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History Starting as early as the 1970s the city hired a series of consultants to determine how and where to house its arts and cultural institutions. In 1978, Boston consultants Carr-Lynch recommended that Dallas relocate its major arts institutions from different parts of the city to the northeast corner of downtown. This location would allow for easy access through a vast network of freeways, as well as local streets, and leading into an area that would become a lively mix of cultural and commercial destinations, further defined by a mix of contemporary and historic architecture. The city progressed to define the boundaries and design guidelines with the assistance of Sasaki Associates. With the adoption of the Sasaki Plan, developed by Sasaki Associates, and the opening of the Dallas Museum of Art, designed by Edward Larabee Barnes (1984), the formation of the Arts District was underway. Throughout the next 20 years, the development of the Arts District continued with the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, designed by Pritzker Prize winning architect I.M. Pei (1989); the Crow Collection of Asian Art in the existing Trammell Crow Center (1998); the Nasher Sculpture Center, designed by Pritzker Prize winning architect Renzo Piano (2003) and the Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, recently opening a new addition designed by Brad Cloepfil (2008). The opening of the AT&T Performing Arts Center has completed the 30-year vision of the Arts District, constructing a “village of the arts” downtown, establishing Dallas as the only city in the world with buildings designed by four Pritzker Prize winning architects in one contiguous block and creating a self-contained, pedestrian-friendly oasis in the heart of the city. Looking to the Future The Dallas Arts District has experienced explosive growth this decade. Now, with the opening of the AT&T Performing Arts Center, we have almost fulfilled the dreams of generations. And yet, there is more excitement to come. More restaurants, shops and residences are planned within walking distance of the existing Arts District venues. In the next several years, we will also see the opening of new public institutions, continuing the tradition of excitement and excellence. THE PARK – Construction is already underway on one of Dallas’ most unique parks – a deck plaza covering Woodall Rodgers Freeway – that will join the Arts District with the Uptown area of Dallas. Designed by the Office of James Burnett, the 5.2 acre, $80 million deck park will provide a vital pedestrian and bicycle connection between the neighborhoods, enhanced by a children’s playground, a dog park, a restaurant, and a performance pavilion. Opening 2011. TheParkDallas.org. Our Mission Our mission is to stimulate the cultural and economic life of the region through the development and promotion of the Dallas Arts District. |
