Visit Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center

#3 of 100 things to do in Dallas

The Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center is a concert hall located in the Arts District of downtown Dallas, Texas.

Dallas, Texas is home to one of the most acoustically perfect and architecturally stunning concert halls in the world: the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center. Designed by renowned architect I.M. Pei and acoustician Russell Johnson, the Meyerson opened in 1989 and has been the home of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra (DSO) ever since. The venue is celebrated not only for its breathtaking design—including the 65-foot-high glass Grand Lobby and the curvilinear Lay Family Concert Hall—but also for its exceptional sound, which has made it a favorite of conductors, soloists, and audiences alike.

Whether you are a classical music aficionado eager to hear Mahler under perfect acoustics, a parent looking for a magical first concert experience for your child, a movie fan wanting to see Back to the Future with live orchestra, or a tourist seeking a cultural evening in the Dallas Arts District, this guide provides everything you need to know—from ticket prices and subscription packages to parking, family-friendly concerts, group discounts, and social media links.

The Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center is named after Morton H. Meyerson, a Dallas civic leader and former CEO of Electronic Data Systems (EDS) who led the fundraising campaign for the hall. The building is located in the Dallas Arts District—the largest urban arts district in the nation—and sits adjacent to the Nasher Sculpture Center and the Dallas Museum of Art.

The hall’s signature feature is the Lay Family Concert Hall, a 2,062-seat auditorium with adjustable acoustics via a system of 54 movable plexiglass panels suspended from the ceiling (known as the “acoustic canopy”). The Grand Lobby features a 65-foot-high glass curtain wall that floods the space with natural light and offers stunning views of the Dallas skyline.

The DSO performs more than 150 concerts annually, ranging from classical masterworks and pops concerts to film-with-live-orchestra screenings and family programming.

Key Details at a Glance:

• Full Name: Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center

• Home of: Dallas Symphony Orchestra (DSO)

• Address: 2301 Flora Street, Dallas, TX 75201 (Dallas Arts District)

• Architect: I.M. Pei (Pei Cobb Freed & Partners)

• Acoustician: Russell Johnson (Artec Consultants)

• Opened: 1989

• Seating Capacity: 2,062 (Lay Family Concert Hall) + smaller recital spaces

• Official Website: https://www.dallassymphony.org

Hours & Ticket Information

Box Office Hours

The Meyerson Symphony Center box office is located in the Grand Lobby and is open during the following hours:

Note: The box office closes 30 minutes after the concert begins. The building itself opens 90 minutes before each performance for ticket holders.

Ticket Prices

Ticket prices vary widely depending on the concert series, seat location, and performance type. Below are evergreen price ranges.

Discounts for Specific Groups:

• Students: 50% off select performances (valid student ID required)

• Teachers: 20% off select performances

• Active Military & First Responders: 20% off select performances

• Friends of the Dallas Public Library: Special ticket offers (see “Special Ticket Offers” on website)

• Groups of 10 or more: Save on tickets (book at least two weeks in advance)

Subscription Packages (Save Up to 20%)

Subscribing to a DSO series is the most economical way to attend multiple concerts. Options include:

All subscription packages can be explored and purchased on the DSO website under “Subscription Packages” .

Activities for Adults & Children: Concerts for Every Age

The Dallas Symphony Orchestra offers a wide range of performances and experiences designed for different age groups and interests.

👨‍🎨 For Adults: Classical, Pops & Film Concerts

1. Classical Series
   The DSO performs masterworks by Beethoven, Brahms, Mahler, Tchaikovsky, Stravinsky, and living composers. The acoustics of the Meyerson allow every seat to hear with remarkable clarity. Look for pre-concert “Classical Conversations” (free with ticket) held one hour before many classical performances, featuring the conductor and guest artists in the Grand Lobby.

2. Pops Series
   Lighter, accessible programming:

   • Icons of the Strip: Sinatra & The Rat Pack – Step into the vintage Vegas era for swing hits from Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darin, and more .

   • Holiday pops (Christmas with the DSO).

   • Broadway hits and movie music.

