{"id":1381,"date":"2026-07-07T13:11:55","date_gmt":"2026-07-07T17:11:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/funthingstodoin.us\/dallas-tx\/?p=1381"},"modified":"2026-07-09T13:09:32","modified_gmt":"2026-07-09T17:09:32","slug":"visit-fountain-place","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/funthingstodoin.us\/dallas-tx\/visit-fountain-place\/","title":{"rendered":"Visit Fountain Place"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"FountainFountain Place<\/strong>
\n#58 of 100 things to do in Dallas<\/p>\n

Dallas, Texas<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0is defined by its iconic skyline, and at the heart of it stands the unmistakable prism of\u00a0<\/span>Fountain Place<\/span><\/strong>. 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<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Its shimmering green glass fa\u00e7ade reflects the sky and surrounding structures, creating a different profile from every angle<\/span>. 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<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

A Landmark with a Story: Twin Towers and a $70 Million Refresh<\/span><\/h2>\n

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<\/span>. However, the collapse of the Texas oil, banking, and real estate industry in the 1980s meant the project was never completed<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

For nearly four decades, the vision remained unfinished\u2014until recently. The long-awaited sibling tower,\u00a0<\/span>AMLI Fountain Place Residences<\/span><\/strong>, a 45-story residential building, was completed in 2020 on an adjacent lot, finally realizing the original architectural vision and transforming the Dallas skyline<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

The original office tower itself underwent an extensive\u00a0<\/span>$70 million renovation<\/span><\/strong>, 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Fountains: A Choreographed Water Wonderland<\/span><\/h2>\n

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<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

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<\/span>. 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<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

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<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Activities for Adults & Children: A Free Urban Oasis<\/span><\/h2>\n

Fountain Place is a welcoming public space for everyone, offering a serene escape from the city’s bustle.<\/span><\/p>\n

\ud83e\uddd8 For Adults: Relaxation, Romance & City Views<\/span><\/h3>\n