I never explored the Design District until I started to drive through the area to get to Bishop Arts District. I soon realized that I needed to check out the area after seeing the DDPlayground being created.
Art
To start, to get to the heart of the Design District you take Market Center Blvd towards N Riverfront Blvd from I-35 (aka Stemmons Freeway). One of the first restaurants (and murals) you will see on the left is Ferris Wheelers BBQ.
Welcome to Texas Mural
This is on the outside of Ferris Wheelers facing their parking lot as you head to their patio area in the back of the restaurant. I discuss later in this post how Texans love state pride. Here's your first example! Ferris Wheelers is located on Market Center Blvd in between I-35 and Turtle Creek Blvd.
Space Girl Mural
This space girl is on the back of the Virgin Hotel facing a parking lot for the hotel. The mural is located on Hi-Line Dr but facing the Trinity River and Market Center Blvd. Take Hi-Line past the front entrance of the hotel until the street dead ends and turn left into the parking lot.
Artist: Haylee Ryan is a Dallas native who is an artist and musician. She is also an elementary art teacher in Dallas ISD. (website: hayleeryanart instagram: @hayleeryan)
We All Count Mural
Consider this your friendly reminder to vote in all elections, even local/state elections! As you can tell, this mural was an artistic way to get people in Dallas county to go out and vote in the 2020 election. If you go to the Space Girl Mural above exit the parking lot and take Hi-Line Dr in the opposite directions go past Oak Lawn Ave and it will be on your left. In between Acquisitions Dallas and Conduit Gallery store fronts. It can be hard to see from the street because its tucked away in the way back of the parking lot. It is on the back of Charlie + Co. but faces the parking for the two store fronts stated above.
Artist unknown.
DDPlayGrounds
The next two buildings that are most well known in the Design District for their art. They have several murals/interactive art that were developed by Ewing Properties: DDPlayground. Ewing Properties is the leading developer for the Design District. So, what a better way to attract people who wouldn't typically go to the Design District than to create giant interactive murals that are all different. (website: ewingpropertiestexas instagram: @ewingproperties)
DDPlayGround # 1
This is the first DDPlayground you'll see if you are driving on N Riverfront Blvd from I35. All these murals face towards N Riverfront Blvd in between Leslie and Cole St. If you are driving on N Riverfront Blvd they are hard to miss!
My favorite thing about these murals are that most of them are interactive making for an even better photo-op.
Tin Man
No explanation needed for who this guy is! Unfortunately there is no way to access the Tin Man but you can get creative with your pictures!
Artist: Jeremy Biggers is a jack of all trades when it comes to fine arts. He is an artist, filmmaker, designer, and photographer based in Dallas. "Dubbed 'Dallas' Hardest Working Multi-Hyphenate' by D Magazine, from drawing to painting to graphic design to photography to film making, Jeremy Biggers has been involved with image making his entire life." (website: jeremybiggers instagram: @stemandthorn)
Ride It Like You Stole It Mural
This interactive mural is a whole vibe and makes me want to put my cowboy boots on asap. I also love how there are 3 different fonts and color schemes used for them.
Artists: Collaboration with Chad (instagram: @gooodtimecharlie) and Lesli Marshall (instagram: @lm_artndesign). Murals aren't the only thing they collab on, they co-own LTX Mercantile located in downtown Llano, TX. Lesli has murals and art sprinkled through out the US and is owner of Articulation Art (instagram: @articulationart).
Space Ship Mural
"Beam me up, Scotty" is the first quote I think of every time I see this mural!
Artists: Collaboration with Chad (instagram: @gooodtimecharlie), Lesli Marshall (instagram: @lm_artndesign & @articulationart), and design studio, Studio 217 (website: studio217 instagram: @studio217dallas)
Hay Girl Mural
Who doesn't love a good play on words?! I started saying the word, hey as hay ironically and now I use it way too often!
Artists: Collaboration with Chad (instagram: @gooodtimecharlie) and Lesli Marshall (instagram: @lm_artndesign & @articulationart).
Tiger King Mural
At the beginning of the COVID19 pandemic everyone found out who Tiger King is. If you haven't watched it you need to! I binged it in one day because it intrigued me.
