Preservation Dallas Produces Exhibit on Architectural Styles of Dallas

For the architecturally curious, things like the difference between Queen Anne and Colonial Revival style houses and the hallmarks of the Tudor Revival style are the stuff of late-night curious Googling.

A new exhibit produced by Preservation Dallas aims to clarify such matters using iconic Dallas architecture like the Old Red Museum and the Statler Hilton to illustrate.

“The Architectural Styles of Dallas” runs through June 8, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily at the Old Red Museum of Dallas County History and Culture at 100 S. Houston St. in downtown.

The content for the exhibit was written and assembled by Preservation Dallas over several months and includes contributions from architects and historians. The artifacts on display were selected to demonstrate the various architectural styles and grouped by time period. Decorative pieces, including remnants of Dallas’ demolished buildings, reproduction wallpaper, tile, hardware, and photographs illustrate specific architectural styles seen in historic Dallas buildings. These were combined with residential building elements sourced from salvage yards.

Noah Jeppson, the designer for the exhibit who helped with the curation, as well, said his favorite part is the Texas Centennial Exposition architectural artifacts, including original 1936 sketches and building model of Fair Park.

“It shows the importance placed on design for the high-profile event, which helped elevate the modern architecture movement in Dallas, with buildings we now consider historic,” Jeppson said. “From a residential perspective, I like the collection of house plan books, paint color manuals, and material guides that trace the architectural design trends—some appreciated more than others—over the decades.”

Historic architecture is diverse and fascinating and this exhibit will bring to life through text, photographs, and architectural elements the impressive history of architecture in Dallas. Visitors should leave with the knowledge to identify the styles of architecture found across the city (including their own homes) and learn about the dynamic architectural heritage of Dallas.

Admission to the exhibit is $4 or is included with the $8 general admission to the museum.