The Hall of State: Our Greatest Asset
The Hall of State in Dallas’ Fair Park, is the “home” of the Dallas Historical Society. Built by the State of Texas for the 1936 Centennial Exposition, the Hall of State has hosted events honoring presidents, royalty, heads of state, and other dignitaries for over eighty years. Located just minutes from downtown Dallas, the Hall of State can be rented for private functions ranging from corporate dinners or meetings to weddings or gala social events.
Rental fees support the operations of the Dallas Historical Society. Imagine cocktails in the impressive Hall of Heroes followed by a sumptuous dinner in the Great Hall, dancing under the stars in clear tents set up on the front lawn, a stockholders meeting in the Margaret and Al Hill Lecture Hall, or a product launch in the Texas Rooms. The possibilities are endless and the event support services offered by our responsive team of experts assure every event to be a fabulous success.
For more information or to book the building for your next meeting or special event, email Sonja Foster or call 214-421-4500 ext. 106.
State Fair Hours
Beginning Friday, September 27, 2024, The Hall of State will be open daily 10 AM – 7 PM during the run of the State Fair of Texas. The Historical Society’s offices and research library will be open by appointment only during the fair.
Hours
The Hall of State and The Dallas Historical Society’s exhibits are free and open to the public.
Tuesday – Saturday
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sundays
1:00 PM – 5:00PM
Need more information?
- For a self-guided tour, CLICK HERE (will open as a new document)
- CLICK HERE to learn more about hosting your event at the Hall of State
Hall of State FAQs
When was the Hall of State Built?
The Hall of State was built in 1936, as part of the Texas Centennial Exposition.
Who designed the building?
Donald Bartheleme designed the building.
What did it cost to build?
The Hall of State cost $1.25 million to construct.
Who owns and manages the building?
The Hall of State is owned by the City of Dallas. The Dallas Historical Society manages it.
What are the motifs on the front doors?
The figures are symbols of industry and agriculture of the state.
Who are the men in the Hall of Heroes?
The statues are of men who shaped the Republic of Texas. They include Sam Houston, Mirabeau Lamar, Thomas Rusk, William Travis, Stephen F. Austin and James Fannin.
Where does the stone come from that is used in the building?
The Cordova Cream limestone and the Cordova Shell limestone was locally sourced from the Armadillo Quarry in Texas. The marble used in the building came from Europe.
Who painted the murals in the Great Hall?
Eugene Savage of New York painted the murals to represent Texas history from early exploration to 1936. The murals are 30' high by 80' wide.
Directions
To Fair Park and the Hall of State:
From the North on US 75:
Take US 75 South, exit I-30 east, take Fair Park Exit 47 (Second Avenue), turn left onto Parry, turn right at Gate 3 (Washington Ave). After passing the Centennial Building (2nd building), turn right into large parking lot.
From the West on I-30:
Take US 75 South, exit I-30 east, take Fair Park Exit 47 (2nd avenue), turn left onto Parry, turn right at Gate 3 (Washington Ave.) After passing the Centennial Building (2nd building), turn right into large parking lot.
From the East on I-30:
Take Fair Park exit 47C, (First Avenue), Loop back under the Freeway (Exposition) , turn left onto Parry, turn right at Gate 3 (Washington Ave.) After passing the Centennial Building (2nd building), turn right into large parking lot.
From the South on I-45:
Take I-45 to I-30 east, take Fair Park Exit 47C (Second Ave.), turn left onto Parry, turn right at Gate 3 (Washington Ave). After passing the Centennial Building (2nd building), turn right into large parking lot.
From Downtown Dallas:
Take Commerce Street, turn left onto Parry, turn right at Gate 3 (Washington Ave). After passing the Centennial Building (2nd building), turn right into large parking lot