Artists: Daniel Driensky 1/2 of the dynamic film duo: Exlporedinary. He is a jack of all trades: photographer, filmmaker, and artist. (instagram: @driensky_drawings, @dd_dabieldriensky and @exploredinary) Zarina Karapetyan is a Dallas based multi-disciplinary artist. "Using a spiritual and intuitive process she sustains an atmospheric and sensitive quality throughout different materials and concepts." (website: zarinastudio instagram: @zarinastudio_)
Dragon, Scorpions, Snakes (oh my) Mural
This mural is located at the intersection of Dragon St and Cole St outside of Jean Liu Design studio. This mural is located on the opposite side of N Riverfront Blvd and Cole St (like you're going towards downtown) from DDPlayground #1.
Artist: Heather Clark Lynn or better known by her alter ego, Spirit of Salt. Her alter ego "grew out of my desire to combine my obsession with esoterica, flora and fauna, myths and symbolism with my love of textile painting, pattern-making and the decorative arts, in the style of William Morris and the Arts & Crafts and Art Nouveau movements." (website: byspiritofsalt instagram: @spirit.of.salt)
DDPlayground # 2
When heading down N Riverfront Blvd from I35 this is the second DDplayground. It is facing N Riverfront Blvd in between Howell and Pittsburg St. As you can see in the picture above there is a bus stop in front of this playground.
Sky Fall Truck
Who doesn't love an old fashion ice cream truck? Let alone a pink one? From what I could tell you can't go inside the truck but you can take as many pictures you want around it.
Artist: Lesli Marshall (instagram: @lm_artndesign & @articulationart).
Race Car
The first thing that pops in my head is Cadillac Ranch but with David Bowie vibes? At Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, TX its a bunch of old beat up Cadillacs submerged into the ground and you can spray paint them. Obviously, here the painting is done for you and the car is definitely not a Cadillac. Love the David Bowie inspired lighting bolt going down the middle of the car!
Artist: Leighton Autrey, who according to his instagram bio is a doer of things, creator, athlete, restless heart, prosperous soul, husband, father 3X. (instagram: @leightonautrey)
See, Hear, Speak No Evil
The famous saying, "See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil" is from the Japanese pictorial principle, the Three Wise Monkeys. Where one monkey is covering his eyes, the other is covering his ears, and the last is covering his mouth. The meaning of the phrase refers to people who turn a their back on, look the other way, etc to impropriety.
Artist: Lesli Marshall (instagram: @lm_artndesign & @articulationart).
Love Dallas Texas Mural
This might be my favorite mural in the design district! I love the fact you can go to the string and act as if your holding the balloon! Speaking of the balloon, it blows my mind how realistic it looks.
Artists: The typography and Texas were created by Chad (instagram: @gooodtimecharlie) and Lesli Marshall (instagram: @lm_artndesign & @articulationart). Lesli is a huge of Jeremy Biggers so she brought him on to create the mylar balloon. (website: jeremybiggers instagram: @stemandthorn)
Playboy Bunnies Mural
If you've ever wanted to be a Playboy Bunny here's your chance! This would a cute backdrop if you dress up as one of those famous Bunnies for Halloween or for a bachelorette group pic.
Artists: Collaboration with Chad (instagram: @gooodtimecharlie) and Lesli Marshall. (instagram: @lm_artndesign & @articulationart)
TX AF Mural
For anyone who doesn't know, Texans are very into state pride. I mean there's a lot to love about the second biggest state in the US (although you'd think it's the biggest by how we act): BBQ, Dr. Pepper, Blue Bell, Chip and Jojo, Neiman Marcus, and my personal favorite: Tex-Mex. Nothing like washing down some queso with a nice glass of Dr. Pepper aka my entire diet.
Artists: Collaboration with Chad (instagram: @gooodtimecharlie) and Lesli Marshall. (instagram: @lm_artndesign & @articulationart)
Good Year Mural
Again, another quirky play on words and design. Who wouldn't want to swing on a tire that's telling you to have a good year?
Artists: Collaboration with Chad (instagram: @gooodtimecharlie) and Lesli Marshall. (instagram: @lm_artndesign & @articulationart)
Chuck Norris
If you grew up in the 90s, you know who this guy is: Walker, Texas Ranger. If you're from Texas you know the liter campaign's slogan pretty well: "Don't Mess with Texas". So I love how they combined these two things together. You can definitely have fun with this mural by taking an "action shot".
