The Hall of State at Fair Park

For those who have never been to the Texas State Fair or the Fair Park grounds for other reasons, this one building is reason enough to change that.One of many buildings designed and built for the Texas Centennial celebration in 1936. It is a stunning example of Art Deco architecture designed by Donald Barthelme. Dedicated to 4 centuries of Texas history it's one of the most beautiful interiors I've ever seen.Definitely go if you get the chance.

The State Fair of Texas has an amazing historical art deco building filled with artisan craft work, historical references, murals, and a layout that would have made the ancient Egyptians jealous. The Hall of State is that treasure of Dallas. It is fairly easy to visit during the State Fair of Texas. It can also be rented. The front and the sides of this limestone building have numerous carvings and recognize some of the heroes and founders of the Texas Republic. The grand steps on the Western entrance have been the show place for thousands of performers, dignitaries passing through and millions of kids enjoying events at Fair Park. It is a quiet place to sit and enjoy a corn dog or 3 at the fair. Once inside, the historical carvings of Texas heroes and legends greet you as they stand on pedestals. One can get tunnel vision studying these fine statues. It is easy to miss all of the other craft and art work from floor to ceiling in the Hall of Heroes. To their left and right are the rooms with murals depicting the history of the four cardinal directions of Texas. These rooms are frequently used for traveling shows and museums. I always imaged them being used for grand parties and balls. The crowning attraction is the Great Hall. The magnificent floor, wood carvings on the walls and ceiling, the amazing lighting make this room look like a long lost palace. I would love to see this room with nothing in it just to study and see all of the finer points. The events I've seen in here have been amazing, but always seems like this room should be used for white tie dinners, royal weddings, and other events of nobility. I frequented Fair Park for over 55 years and finally went into the lecture hall/theater/auditorium that lies below the Great Hall. This room has not lost the décor of the 1930-50's. It screams art deco with a twist of contemporary (of the 1950's). I watched a historical movie in here about WWI. I can not imagine seeing that movie anywhere else more fitting. The aroma was unique of various aromatic woods, old cloth and faint scents of old perfumes/colognes. In front of the theater are an old style coat room, reception desk and restrooms that harken back to the 1930's. The smoking porches on either side most likely hosted many interesting conversations since the 1930s.I honestly hope nothing in this grand work of art is ever modernized as this structure is perfect. It is the Hall of State of Texas in my eyes; Texas' Grand Palace.

Probably one of the coolest and least visited things in all of Dallas!This was built for the Texas Exposition and is basically a grand homage to Texas. The building tells the story of Texas history from vast spaces to the Texas Revolution. Their is usually just one person on duty ask the person to show you around you might get a good one that will give you the history. Otherwise got to the website listed and print out the descriptions for the rooms... http://www.hallofstate.com/tour/tour_map.htm Some day Dallas will realize what a gem this is and sink a little money into it so that people can more easily enjoy it... until then you have to work at it a little to get the full bang from it... but perhaps that just makes you enjoy it more.While you are here explore all the other buildings in Fair Park -- the largest collection of Exposition Art Deco buildings in the world -- Newly installed signs around the campus tell the history of the buildingsPark also home to Dallas Children's Aquarium -- Recently re-done great exhibits allow you to see sharks and touch sting raysDallas Garden --- cool indoor butterfly exhibit with butterfly s from all over the worldIf you can plan to be in town for the State Fair that is when you really see this place come to life.

The most beautiful art deco building in Fair Park, dedicated to honoring the fine state of Texas. This is an annual pilgrimage we look forward to at the State Fair of Texas. And the perfect choice for our July 2011 wedding ceremony and reception.We were surprised at how affordable this place was. We did, however, have to use their vendors for catering, linens, and cake. Because of this, the price inched up pretty fast. but we kept the communication open with the Hall and the vendors, and we were able to stay in budget. Food glorious food was the caterer, and Beth was our coordinator. We had to use Frosted Art Bakery. Each person/vendor involved was amazing! So helpful, and made the day go so smoothly. We continue to visit the Hall each year, and love walking by reminiscing about our fairy tale wedding day at this beautiful locale. Just a tip: it is a historical building, and the a/c in some parts of the hall don't cool as well as others. Also, there are restrictions on what you can use, in regards to decor. no dripping candles.

Absolutely Gorgeous venue, I went there for a wedding and loved it. The salon is beautifully decorated and has a high ceiling and spacious dance floors. Right outside is a beautiful pool that makes for a good picture background. The downsides: it's not clear from which gate we should enter the fairpark, several of us including cabs and uber cars were lost and had to turn around several times. When you get inside, there's not enough signage to get to the hall. Another major downside is the restrooms. They are in the lower floor and are soo sketchy and scary. Nothing consistent with the gorgeous hall upstairs.

This beautiful building is open year round. Take DART green line to the Fair Park station and a 1/2 mile walk up the beautfull fountain lined esplanade take you to the Hall of State. This is an architectural gem. The building is the exhibt, with frescos and statutes of Texas heroes. But look at the details -- the beautiful wood doors, the light fixtures, the windows. Look at the angles. Even for a prosaic guy like me, this is real beauty. Oh yeah, and I'm a sucker for Texana too.Go from here further into the park for other museums and the aquarium.No admission fee.

This is a beautiful historical venue. One of the better ones and most of all at Fair Part!! My personal experiences having played in the Cotton bowl as a college athlete, enriches this experience. Beyond that, the automotive shows and various events show this venues usefulness.There's a certain aspect of the Greco-Roman devour that throws a curve of what your expect from Texas as a state that was was considered the Republic of Texas at one time. Purpose for my visit was a viewing for a wedding party . so that makes this place even more attractive to visitors and many different families and organizations. I'm impressed to say the least.

You must see this! A beautiful building embellished with Art Deco design in the murals, stained glass windows, and even the floor tiles. The facade alone is enough to beckon anyone into its doors. With names of Texas heroes carved into the neoclassical, exterior architecture, the interior is mirrored with statues honoring those brave souls in Texas history. Every mural that demonstrates a pivotal role in our state's history that shaped it into what it is today, makes you a tinge sentimental to call yourself a Texan.Upon entering the grand building you are overcome with the nave that directs your eyes directly to the focal point of the Hall of State - a over-sized, blazing star. You can't help but look at this alter dedicated to the Lone Star State. As you leave you walk away with a feeling that there really isn't a state quite like ours.

I was biking through a completely desolate Fair Park when I came upon this gem! WOW, absolutely gorgeous building from the 1930s- true Art Deco style! The building is a basically a building with a story- built for the '36 Exposition to celebrate the great State of Texas. It's many murals, custom bronze door grates, and huge gold emblem tell an interesting story of Texas that is worth a look!It is very sad that this not more of a museum. It would be a fabulous place to have a wedding, though! The little old man-slash security-slash curator was a bit annoying giving us more information about the building than we could digest in one trip!

The Hall of State is a welcomed site in Fair Park. When you walk into its giant metal and glass doors, you feel like you've walked into a beautiful downtown museum. It was built by the State of Texas for the 1936 Centennial celebration and has withstood the test of time!The Hall of Heroes is overwhelming and marble and stone materials throughout offer a opulent experience and cause your eye to wander throughout the space. The pièce de résistance is the huge Texas Star in the Great Hall. It will make anyone proud to be a Texan!