Fair Park: Best Architecture Fair Park opened in 1886 and, exactly 100 years later, was designated a Nation Historic Landmark.
To commemorate the 100th anniversary of Texas independence, Dallas built exhibit halls, pavilions and fountains to host a world’s fair in 1936 — all built in art deco style.
The Centennial Building and the Cotton Bowl opened between 1900 and 1930. Today, Fair Park is the only pre-1950s exposition site that remains intact.
The Hall of State, that’s been home of the Dallas Historical Society since 1938, is one of Fair Park’s gems. Among the building’s features is a Diego Rivera mural that wraps around the perimeter of the building’s great hall.