Artists: Chad (instagram: @gooodtimecharlie) and Zarina Karapetyan. (website: zarinastudio instagram: @zarinastudio_)
Clint Eastwood Mural
Well, if you ever wanted a picture with Clint Eastwood here's your chance. You won't even have to bother him!
Artists: Lesli Marshall. (instagram: @lm_artndesign & @articulationart)
The next 3 murals are located on the Scout Designs building located off of Howell St in between N Riverfront Blvd and E Levee St.
Giraffe & Fox Mural
These very well dressed too cool for school animals can be found in between Scout Designs main entrance. Look at the detail on their clothes it's jaw dropping!!😱
Artist: Michael McPheeters aka MR.MURAL grew up in Los Angeles he began his career as a street artist and scenic painter in the film industry. He eventually made his way to Dallas where he has become a "multifaceted contemporary artist, activist and graffiti writer". (website: MichaelMcPheeters instagram: @michaelmchpheeters)
All Of Us Mural
From one of the best selling author, Liz Garton Scanlon and her best selling children's book: All The World. I love the bold colors behind the people, it really makes them pop!
Artist: Katie Murray is based in Ft. Worth, TX and created murals for major companies such as: Macys, Wild Acre Brewing, Scout Designs, and the Ft. Worth Zoo. She has an impressive resume to go along with the amazing artwork she creates. "Currently, Katie Murray serves as Chief Creative Officer for M2G Ventures. Since joining the M2G team in 2015, her focus is on murals, art, design, and curation. Katie is a co-founder and chief advisor for Art Room." (website: katiepaintbrush instagram: @katiepaintbrush)
Loop Mural
Who's else is stuck in a loop, doing the same thing everyday? No one? Then head over to this mural to get stuck in one. These realistic lips will draw you in the second you see them!
Artist: Jeremy Biggers and one of his famous mouth paintings. (website: jeremybiggers instagram: @stemandthorn)
Big Mango Trading Company Mural
You can find this tranquil mural on the garage door for Big Mango Trading Company. From what I can tell this is their warehouse and it is facing Payne St about half way in between N Riverfront Blvd and E Levee St.
Artist unknown.
Bear Mural
If you walk maybe 100 feet towards E Levee St on Payne St from the Big Mango Trading Co mural you'll find this colorful bear. You can find this mural facing Payne St in between N Riverfront Blvd and E Levee St.
Artist: Alec DeJesus who currently lives in Dallas and has murals scattered around the US. (instagram: @youcancallmealec)
The rest of the murals are not in the heart of the Design District or the DDPlaygrounds but can be driven to within a minute or two from the area.
Abstract Mural
This mural immediately caught my eye. Again, I love the bright colors against the black brick. This abstract mural is facing Levee St in between Turtle Creek Blvd and Riveredge Dr. It is on the building that houses Azzurro Living: outdoor design studio.
Artist: Mariell Guzman is based out of Texas but was born in Michoacàn, Mexico. Her Mexican heritage plays a huge role in artistic style. She has murals sprinkled throughout the US and Mexico. (website: bymariell instagram: @mariellguzman)
Tacos, Bites & Beats Food Truck Murals
If you don't like tacos we can't be friends... just saying! This eye-catching building is located at the intersection of Irving Blvd and Turtle Creek Blvd. You can't miss it with all the bright fun colors! I've never tried this taco joint but it's on my list since it's always crowded when I drive by. Tacos, Bites & Beats backs up to the Trinity Strand Trail which is a huge biking and walking trail that goes along the Trinity River. Hence the fitness theme murals! My personal favorites from this spot are "all you need is love and tacos" and "I'm into fitness, fit'ness this whole taco in my mouth". So grab a taco and take a picture with it in front of your favorite art.
Artist(s) unknown.
