The
most visually striking building in the
Fair Park collection of art deco buildings
is the Hall of State building. It was
built as part of the 1936 Texas Centennial
Exposition.
The place feels like sacred ground and
it is -- it holds the history of Texas.
Within the building is the Hall of Heroes,
it features statues of men who shaped
the Republic of Texas. Another is the
200-foot-
long Great Hall of Texas, which has six
bays each devoted to one of the national
flags that has flown over the state and
gigantic murals. Constructed of Texas
limestone, the building is a masterpiece
of craftsmanship
with red marble floors inlaid with squares
depicting Texas plants and animals, bas-reliefs,
stenciling and metalwork along with Texas
motifs such as cacti, Lone Stars and
oil wells. These days the Hall is mainly
used
for special events such as art exhibitions
and can be rented for private events.