3. Film with Live Orchestra
   The DSO performs the musical score live while the film is projected on a high-definition screen in sync with the movie. Examples:

   • Back to the Future in Concert! – Alan Silvestri’s dazzling score live .

   • Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince™ in Concert – The saga continues on the big screen with live orchestra .

4. Special Events & Guest Artists
   The DSO hosts world-renowned soloists and guest conductors. Past guests have included Itzhak Perlman, Renée Fleming, Yo-Yo Ma, and Lang Lang.

5. Pre-Concert Dining & Cocktails
   The Meyerson has a lobby bar (open before concerts and during intermission) serving wine, beer, and cocktails. Several nearby restaurants (see “Dining” section) offer pre-concert dinner specials.

6. Group Nights
   “Share your love of music with family, friends and colleagues with a group night out at the symphony – book a group of 10 or more and save” .

👧 For Children & Families: First Concerts, Harry Potter & Free Community Events

1. Your First Concert at the DSO
   The DSO welcomes first-time concertgoers of all ages with a dedicated page on their website: “Your First Concert at the DSO” . It answers common questions:

   • What should I wear? (Anything from jeans to formal wear.)

   • How long is a concert? (Classical concerts: 90 minutes – 2 hours with intermission; family concerts: 60 minutes.)

   • When do I clap? (Between movements, wait for the conductor to lower their hands.)

   • What if my child fidgets? (It’s normal! The DSO is family-friendly.)

   Download the free guide from the website .

2. Family Series Concerts
   Designed for children ages 6–12 (but younger siblings are welcome). Features:

   • Shorter runtime (approximately 60 minutes, no intermission).

   • Educational narration – The conductor speaks directly to the children, explaining instruments and musical concepts.

   • Visual elements – Projections, actors, and sometimes puppetry.

   • Low ticket prices ($15–$45). A magical first orchestral experience.

3. Film with Live Orchestra (Harry Potter, etc.)
   These concerts are wildly popular with families with children ages 7 and up. Hearing John Williams’s score performed live while watching Harry Potter on a giant screen is an unforgettable experience . Tickets sell out months in advance – subscribe to the DSO newsletter for early access.

4. Community Concerts & Free Events
   The DSO offers free community concerts throughout the year, often in neighborhoods across Dallas, and occasionally at the Meyerson (tickets required, but free). Check the “Special Ticket Offers” section of the website. These are excellent for families on a budget.

5. Instrument Petting Zoo (Select Family Concerts)
   Before certain Family Series concerts, the DSO sets up an Instrument Petting Zoo in the Grand Lobby where children can touch and try violins, cellos, trumpets, and percussion instruments (no experience needed). Arrive 45 minutes early to participate.

6. DSO Kids Website & Educational Resources
   The DSO offers a free DSO Kids website (dallassymphony.org/dso-kids) with:

   • Interactive games about instruments and composers.

   • Audio examples of orchestral instruments.

   • Lesson plans for teachers and homeschoolers.

7. School & Scout Group Tickets
   Groups of 10 or more students or scouts receive discounted rates. Book through the Group Sales office at least two weeks in advance .

The Meyerson Experience: What to Know Before You Go

Dress Code

There is no formal dress code. You will see everything from:

• Jeans and a nice top (common at pops and film concerts).

• Business casual (khakis, collared shirts).

• Cocktail dresses and suits (opening nights, classical series weekends).

For families: Dress comfortably. Children in shorts and sneakers are welcome.

Arrival Time

• Doors open: 90 minutes before concert time.

• Pre-concert talks: Many classical concerts have a free 30-minute talk in the Grand Lobby starting 1 hour before the concert.

• Late seating: You will be seated at the discretion of the house manager (usually at a pause between movements).

Concessions & Dining

Pro Tip: Make a dinner reservation at least two hours before concert time. The Arts District gets busy on weekend evenings.

Photography & Recording

• No photography or video recording during the performance (distracts musicians and audience).

• No flash photography anywhere in the concert hall.

• Photography is permitted in the Grand Lobby and exterior of the building before the concert and during intermission.

