Visit AT&T Discovery District

AT&T Discovery District
#51 of 100 things to do in Dallas

Dallas, Texas is home to a stunning fusion of technology, culture, and urban space: the AT&T Discovery District. This $100 million public-private project, designed by Gensler and opened in 2021, transformed AT&T’s corporate headquarters into an iconic, public-facing destination in the heart of downtown Dallas. It’s a place where cutting-edge technology meets vibrant community life, offering an unparalleled experience for locals and visitors alike.

Whether you are a tech enthusiast, a foodie exploring a world-class food hall, a sports fan watching the game on the country’s largest media wall, or a family seeking a free and unique outing, this guide provides everything you need to know for a memorable visit.

Key Details at a Glance:

• Address: 208 S Akard St, Dallas, TX 75202

• Size: 140,000 sq ft of fully connected digital platforms 

• Vibe: Tech-forward, lively, and family-friendly

• Known For: World’s largest media wall, the interactive Globe, and The Exchange Food Hall

• Admission: Free; some special events and VIP experiences may require tickets

Hours of Operation

The District is a public space with various hours for its different components.

Key Attractions & Activities for All Ages

🌟 The Media Wall

The District’s crown jewel is the 104-foot-tall, 9,300-square-foot Media Wall, one of the largest continuous digital displays in the United States. Wrapped around the corner of the building at Akard and Jackson Streets, it features over 120 million LED pixels and 6K resolution, bringing digital art, live events, and media to life in staggering detail.

What to see:

• Sports Watch Parties: The Media Wall is the ultimate spot to watch the Dallas Cowboys, Dallas Mavericks, Dallas Stars, and major sporting events.

• Live Concerts & Performances: The District hosts concerts and performances for a wide range of genres.

• Movies on the Lawn: Enjoy free movies, like “Lilo & Stitch (live action)” during special events.

• Digital Art: 45+ hours of custom, curated video content from world-renowned multimedia creators evoke a sense of discovery.

🌐 The Globe

This 30-foot-tall, mirrored sculpture is an iconic nod to AT&T’s history of connecting the world. Covered with 300,000 LEDs, visitors can venture inside to experience an immersive interactive light and sound show. The Globe is a physical representation of the AT&T logo and a beacon for the District.

🏛️ AT&T Lobby

Visitors are welcome to step into the lobby of AT&T’s global headquarters. This is a one-of-a-kind, floor-to-ceiling fusion of architecture, multimedia content, and technology, featuring 70 million pixels and 23 audio zones.

🍔 The Exchange Food Hall

At the heart of the District is The Exchange Food Hall, a food-lover’s dream. Located in a two-story, 27,000-square-foot space, it houses a roster of 13+ locally and nationally-acclaimed eateries.

What to Eat:

• Cowboy Chow: Inspired by the native ingredients and traditional recipes from Mexico to Montana.

• Revolver Taco: For tacos and Mexican flavors.

• Bobbers: Known for burgers and even a Dole Whip!

• The Dock: For coastal cuisine.

• Baboushi: For Mediterranean street food.

• Zalat: For pizza.

• Monkey King Noodle Co.: For Chinese street food.

• Val’s Cheesecake and La Duni: For sweet treats.

🏆 Private Events

The District offers a range of spaces for private events, from the luxurious second floor of The Exchange Food Hall to the 5,400-square-foot lawn . Spaces can accommodate up to 1,293 guests.

Activities for Adults & Children: Tech, Food & Fun

👨‍🖥️ For Adults: A Tech-Savvy Entertainment Hub

1. Explore the Technology: The District is designed around experiential platforms. You can walk through the District and experience interactive take-over moments of lighting, audio, and creative media.

2. Enjoy Food & Drink: Indulge in a diverse selection of craft cocktails, local beers, and cuisine from The Exchange Hall, and enjoy the spacious and welcoming bars.

3. Attend a Watch Party: Bring your game face and lawn chairs to watch the Cowboys, Mavs, or Stars on the massive Media Wall . VIP packages are available for the ultimate game-day experience.

4. Host an Event: The District provides the perfect venue for a corporate event, private dinner, or wedding.

👧 For Children & Families: A Tech Wonderland

1. Movies on the Lawn: Enjoy free, family-friendly movies on the Media Wall.

2. The Globe: Children will be mesmerized by the interactive light and sound show inside the 30-foot Globe.

3. Food Hall Exploration: The variety of food options means there’s something for even the pickiest eater, from burgers to Dole Whips.

4. Open Space to Play: The 5,400-square-foot lawn and outdoor seating areas provide plenty of space for kids to run around and enjoy the fresh air.

Location, Parking & Getting There

🚗 Driving & Parking

Address for GPS: 208 S Akard St, Dallas, TX 75202

The District offers validated parking for visitors.

• Parking Garage: Self-parking is available at the 1212 Jackson Street garage.

• Validation: Parking is complimentary with merchant validation from The Exchange Food Hall, Cowboy Chow, or the AT&T Store.

• Valet: Valet parking is available seven days a week from 5 PM – 11 PM on weeknights and 5 PM – 1 AM on weekends.

• Free Parking Times: The 1212 Jackson St garage offers free guest parking after 4 PM on weekdays, and all day Saturdays and Sundays (with validation).

🚆 Public Transportation

The District is conveniently located in the heart of downtown, near DART rail lines and bus routes.

Accessibility

The District is designed to be inclusive and accessible for all guests. Features include accessible parking, drop-off and pick-up areas, restrooms, power-assisted doors, and hearing loop technology. The AT&T Discovery District is also pet-friendly.

An Iconic Statue: Golden Boy

“The Spirit of Communication” statue, affectionately known as Golden Boy, is a beacon welcoming visitors to the plaza. This century-old, 1,000+ pound statue is a nod to AT&T’s history and the art of communication.

Tips for Your Visit

1. Check the Calendar: The District hosts a dynamic calendar of public events, watch parties, and concerts. Always check the “See & Do” page for the most current offerings.

2. Make a Meal of It: With 13+ eateries in one food hall, you can come hungry and sample a variety of cuisines.

3. Get Validated: Remember to get your parking validated at any restaurant or the AT&T Store to enjoy complimentary parking.

4. Visit in the Evening: The Media Wall, Globe, and all the lights are at their most spectacular after dark.

5. Bring Your Camera: The District is incredibly photogenic, with its massive screens, reflective globe, and modern architecture.

6. Stay Connected: The District is a tech hub with ultra-fast Wi-Fi and 5G, making it easy to share your experience instantly.

A Note on the District’s Future

In early 2026, AT&T announced it would move its global headquarters to a new campus in Plano, Texas, raising questions about the future of the $100 million Discovery District. As of now, the District remains a vibrant public space, and its future use and ownership are uncertain. For the most current information, check the official website before your visit.

Stay Connected:

Follow the AT&T Discovery District to stay updated on the latest events, concerts, and watch parties.

• Official Website: https://discoverydistrictdallas.com/

• Instagram: @attdiscoverydistrict

If you have any experience with this place, please share it with us in the comments below!

Whitacre Tower, 208, South Akard Street, Downtown PID, Dallas, Dallas County, Texas, 75202, Statele Unite ale Americii

This attraction is part of free things to do in Dallas