Fountain Place
#58 of 100 things to do in Dallas
Dallas, Texas is defined by its iconic skyline, and at the heart of it stands the unmistakable prism of Fountain Place. This isn’t just another skyscraper; it’s a landmark that has defined the city for over three decades. Designed by the legendary architectural firm of I.M. Pei & Partners and completed in 1986, this 60-story late-modernist masterpiece is the fifth-tallest building in Dallas and is recognized as one of the most uniquely shaped buildings anywhere in the world.
Its shimmering green glass façade reflects the sky and surrounding structures, creating a different profile from every angle. But the real draw isn’t just the architecture above. At its base lies a breathtaking, tranquil oasis: a 1.7-acre water garden with 172 dancing fountains, making it one of downtown’s most beloved and trafficked public spaces.
A Landmark with a Story: Twin Towers and a $70 Million Refresh
The story of Fountain Place is one of ambition. The original master plan by Henry N. Cobb of Pei Cobb Freed called for twin towers, with a second building rotated 90 degrees from the first to create a dynamic interplay of light and glass. However, the collapse of the Texas oil, banking, and real estate industry in the 1980s meant the project was never completed.
For nearly four decades, the vision remained unfinished—until recently. The long-awaited sibling tower, AMLI Fountain Place Residences, a 45-story residential building, was completed in 2020 on an adjacent lot, finally realizing the original architectural vision and transforming the Dallas skyline.
The original office tower itself underwent an extensive $70 million renovation, carefully updating all of its interiors to be as timeless as its iconic exterior. The renovation included a dramatic new lobby, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a tenant lounge, while preserving the landmark’s architectural integrity.
The Fountains: A Choreographed Water Wonderland
The heart and soul of the destination is Fountain Plaza. This internationally recognized water garden was designed by legendary landscape architect Dan Kiley and features a stunning array of 172 dancing fountains, all set within a beautiful forest of mature bald cypress trees.
The fountains are a marvel of engineering, originally created by WET Design, the same company that would later go on to design the world-famous Fountains of Bellagio in Las Vegas. It was one of the company’s first major projects, showcasing its patented open-jointed paving where water appears to shoot from the plaza’s surface itself.
Visitors of all ages are captivated by the dancing water jets and the soothing sounds of the “central grand fountain”. At night, the fountains are beautifully lit, creating a magical and romantic atmosphere.
Activities for Adults & Children: A Free Urban Oasis
Fountain Place is a welcoming public space for everyone, offering a serene escape from the city’s bustle.
🧘 For Adults: Relaxation, Romance & City Views
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A Peaceful Retreat: The lush greenery, mature trees, and the cooling sound of the fountains make it a perfect spot to sit, read, or simply unwind. It’s a “wonderful, tranquil oasis” offering a break even on the hottest summer days.
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Photography: The unique, mirrored architecture against the backdrop of the choreographed fountains and the Dallas skyline offers countless opportunities for stunning photography.
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Romantic Setting: The illuminated fountains at night and the serene atmosphere make it a favorite spot for romantic dates and proposals.
👨👩👧👦 For Children & Families: A Fun, Free Adventure
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Watch the Water Dance: The 172 bubbler fountains are a joy for children, who love to guess which spout will appear next.
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Explore the Plaza: The large open plaza, walkways, and the cool mist of the fountains create a safe, engaging, and accessible environment for kids to run and play.
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A Photo Opportunity: The colorful flowers, sparkling water, and dramatic glass tower make for a perfect, family-friendly photo backdrop.
Location, Hours, Parking & Getting There
📍 Location & Hours
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Address: 1445 Ross Avenue, Dallas, TX 75202. The building is located at the northern edge of the Dallas Arts District.
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Hours: The plaza is an outdoor public space, open and accessible during daylight hours. The fountain displays are generally active during the day and often illuminated in the evenings.
🚗 Parking & Public Transportation
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Driving & Parking: There are several paid parking garages and street parking options in the vicinity of Fountain Place. It is recommended to use parking apps for real-time availability and rates.
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DART (Public Transit): Fountain Place is easily accessible via the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) light rail, with nearby stops in the downtown Arts District.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fountain Place
1. Is Fountain Place free to visit?
Yes, entry to Fountain Plaza is free and open to the public. There is no admission fee to enjoy the water garden.
2. Can I go inside the Fountain Place building?
Fountain Place is primarily an office tower. The lobby is open for foot traffic, but access to upper floors is restricted to office tenants and their guests.
3. What time do the fountains run?
The fountains generally run during the day, but there is no official published schedule. The water features are at their most spectacular at night when they are illuminated.
4. Are there places to sit?
Yes, there are plenty of benches strategically placed around the plaza, allowing you to sit and enjoy the scenery.
5. Is it wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the plaza is a pedestrian-friendly, accessible public space with paved walkways.
Stay Connected
For more information, you can follow the building’s official channels.
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Official Website: https://www.fountainplace.com/
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This attraction is part of free things to do in Dallas