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Venues - Unique Sites
Hall of State
3809 Grand Avenue, Fair Park, Dallas, TX 75215214/450-6000, www.hallofstate.com
Without a doubt, the Great Hall of the Hall of State is the city's most beautiful room. With the emblazoned State seal at one end and the murals depicting the history of the State of Texas from early exploration through 1936 along two other sides, the hall is filled with both Texas history and symbols. Built by the State of Texas for the 1936 Centennial Exposition, the Hall of State has been the site of countess important functions honoring royalty, heads of state, and other dignitaries for over sixty years. In addition to the Great Hall, which accommodates 300 for a seated dinner, there is the Hall of Heros for ante-space and smaller rooms to accommodate fewer guests.
Aldredge House
5500 Swiss Avenue, Dallas, TX 75214214/368-4621, www.aldredgehouse.net
Aldredge House is part of Dallas' first historical district with lovely manor homes dating back to 1905. Aldredge House provides a gracious home-like atmosphere of gatherings of up to 175 and is a perfect place for weddings, luncheons, teas and dinners. A garden extends the home's capacity. Culinaire is the on-site caterer.
Arlington Hall at Lee Clark
3333 Turtle Creek Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75219214/528-3243, www.arlingtonhallatleepark.com
History and nature share equal billing at one of Dallas' most sought-after venues. Since 1939, the scaled-down replica of the Curtis-Lee Mansion in Arlington, Virginia has enjoyed this prominent location in Lee Park overlooking Turtle Creek. A recent restoration makes Arlington Hall a slendid facility for private events. Ladies can book the hall for teas of 30 and more. Food Glorious Food is the exclusive caterer.
Union Station
AT&T Performing Arts Center
214/978-2853, www.attpac.orgThe AT&T Performing Arts Center - composed of the Margo and Bill Winspear Opera House and the Dee and Charles Wyly Theater - is Dallas' shining star. Designed by world-famous architects, the venues provide state-of-the-art performance facilities. Lucky for party goers as well, the facilities offer varying spaces for glala and special celebrations. Outdoor spaces, including the Annette Strauss Artists Square, enhance the Center. Wolfgang Puck caters.
Arlington Hall
Belo Mansion
2101 Ross Avenue, Dallas, TX 75201214/220-0239, www.belomansion.com
Built in the late 1880's by the founder of the "Dallas Morning News," Colonel Alfred Belo, the Belo Mansion was a showplace residence in the midst of downtown until the 1920's. After interim uses, the property became the home of the Dallas Bar Association in 1977. Past and present blend with numerous spaces available for private parties, including the Pavilion accommodating up to 500 for seated events.
Crow Collection of Asian Art
2010 Flora Street, Dallas, TX 75201214/979-6437, www.crowcollection.org
The Museum, with its lovely backdrop of equisite collections of jade, scrolls and archictural artifacts, is a unique space for evening events of up to 150 for dinners and 250 for cocktails. The surrounding Arts District adds to the distinctive environment.
Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden
8525 Garland Road, Dallas, TX 75218214/515-6500, www.dallasarboretum.org
The Dallas Arboretum is made up of a series of gardens, once part of the DeGoyler Estate, and the later addition of the adjoining Camp Estate, all overlooking White Rock Lake. Well-conceived in its location, the Arboretum provides popular venues for wedding and private parties in either of the two expansive homes on the property and the recent addition of Rosine Hall. The aforementioned Hall can seat up to 350 for dinner and opens to surrounding terraces and gardens.
Dallas Contemporary
116 Glass Street at Riverfront, Dallas TX 75207214/821-2522, www.dallascontemporary.org
The D'Art of another day has morphed into Dallas Contemporary, where Dallas audiences stay in tune with emerging art trends. Today, a former sheet metal plant has been transformed into a dramtic new space in the hip Dallas Design District, adjacent to our revitalzing Trinity River area. The new venue, in addition to its own fund-raising events, will be on the radar screen for upcoming parties.
Dallas Museum of Art
Dallas Heritage Village at Old City Park
1717 Gano Street, Dallas, TX 75215214/421-5141, www.oldcitypark.org
A park-like museum of buildings and furnishings representing Dallas from 1840 through 1910. Dallas Heritage Village is a trip back in time, and all just south of downtown under the Dallas skyline as a vivid contrast to the Dallas of another day. The period buildings and schoolhouse make unique options for parties, and a pavilion satifies the need for larger space. Of course, Old City Park is popular with brides.
