By Salah Izzedin

The Dallas Arts District is a pedestrian-friendly stretch dedicated to performing and visual arts. Studded with galleries, shops, restaurants, and museums, this is truly one of Dallas’ hidden gems. In the center of the district, serene Klyde Warren Park offers a respite from the hustle and bustle, as well as a location for fitness, special events, and food trucks. 

One Arts Plaza

​​

The towering Arts Plaza is arguably the most prominent landmark in the Arts District. It is 24 stories high and features a unique architectural aspect: a massive LED square designed to change colors. Out front, a sprawling, basalt log fountain also lights up at night.

Inside the Plaza are offices, businesses, and residents. The lobby boasts the largest collection of digital art in North Texas as well as rotating installations. Dining options include traditional Japanese dishes at Tei An’s and elevated Tex Mex at Jorge’s. 

Bonus amenity: the Plaza’s One Arts Cart service offers complimentary transportation anywhere in the Arts District. 

Margo and Bill Winspear Opera House

Located in the AT&T Performing Arts Center, the Opera House is home to the Dallas Opera and Texas Ballet Theatre. The horseshoe shape was designed specifically to enhance live musical performance and seats up to 2300 guests. 

An urban park links the Opera House to the Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre, whose resident troupes include the Dallas Theatre Center, Black Dance Theatre, and the Anita N. Martinez Ballet Folklorico. 

Crow Collection of Asian Art

A peaceful fountain in the Crow Collection of Asian Art museum. Photo courtesy of dallasartsdistrict.org

The Crow Collection’s vision statement is to “love and celebrate the arts and cultures of Asia.” It is one of only a few museums in the country dedicated to Asian art, with pieces representing Japan, China, Korea, India, and Southeastern Asia. The collection is truly awe-inspiring, with artifacts dating as far back as 3500 BC. 

Visitors will enjoy the tranquil environment while admiring such exhibits as the “Immortal Landscapes,” which features delicately carved jade mountains from China. “Born of Fire” highlights ceramic pieces by contemporary female Japanese artists, while “Art of Lacquer” boasts older pieces from East and Southeast Asia. 

Immerse Yourself in the Arts District

Dallas’ Arts District is the largest contiguous district in the United States, so this is by no means a comprehensive list of activities. You can easily pass the weekend there and still not see all it has to offer. Families can spend a whole day at Perot Museum of Nature and Science-the little ones might make you ride the glass elevator more than a few times! 

About Salah Izzedin

Salah is has lived in Dallas for over 20 years. He is a successful entrepreneur and loves exploring all this city has to offer.