The next few murals are on the back of a building complex that houses several different companies. If you're focused on driving & GPSing you will miss getting a glimpse of them from Irving Blvd which gives you a general idea of where they are. Which happened to me, so when I couldn't find these murals I got super frustrated. These murals are facing the Trinity Strand Trail so when you park at the building complex you will not see them. The best way to get to these murals is to head north (aka towards Interstate 35) on Manufacturing St until it dead ends with Turtle Creek/Trinity Strands Trail. You need to park near the Trinity Strand Trail and walk behind the building and you'll see them when you round the corner of the building.
If you decide to grab a taco and take pictures at Tacos Bites & Beats you can see one of the murals if you head to the back of the building. You can also walk to these murals from the the taco spot by taking the Trinity Strand Trail. Of course, if you do that please be respectful and buy food from the establishment before parking your car and walking to the murals.
Here is the trail marker for where the murals are located on the Trinity Strand Trail.
Stars & Stripes Mural
If you park at the building complex this will be the first mural you come across. I love the movement created that makes the flag to look like its blowing in the wind and the stars popping through the stripes. Amazing details!
Artist unknown.
Dallas Skyline
This is the next mural you'll find on this section of the Trinity Strand Trail. This mural reminds me of Wizard of Oz the way the colors are separated to show depth. All that's missing is the yellow brick road!
Artist unknown.
Landscape Mural
Who else gets a Van Gogh impressionist vibe here? This mural is so wide it barely fit in my wide angle camera lens. Not much to say about this piece except I love everything about it. From the contrasting colors, the style, the animals, to the giant waves.
Artist unknown.
We Want A New Mural Mural
The people of the Design District have spoken; they want a new mural and I don't blame them! So Dallas muralist, get to work!
Artist unknown.
Wolf Warrior Mural
The wolves and giant spear give off rebellious warrior queen vibes, and I'm here for it!
Artist unknown.
Love Conquers All (or Y'all)
This mural is one of my all times favorites I've come across in Dallas. The bright colors and hearts have me 😍, of course I had to get a picture in front of it. I did my signature pose for pictures and realized after the fact it looked like I was creating a 'Y'. So if you need photo shoot inspiration, I'm clearly your girl. 🤪
Artist: James Goldcrown (with a name like that he had to become famous) spent his early days by creating street art around London. After leaving school, he started working at 17 at the South London Darkroom leading to his career as a fashion photographer. After doing that for several years he left the fashion industry to create a film about the Aids/HIV epidemic. "In 2007 James moved to New York and re-entered the fashion world. He began incorporating mixed media into his photography influenced by his previous days as a street artist in the early 90's. His many projects led to his first show at Miami Basel, where his work sold out in 2 hours. Now internationally renowned for his Bleeding Hearts/Lovewall murals, he has collaborated with brands and companies such as, Toms, L'Oreal, Rag & Bone, Sephora, Island Records, Universal, MTV, Vogue, Bandier, Rimowa Luggage, Henri Bendel, Armarni and more." He has artwork scattered around the world and the Design District is lucky enough to have a mural! (website: JGoldcrown instagram: @jgoldcrownart & @jgoldcrown)
City Typography Mural
Now talk about a GIANT mural my wide angle lens couldn't fit the whole thing with the river bank dropping steeply the second you try to go off the trail. This was the best I could do. When walking from Tacos, Bites & Beats this will be the first mural you run into. Who doesn't love a good typography piece of artwork? I know, I do!
Artist: Kyle Steed currently lives in Dallas and predominately creates abstract pieces. "Steed spent years pushing and pulling to distance himself from his upbringing. The agony over place and identity is represented in his work by the balanced arrangement of color and shape. By working with a vivid palette he offers his viewers a light by which to explore. His shapes lean into familiar territory of our humanity while keeping any direct representation at arms length." (website: KyleSteed instagram: @kylesteed)
The Avocado Mural
The Avocado mural is located off E Irving Blvd and faces Wycliff Ave. It is on the side of Martinez Fresh Produce & Distribution, which is the only Latino produce store in the design district.
Artist: Márquez Muñoz is a Dallas based artist. (instagram: @marquezmunozstudio)
Be a Voter Street Art
If you've read my other blog posts you know I love a good play on words. So of course, I love this piece for incorporating bees and honeycombs with their typography! Located on the back of a building in between Vantage & Monitor streets facing a grassy area in between two factory style buildings. You can see this piece when driving on Wycliffe Ave from I-35 into Dallas/Design District. If you want to snap a picture in front of this artwork park at the building and walk around to the back.
