Rich in History
Fair Park, a National Historic Landmark and site of the 1936 Texas Centennial Exhibition, is home to some of Dallas’ best museums, educational discovery centers, and the world’s largest collection of Art Deco exhibit buildings, art, and sculptures. While at the Fair Park during the State Fair of Texas, be sure to visit one of the many points of interest located in the historic 277-acre park.
African American Museum
“The African American Museum will present the internationally acclaimed Mandela: The Official Exhibition, which explores the life of one of the world’s most recognizable champions of freedom and justice – whose vision of justice, service and reconciliation continues to inspire people around the globe. Making its Texas debut at the African American Museum in Dallas, the exhibition will span all four galleries and unfold through multisensory experiences, tracing Mandela’s extraordinary journey from his rural childhood in the Eastern Cape to his decades of resistance against apartheid and his election as South Africa’s first democratically elected president.
His path to becoming the “Father of South Africa” and a globally revered figure is presented in personal and revealing ways. Through his own reflections and stories shared by his family and those who knew him best, visitors will see Mandela – respectfully called Madiba – in a new light. Madiba is his Thembu clan name and is used as a sign of respect and affection.”
Open daily from 10:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M.
Broadway Dallas
As part of the Fair’s activities celebrating America’s 250th anniversary, Broadway Dallas presents free daily screenings of Compagnia de’ Colombari’s Whitman on Walls! in the Music Hall, featuring 50 artists performing Walt Whitman’s iconic poem, “Song of Myself.” Guests can enjoy the films while relaxing indoors, with select days featuring live performances by Texan artists.
Open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Children’s Aquarium at Fair Park
The Children’s Aquarium has been designed with kids in mind. With eye-level interactive zones and exhibits, everyone can enjoy and learn something new about our aquatic friends from around the world.
Continental DAR House
Home to the Jane Douglas Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, this landmark building first opened its doors in 1936 at the Texas Centennial Exposition. Visitors learn about history, conservation, literacy, and genealogy through exhibits, artifacts, posters, brochures, flag displays, patriotic videos and music.
Texas Discovery Gardens
Texas Discovery Gardens’ mission is to teach effective ways to restore, conserve, and preserve nature in the urban environment, with a focus on organic and sustainable gardening. The garden also houses thousands of unique butterflies in an enclosed environment designed to educate young and old alike.
Lone Star Nature Arts Competition gallery
Competition-winning entries in paint, sculpture, wood carving, photography, and more will be on display exclusively during the run of the 2018 State Fair of Texas. In addition, Texas Discovery Gardens has added a Natural Playscape and Eco Discovery Tour. Enjoy playing outside and learning about our natural world. Stops include a leaf ID area, bark rubbing station, sand pit, rope ladder, swing bridge, and rock climbing wall.
Texas Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Paying tribute to our brave veterans, five tablets of Texas granite are inscribed with the names of Texans killed or missing in action during the Vietnam War. Visitors can place American flags next to the names of soldiers they wish to honor. Nine recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor are among those memorialized. The inscriptions include Congressional Medal of Honor recipients.