Mobile Phones & Smartwatches

Please silence all devices before entering the concert hall. Texting or screen glow is discouraged (distracting to neighboring audience members).

Parking & Public Transportation

🚗 Parking

The Meyerson Symphony Center does not have its own dedicated parking lot. Several paid garages are within a 2–5 minute walk.

Pro Tip: The Arts District Garage is the official DSO-recommended garage. Pre-paid parking can sometimes be purchased with your concert ticket (check during online checkout). Arrive at least 30 minutes before concert time to park and walk.

🚆 DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit)

The Meyerson is highly accessible via public transit .

• St. Paul Station (Red, Blue, Orange, Silver lines) – 5-minute walk (0.2 miles) via Flora Street.

• Pearl Street Station (Red, Blue, Orange, Silver lines) – 7-minute walk (0.3 miles).

• DART Bus Routes – Routes #3, #11, #24, and #207 stop within two blocks.

Address for GPS: 2301 Flora Street, Dallas, TX 75201 .

Accessibility

The Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center is fully accessible.

For specific accessibility questions, call the DSO box office at +1-214-849-4376 .

The 2026/27 Season & Upcoming Concerts

The DSO’s season typically runs from September through May, with summer pops and film concerts. The 2026/27 season is announced on the website . Below are evergreen examples of the types of concerts you will find every year:

Check the “Explore the 2026/27 Season” page on the DSO website for exact dates and ticket release information .

Special Ticket Offers & Discounts

The DSO offers a variety of ways to save on tickets :

All discounts are subject to availability and not valid on all concerts. See the “Special Ticket Offers” page on the DSO website for current promotions .

Tips for Your Visit

1. Buy tickets early – Film concerts (Harry Potter, Back to the Future) and holiday pops sell out months in advance.

2. Arrive 45–60 minutes early – Especially for your first concert. This allows time to park, use restrooms, find your seat, and enjoy the Grand Lobby.

3. Use the free pre-concert talks – For classical concerts, arrive 1 hour early for a 30-minute talk with the conductor or guest artist (no extra ticket needed).

4. Plan bathroom breaks – Restrooms are located on every level. Lines are longest during intermission (use the lobby facilities 5 minutes before intermission ends).

5. Check the program for special effects – Some concerts (e.g., film with live orchestra) may have strobe lighting or loud sound effects. The DSO website lists content notes.

6. Bring a sweater or jacket – The concert hall is air-conditioned year-round (around 68–70°F).

7. No outside food or drink – Concessions are available inside.

8. Talk to your children before the concert – Explain that they will need to sit quietly during the music but can applaud at the end. Movement and whispers are normal for young children—the DSO welcomes families.

9. Consider a matinee performance – Sunday afternoon concerts (2:30 PM) are often shorter and less crowded than Saturday evenings.

10. Sign up for the DSO newsletter – You will receive presale codes for film concerts and family series tickets before the general public.

Nearby Attractions (Within Walking Distance)

The Meyerson is located in the Dallas Arts District, one of the most walkable cultural districts in America.

Pro Tip: Combine a matinee symphony concert (2:30 PM) with a morning at the DMA (free) and lunch at Klyde Warren Park food trucks for a perfect arts-filled day.

Stay Connected:

Follow the Dallas Symphony Orchestra for concert announcements, ticket presales, behind-the-scenes content, and educational resources.

• YouTube: Dallas Symphony Orchestra – Concert previews, interviews with musicians, and full performances

• Facebook: Dallas Symphony Orchestra – Daily posts, ticket giveaways, and event reminders

• X (Twitter): @DallasSymphony – Quick updates, weather cancellations, and last-minute ticket offers

• Instagram: @dallassymphony – Stunning photos of the Meyerson, conductor portraits, and behind-the-scenes rehearsal reels

• DSO Kids (Free Educational Site): dallassymphony.org/dso-kids – Interactive games and instrument guides for children

Meyerson Symphony Center, 2301, Flora Street, Klyde Warren Park-Arts District PID, Downtown PID, Dallas, Dallas County, Texas, 75201, Statele Unite ale Americii

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