Dallas Museum Of Art
1717 N. Harwood, Dallas, TX 75201214/922-1382, www.DallasMuseumofArt.org
The anchor of the Dallas Arts District, the Dallas Museum of Art, in its elegant 1984 Edward Larrabee Barnes-designed building, has been a popular setting for civic and private events. The DMA has multiple spaces for use including the Hamon Wing, featuring a wall of windows framed by colorful Chihuly glass sculptures; the Sculpture Garden; and Seventeen Seventeen Restaurant with three distinct rooms. The entire museum is an incredible space that provides "the perfect canvas for any special event."
Dallas World Aquarium
1801 North Griffin Street, Dallas, TX 75202214/720-2224, www.dwazoo.com
Originally housed in an 1801 warehouse in the Historic West End, the Dallas World Aquarium has expanded its fascinating exhibits into adjacent buildings to include rainforest and endangered species. The exhibits are captivating backdrops for events of different sizes and culinary experiences. Cuisine is by Daryl's by Design.
Nasher Garden
Eddie Deen's Ranch
944 South Lamar, Dallas, TX 75202214/741-4211, www.eddiedeen.com
Next to the Convention Center, Eddie Dean's can accommodate up to 2500 in different rooms for a unique wedding or a corporate event. They claim being " #1 in the world at creating a true Texas experince." Their sibling venue, Edison's, is a smaller party facility.
The Fashion Industry Gallery
1807 Ross Avenue, Dallas, TX 75201214/871-7930, www.fashionindustrygallery.com
A wholesale fashion venue across from the Fairmont Hotel, F.I.G has sleek loft space and chic brick walls which makes a blank space for an event of your imagination. It is a popular spot of the moment for such events as the recent, successful fundraiser for Les Dames d'Escoffier.
Frontiers Of Flight Museum
6911 Lemmon Avenue, Dallas, TX 75209214/350-3600, www.flightmuseum.com
A dramatic backdrop for a major event for up to 2000 guests. There is also a mezzanine overlooking the exhibits that accommodates up to 250 and would be perfect to host the flyboys, young and old, in your family. Smaller rooms are available for meeting and parties.
Gilley's Dallas
1135 South Lamar Street, Dallas, TX 75215214/421-2021, www.gilleysdallas.com
Just south of downtown, the trendy Gilley's Fort Worth has been cloned in Dallas for visitors to experience all things Texas. The Palledium Ball room and smaller rooms can accommodate groups to join the nightly line dancing and colorful "natives." Boots, jeans and big buckles are de rigeur.
Hall of State
Hall of State
3809 Grand Avenue, Fair Park, Dallas, TX 75215214/450-6000, www.hallofstate.com
Without a doubt, the Great Hall of the Hall of State is the city's most beautiful room. With the emblazoned State seal at one end and the murals depicting the history of the State of Texas from early exploration through 1936 along two other sides, the hall is filled with both Texas history and symbols. Built by the State of Texas for the 1936 Centennial Exposition, the Hall of State has been the site of countess important functions honoring royalty, heads of state, and other dignitaries for over sixty years. In addition to the Great Hall, which accommodates 300 for a seated dinner, there is the Hall of Heros for ante-space and smaller rooms to accommodate fewer guests.
House of Blues
2200 North LamarWhite Swan Building, Dallas, TX 75202
214/978-blue, www.hob.com
The historic White Swan Building in the West End has been recreated into a popular venue for fun, food and entertainment. The famous gospel brunches bring crowds for weeknd entertainment. It is a great place to book a table for a birthday or special event. Be assured that the honoree will have an opportunity to be a star.
Marie Gabrielle Restaurant & Gardens
2728 N. Harwood, Suite 160, Dallas, TX 75201214/871-2098, www.marie-gabrielle.com
"Food with a view." The restaurant on the lobby level of the Centex Building, overlooking a superb formal garden, offers a serene space in the midst of Uptown. One of the best spaces for a dinner for up to 120 and up to 400 for outside events.
