the most dynamic urban centers to open in the nation. The 72-acre spread will host Dallas' first W Hotel & Residences, which will be topped by the "ultra lounge" Ghost Bar. LED screens will show videos on the sides of two five-story retail buildings; among noted dining destinations will be Craft, a famous New York import. Victory will be connected to the rest of Dallas by DART light-rail, and the center will be the terminus of the Katy Trail, a hike-bike trail coursing through central Dallas and eastward to White Rock Lake.
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West Village
An exceedingly hip new multipurpose urban center in Dallas' Uptown neighborhood, the West Village acts as a bridge between vintage and contemporary Big D. Situated along the old brick stretch of McKinney Avenue, this shopping-entertainment-office-apartment development has become a destination for locals and visitors. The hottest names in retail are Lucky Brand, Legacy Trading, Ralph Lauren and Tommy Bahama.
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WestEnd Marketplace
Nestled among the skyscrapers of downtown Dallas is turn-of-the century storefronts and warehouses, which have been converted into a shopping and entertainment center. An eclectic collection of retail shops, restaurants and a movie theater are accentuated with vintage streetlights, cart vendors and horse-drawn surreys. Establishments such as Angel Kisses, FreeFlight Gallery and Tic Toc Too offer unique and somewhat unusual merchandise. Planet Hollywood serves as the only anchor restaurant. However, additional eateries line the streets leading to the center. Smoking inside the complex is only allowed on the fourth floor. Parking can be found on the street or in the garage adjacent to the center. Dallas Alley is located next to the marketplace. This entertainment complex contains theme nightclubs and an outdoor performance stage.
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White Rock Lake
White Rock Lake has 9-plus miles of waterfront trails—the complete loop around the lake takes about three hours. Also offered are fishing, sailing and horseback riding. Those who enjoy bird watching will find that the lake attracts a wide variety of birds; note especially the green parrots at the south end of the lake. There are also several playgrounds and picnic areas are reservable. An experimental ecology center is in the making.Admission is free. More »