Tag Archives: dallas arts district

See yourself in Sammons Park

Sammons Park is basically the large courtyard area in the Arts District that’s between the Winspear Opera House and the Wylie Theater. Nestled amongst the arts district and downtown, the park provides a serene atmosphere to view the city, relax, or have a picnic. One of the nicest features of this urban space is the large reflecting pool that’s basically a large black slab with a thin layer of water over it that creates a pristine reflection. The park hosts a variety of concerts, events and even yoga and draws everyone from families to students of nearby Booker T. Washington High School.

Appreciate the arts at the Dallas Arts District

After a recent rejuvenation (or rather, a recent overhaul), the Dallas Arts District has transitioned from simply a downtown neighborhood to a destination in and of itself. The district is on the north side of downtown and encompasses Dallas’ premier art museums and performance halls that are all connected by a lovely outdoor urban space. It’s also a great areato view some of the city’s bestarchitecture, like the Meyerson and the Wyly Theater. The Dallas Museum of Art, Nasher Sculpture Center, the Crow Collection of Asian Art, the Winspear Opera House and the Dallas Arts Magnet also call the Dallas Arts District home.

The Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre takes classic theater outside the box

The Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre is part of the AT&T Performing Arts Center located in the Arts District of Downtown Dallas. The theater was built so that their main performance hall is surrounded by three glass walls, creating a unique experience for the audience. The architecture of the building (designed by REX/OMA) in conjunction with an extensive pulley system creates a stage space that provides a lot of freedom for directors to work with many quickly changing sets. It’s like a playground for contemporary theater. The building is a work of art in and of itself with the 12-story building standing seemingly suspended three stories up with only one supporting wall. Check with the Dallas Theater Center for performances and showtimes.

Experience Southwest cuisine with an upscale twist at Stephen Pyles

Long hailed as one of the founding fathers of Southwestern cuisine, Stephen Pyles in his namesake restaurant combines culinary expertise with his down-home, west Texas roots. Stephen Pyles combines the flavors of Mexican, Tex-Mex and Creole cuisine into a category of its own with international influences and even a little molecular gastronomy thrown in for good measure. (Like with his Tamale Tart with Roast Garlic Custard, Peekytoe Crab
and Smoked Tomato Sauce or anything from the “ceviche bar.”) Located in the Dallas Arts District, Stephen Pyles offers a dining experience that is big on flavors from the world over while providing gentle reminders here and there that yes, we are still in Texas.

There isn’t a bad seat in the house at the Meyerson Symphony Center

Dallas’ I.M. Pei is located downtown in the Dallas Arts District and is worth a looksee even if you don’t have tickets to one of their events. Due to the world-class acoustics of the concert hall at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, there isn’t a bad seat in the house. The Meyerson is home to the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, the Dallas Wind Symphony (DSO), the Turtle Creek Chorale and the Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra. The DSO is the Meyerson’s primary tenant, presenting over 180 concerts a year. The Dallas Wind Symphony also upholds excellence in music and watching conductor Jerry Junkin is nearly as entertaining as the concerts.

Dallas Symphony Orchestra’s Modern Music

For over a century, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra has been bringing sweet sounds to the masses and putting Dallas on the map with thriving musicians. Working with greats like Tony Bennett, John Legend, Kenny Rogers, LeeAnn Rimes and even Ben Folds Five, the DSO dabbles inPicture 4 a little of every genre. Whether its Mozart & Handel or indulging in the DSO’s compilation of 50’s Dance Party classics, the DSO has a friendly, helpful staff to guide you along the way if you’re new to symphonic scrutiny.

Educational programs and community concerts are two offerings that are not to be missed-The Dallas Symphony Orchestra “believes that with the proper training and education, every child has the potential to be the next Mozart or Beethoven.” The Dallas Symphony Orchestra has a special arm, DSO Kids, that includes special events and even training to let the music become a family affair.

An organization of this caliber with such rich history receives patronage from Dallas’ finest, and when you experience the otherworldly sounds of the DSO, you’ll be oh so glad you turned off your iPod to experience it firsthand.

1. Discover the Art District’s Architecture 12/1/09 – 1/8/09

dallas architectureThe largest urban arts district in the US is now complete with the Dallas Center for the Performing Arts.  The performing arts center is a masterpiece of work from four Pulitzer Prize winning architects: Norman Foster, Rem Koolhass, I.M. Pei, and Renzo Piano.

At this exhibit there are also other important buildings to the civic history of Dallas that can be viewed at the authentic living museum of architecture in the Dallas Arts District. The buildings are placed into a larger context within the astonishing architectural splendor. Take a guided walking tour and enjoy examining the District’s evolution- for this month only!