Meadows Museum
5900 Bishop BoulevardSouthern Methodist University, Dallas, TX 75205
214/768-4771, www.smu.edu/meadows/museum
Welcomed at street level by Calatrava's "Wave," and at the Entry Plaza by monumental contemporary sculpture, guests know that the Meadows Museum is unique for special events. The oval-shaped Gene and Jerry Jones Great Hall, enhanced with selections from the Museum's world famous Spanish collection, provides an exceptional environment for a dinner for 100 or more. A Foyer, the Founder's Room and the 100 person Auditorium are also available for rentals.
Marie Gabrielle
Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center
2301 Flora Street, Dallas, TX 75201214/242-5181, www.dallassymphony.com
One of the city's most impressive architectural sites, the I.M.Pei-designed Symphony Center adds elegance to weddings, galas and graduations. The open lobby spaces are conducive to a variety of other events as well as dining before Symphony performances. Culinaire is the exclusive caterer.
Nasher Sculpture Center
2001 Flora Street, Dallas, TX 75201214/242-5181, www.NasherSculptureCenter.org
The Nasher Sculpture Center, designed by the acclaimed architect Lorenzo Piano, is the site of wonderful lectures, musicals, receptions and elegant dinners. The spaces available for rental are serveral including: Nasher Hall, accented with a glass wall that opens to the outside garden for up to 180 for a seated dinner; Café Nasher which opens to the Terrace for up to 60; the Terrace for up to .. for a seated dinner; and the Sculpture Garden itself. The company of some of the world's best contemporary sculpture, the visual excitement of the building and the city's surrounding skyline provide extraordinary space for private celebrations. Wolfgang Puck is the venue caterer.
Old Red Museum of Dallas County
100 South Houston Street, Dallas, TX 75202214/757-1999, www.oldred.org
The restoration of "Old Red" has been a major asset to Dallas' downtown and a contribution to the preservation of Dallas' past. The museum site has available spaces for rentals, including the Great Hall with 20-foot ceilings and a Grand Staircase, plus a restored courtroom and other smaller spaces. As a bonus, your guests can tour the museum galleries and step into the early days of Dallas.
Myerson Symphony Center
Texas Discovery Gardens
3601 Martin Luther King Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75210214/428-7476, www.texasdiscoverygardens.org
Located in Fair Park, Texas Discovery Gardens prides itself as an urban oasis and is the home of a relatively new butterfly habitat. The venue is a popular destination for weddings, both indoors and outdoors. The Main Building houses a Great Hall, which can accommodate up to 350 for a seated dinner.
The Apartment
1444 Oak Lawn Avenue, Suite 206, Dallas, TX 75207214/749-0400, www.theapartment.com
Designed by event impresario Todd Fiscus, the Apartment is referred to as a space "capturing the mood and feel of a chic Paris pied-a-terre." Popular with design and fashionable types, The Apartment accommodates up to 175 for a seated dinner and up to 250 for a cocktail party.
The Dallas Women's Museum
3800 Parry Avenue, Dallas, TX 75215214/915-0860, www.thewomensmuseum.org
Dedicated to the achievements of women, the Women's Museum at Fair Park is housed in Dallas' first municipal coliseum and then renovated for the 1936 Texas Centennial Exposition. A three-story Gathering area provides a festive location for social celebrations. An auditorium and balconies overlooking their Gathering area provide alternative spaces for smaller event. Caterer Wendy Krispin is among the approved caterers.
Union Station
400 S. Houston Street, Dallas, TX 75202214/741-7825, www.unionstation.com
Union Station, built in 1916, has been refurbished to its former glory and bespeaks of the days when Dallas was a major rail hub. Now the rescued venue provides a variety of ideal spaces for private parties and corporate events. Its main Grand Hall, with a 48 foot vaulted ceiling, provides space for up to 600 at a seated event. Several smaller rooms provide flexible spaces for events of 12 to 100. Wolfgang Puck Catering is the exclusive caterer for the venue.
Victoria Hall
3113 Ross Avenue, Dallas, TX 75204214/389-1313, www.ormsbycatering.com
The nicely-restored 1946 showrron for the Tucker automobile is a charming facilty for a private party that accommodates up to 200 for a seated dinner. The venue is part of the Tucker complex, home to Chef Andrew Ormsby's excellent catering company.
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