Art Deco Architecture in Fair Park

Join us for our first virtual programming! The program will feature a presentation by David Bush and Jim Parsons on the Art Deco Architecture of Fair Park. Bush and Parsons, authors of Fair Park Deco, will tell the story of the Centennial Exposition’s design and construction through historic and current photos and archival newsreel footage. Along the way they’ll also introduce some of the fair’s most colorful stories and people, including Mademoiselle Corrine, the “Apple Dancer,” whose performances were the talk of Dallas.

Fair Park, the site of the State Fair of Texas since the 1880s, was largely rebuilt in 1935-36 for the exposition celebrating the 100th anniversary of Texas independence from Mexico. Dozens of local and national architects and artists worked to transform the fairgrounds into an Art Deco wonderland which remains one of the world’s largest unified collections of modernistic buildings and artwork. But it is so much more as it is the embodiment of Texan swagger and a testament to the Texanic task of creating a dazzling spectacle in the darkest days of the Depression.

We have a few signed copies of their book, Fair Park Deco, available for purchase. Please contact Preservation Dallas to purchase and arrange delivery.

The presentation is free for current Preservation Dallas members and $10 for the general public. This presentation will be held virtually and a link to access the program will be emailed shortly before the program.