Architecture News

Dallas architecture group moves to new user-friendly downtown digs

This is where it all begins.

Courtesy photo

A new facility dedicated to architecture opens in downtown Dallas with a goal to get us in the door and get us thinking about architecture.

It's called the AD EX, which is shorthand for The Architecture and Design Exchange — a new name for what used to be called Dallas Center for Architecture — and it'll open at 325 N. St. Paul St., #150, at Republic Center near Thanks-Giving Square.

The AD EX will hold a free grand opening event on December 8 from 10 am-3 pm, in collaboration with Better Block Foundation and Downtown Dallas, Inc. Attendees are encouraged to bring new, unwrapped toys appropriate for children up to 14 years old (bonus points awarded for toys related to building and design).

The move to a new and friendlier building in downtown Dallas aims to spur conversation about walkability, mobility, historic preservation, affordable housing, economic development, and other civic challenges related to architecture and urban design that impact the city.

It'll have a street-level presence next door to the new Pacific Plaza park, in an effort to break down barriers and facilitate informal exchange of ideas about design and architecture.

The space boasts an open floor plan, floor-to-ceiling windows, and outside terrace, showcasing design-focused exhibitions, films, book and panel discussions, student workshops, policy symposia, and other programming.

It'll be open to the public Monday-Friday 9 am-6 pm, except for Thursdays when it will stay open until 8 pm. It'll even keep Saturday hours, from 10 am-3 pm.

In addition to diverse exhibits, they'll offer free weekly Lunch Learning Sessions and guided architecture tours.

There'll be two opening exhibits. One will be the return of the seasonal exhibit "Building Toys and Toy Buildings: Architecture Through A Child’s Eyes," which presents a timeline of vintage and modern toys used to build fantasy buildings, towns, and towers. The exhibit itself is hands-off, but there'll be a "construction zone" where visitors can design and build their own structure with blocks, TinkerToys, and LEGOs.

The second exhibition of "A Window into the Architect’s Mind: 44th Annual AIA Dallas Ken Roberts (KRob) Memorial Delineation Competition." KRob is a Dallas classic that honors hand and digital delineations (architectural drawings) by professionals and students throughout the world. It is the longest-running exhibition of its kind currently in operation.

The AD EX will also be home to the Dallas Chapter of The American Institute of Architects (AIA Dallas), and will provide office space for administrative staff as well as a place where AD EX programming and AIA Dallas member events occur, along with architecture and design events by other collaborating organizations.

AIA Dallas has a membership base of more than 2,400 architect and industry members and 300 architectural firms. Member efforts support professional development, education, advocacy, thought-provoking programming, and seven signature events.

downtown

Game of Thrones news

60 iconic Game of Thrones costumes come to Dallas-Fort Worth museum

HBO

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Winter is coming to Arlington in October: "Game of Thrones: The Exhibition," featuring original costumes, props, and a behind-the-scenes peek at the groundbreaking HBO series, will make its worldwide debut at the Arlington Museum of Art on October 4.

Curated for the Arlington museum in collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences (WBDGE) and the Game of Thrones production archives team, the exhibition will showcase more than 60 costumes from all eight seasons of the show, including Daenerys Targaryen’s regal dragon-scale gowns and Jon Snow’s battle-worn Night’s Watch gear.

They'll be accompanied by behind-the-scenes insights, images, and design sketches that show the craftsmanship and historical influences behind the looks.

"The collection highlights the vision and detail of the show’s award-winning costume designer and the hundreds of talented production designers, set builders, and other specialty artisans," says a release. "'Game of Thrones: The Exhibition' transports visitors into the heart of the realm, offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at the artistry, craftsmanship, and storytelling that brought the epic series to life."

Daenerys Targaryen Game of Thrones Game of Thrones ran on HBO from 2011 to 2019. thelastcover.net

The costumes and props offer an opportunity for GOT fans who've been missing the series since it ended in 2019 to relive the adventure of the Westeros.

Game of Thrones was a fantasy drama series that followed a war of succession among competing noble families for control of the Iron Throne of the Seven Kingdoms and other threats to their kingdoms. It aired on HBO for eight seasons, from April 2011 to May 2019, earning critical acclaim and worldwide fandom. The series is now available to stream on HBO Max.

“This exhibition is more than a tribute to the world of Game of Thrones, it’s a celebration of the fandom that kept the story alive,” says AMA director of exhibitions Kendall Quirk in the release. “There are so many talented artists who brought the series to life through sets, graphic design, and costumes and we’re so thrilled to celebrate their work.”

The exhibit is suitable for all ages, and content will appeal to both devoted fans and newcomers to the series, she adds.

"Game of Thrones: The Exhibition" will run October 4, 2025-April 5, 2026. Tickets ($25) will go on sale August 1 on the Arlington Museum of Art website. Advance reservations are recommended.

The Arlington Museum of Art is on a roll with exhibitions that tap into recent pop culture zeitgeist. The museum just completed a display of costumes and jewels from Disney films, as well as costumes from the 2024 blockbuster movie Wicked, and never-before-seen photos of Britain's late Princess Diana.

arlington arlington museum arlington museum of art exhibitions game of thrones museum of art museums