Artist unknown.
Be Epic Mural
Having an epic day? If you answered yes, go document it with this epically bright and colorful mural! Again, I'm sucker for those bright contrasting colors and cool typography! This mural is located on Converse St in between Chemical St and Crampton St. On the outside of the building that houses Connective Agency.
Artist: Chris Bingham a Dallas based artist who also runs a company with his childhood friend creating and selling apparel that encompasses their love for Texas. When talking about his artwork, "it seems to be taking an ever-evolving course, similar to my life in most stages. Over the years the style has been fluid and experimental, but the meaning behind the work has been the constant. Life, pattern, daily struggle, and the pure joy of being alive." (webiste: ChrisBingham apparel: Tayhoss instagram: @chrisbinghamart)
Laser Image Mural
Yet another fantastic and colorful Dallas skyline mural! Again, in Texas we really like ourselves and that includes our cities and cool skylines. I mean the Dallas skyline is pretty freaking cool and iconic! You can easily get pictures of this mural from two spots:
a. Take Irving Blvd to Crampton St until Crampton St dead ends at the Trinity River (top picture). If you went to the Be Epic Mural above take Converse St until it dead ends with Crampton St and take a left.
b. Get to I-35. If you are on the Medical District street coming from Irving Blvd turn right at I-35 and get on the feeder road but do NOT get on I-35. Drive past the Cavendars and pull into the parking lot for FuseMind and Dallas Gold & Gun. Drive to the left until you get to a bigger parking lot and park towards the back of the building (bottom picture).
Artist unknown but did have an email tagged.
Taco Cabana Mural
I just love the different shades of pink up against the black, making it really pop! This mural is technically considered in the Medical District but it's close enough to the Design District I'm considering it apart of it. So, if you're on I-35 you will take the Medical District exit. If you're driving on I-35 heading into Dallas you can see a billboard pointing down to the restaurant from the highway.
Artist: Will Heron aka Wheron born and raised in Dallas is a AP Art teacher in northwest Dallas. He "always had dreams of being a "professional color-er” which is ironic because I mostly stick to a monochromatic black & white pallet." He also has several murals and public art scattered through out Dallas.(website: wheronart.com instagram: @wheron)
Map It
Saw something that caught your eye and wanna know its exact location or need directions? Click on the points to find the one you're looking for. Or want to add art? Double click on the map where the artwork is and create a point. I will find it, photograph it, and update your point and the blog. Or if the artwork is no longer there leave a comment for this post.
Exploring the Design District
The Design District is filled with fine art dealers, art galleries, designer furniture showrooms, antique stores, bridal and alteration shops. If you need anything for your home this is the area you need to check out. It also has old mixed with new, up and coming restaurants and microbreweries. It's also within walking distance to different parks and trails that go along the Trinity River.
Restaurants
All these places are super crowded BUT deliciously worth it! So if it's the weekend or you don't have time to kill you might want to see if they do reservations. Rodeo Goat is a great place if you're craving gourmet and creative burgers. Ferris Wheelers is a casual BBQ joint that has live music and an actual Ferris wheel in the back. El Bolero is a traditional Mexican restaurant with great drinks and a patio. Pie Tap Pizza Workshop + Bar serves handcrafted pizza and pastas. Speaking of Pizza, Delucca's Gaucho Pizza is basically the gourmet adult version of Cici's and it's absolutely delicious! Flying Fish has great seafood with a cajun twist. The Whiskey Spot is a whiskey tasting establishment that has theme nights where they pair their whiskey with different foods. Last but not least the most well known restaurant in the Design District, Medieval Times. So if you're looking for a dinner and a tournament this is your spot.
Microbreweries
The newest thing to pop up in the Design District are breweries that are taking over old warehouses. Pegasus City Brewery has two locations, the original being in the Design District. They have a "tiny but mighty taproom" at the this location. They also sell their beer to go that you can order online. Peticolas Brewing Company is a 3 level taproom offering a rotating list of craft beers and tours of the brewery. They serve the typical beer snacks but they also have food trucks come out during peak hours. Texas Ale Project is family owned and operated. They have a huge complex consisting of a beer garden and taproom or you can purchase beer to go online.
Parks
There are a few walking trails and parks around the Trinity River. Trammell Crow Park that overlooks the Dallas skyline and close to the DFW Cricket Ground. Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge is a great spot to see the Trinity River and the Dallas Skyline. The bridge has different areas that you sit and hangout along with equipment you can play on. There is also the Trinity Overlook Park where you can park and look around. The Trammell Crow Park, Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge, and the Trinity Overlook Park lead you to the Trinity Skyline Trail. The trail takes you around the Trinity River and you can't beat the view. This area gives you the perfect skyline view for any pictures you want to take of Dallas. The Trinity Strand Trail takes you along the Trinity River as well but takes you through the heart of the design district and through a good number murals.
Shopping
Like I said before, this is the area you need to check out if you are updating your home. They have everything from art galleries, antique and modern furniture stores, along with too many showrooms to count. If you're recently engaged they have several bridal stores that are pretty much within walking distance from each other.
Since I am neither a home owner or recently engaged I have not done research on what are the best places to shop for in the area. But if you know any great shopping add it to the map at the bottom!
When & Where?
The best time/day to come to the Design District is on the weekends because some of the stores are closed making more parking available. If you can't go during the weekend going during the week is fine but there will be more traffic in the area. I would definitely stick to going during the day or early evening. Once the sun goes down the area can become a little sketchy since there are bail bond stores and a state jail further down N Riverfront Blvd. So if you go closer to dark go with a buddy.
Address
1313 N Riverfront Blvd, Dallas, TX 75207.
Transportation
There are several DART bus stops in the Design District, including one stop in front of the DDPlayground # 2. Click here for bus, rail, and streetcar routes/schedules.
Parking
There is a lot of parking around the design district but you need to be careful and look for towing signs. There are some parking spots that are on private property and only for employees. If you park at either of the DDPlaygrounds you will be able to walk to the majority of the art unless you really just want to move your car.
Parking for the Welcome to Texas mural outside of Ferris Wheelers BBQ.
Parking for the Space Girl mural is right in front of the mural at the back of the Virgin Hotel after you pass the hotel's entrance. (Take a left in to the parking lot after Hi-Line Dr dead ends.)
DDPlayground # 1 is located at the intersection of N Riverfront Blvd and Cole St as you can see there is designated parking for the murals.
DDPlayground # 2, Giraffe & Fox, Loop, & All Of Us Murals is located at the intersection of N Riverfront Blvd and Howell St. There is no designated parking for these murals but you can park in any public spot on Howell St.
Parking specifically for the Dragons, Snakes, Scorpions (oh my) Mural at the intersection of Dragon and Cole St. This mural you can easily walk to from DDPlayground # 1 but if you want to drive and park theres plenty of parking surrounding the building.
Parking for Big Mango Trading Company, Bear, and Zebra murals. You can pretty much find parking anywhere on Payton St. But these murals are within walking distance from DDPlayground # 1 & 2.
Parking specifically for the Abstract Mural on Levee St. Theres plenty of parking on either side of Levee St outside of Azzurro Living and Apex apartments.
Parking for Tacos, Beats & Bites at the intersection of Turtle Creek and Irving Blvd.
Parking for the City Typography, Stars & Stripes, Landscape Mural, Dallas Skyline, We Want a New Mural, Wolf Warrior, and Love Conquers All murals along the Trinity River Strand Trail. You take Manufacturing St to get to the cluster of buildings these murals are painted on.
Parking specifically for the Avocado mural that's at the intersection of E Irving Blvd and Wycliff Ave outside of Martinez Distribution. You can park in front Martinez Distribution or in front of a building next door.
Be a Voter mural there is parking in front of the building.
Be Epic mural plenty of parking on the Converse, Crampton, and Chemical streets outside of the building.
Laser Image mural you have two areas to park:
Where Crampton dead ends at the Trinity River
Parking in the big lot for FuseMind Inc.
Parking for the Taco Cabana at the intersection of I-35 and Dolton Dr. There is plenty of parking for the Taco Cabana itself plus there is parking in the shopping center the surrounds the taco joint.