Winspear Opera House Information
The AT&T Performing Arts Center has four venues in their complex including the world-famous Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House. The entire facility is based in downtown Dallas, Texas and was designed as a modern 21st-century reinterpretation of a traditional opera house. The venue features room for 2,200 seats and a max capacity of 2,300 in a traditional horseshoe configuration for the most classically appealing opera house experience on their side of the country. The venue has grown popular over the years with several sold-out shows every season, and many patrons becoming regular season ticket holders because The Winspear has become their number one choice for entertainment.
The venue is currently the home of The Dallas Opera, which had previously performed at the Music Hall at Fair Park before the 2008-2009 season. The Texas Ballet Theater also calls The Winspear home, performing timeless productions every year. But what makes the Winspear stand out as a part of the proud tradition of The AT&T Performing Arts Center is a large number of original programming productions that come to their stage. These productions represent the very best of local and nationally recognized talent presenting a wide variety of culturally appealing performances that delight every taste, need, and preference.
But don’t think that opera is the only thing to see at The Winspear, as it has also played host to music shows, dance, touring Broadway acts, concerts, and lectures to name a few. Winspear’s classical design is well-loved by theatergoers and production companies alike.
The venue was named after Margo and Bill Winspear – lifetime supporters of opera and The Dallas Opera in particular.
Located within Dallas’s AT&T Performing Arts Center, the opera house stands as a modern version of the traditional horseshoe-shaped opera venue. It was designed by the acclaimed architectural firm Foster + Partners, led by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Norman Foster and Deputy Chairman Spencer de Grey.
Accommodating up to 2,200 guests, the opera house is a seamless visual experience. Celebrated for its exceptional acoustics and intimate atmosphere, it boasts the stunning Annette and Harold Simmons Signature Glass Facade. It creates a connection between the vibrant red glass panels and the surrounding Sammons Park, rising sixty feet high.
This design harmoniously blends the indoor and outdoor spaces, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal. Additionally, the slatted Sky Canopy extends outward, providing shade over three acres of Sammons Park and highlighting outdoor areas for visitors to gather.
Inside, the Margaret McDermott Performance Hall features gold leaf-covered balconies and a spacious fly tower, alongside retractable screens and a three-square stage with large side and rear stage areas. This design makes it easier to perform a variety of operas in rotation.
Notable within the hall is the modern Moody Foundation Chandelier. It’s made up of over 300 LED rods, which are designed to retract into the ceiling before performances. This performance is accompanied by a specially commissioned piece by composer Philip Glass, which adds a unique auditory and visual experience for audiences.
The Winspear Opera House also houses the Nancy B. Hamon Hall, an intimate 200-seat performance space and the PNC Members Lounge, reserved for those who have specific membership levels.
The Winspear Opera House Experience
Visiting the Winspear Opera House in Dallas, Texas offers a seamless and enriching experience, combining world-class performances with thoughtful amenities. Here’s what to expect during your visit:
Location and parking
Situated at 2403 Flora Street in the Dallas Arts District, the Winspear Opera House provides convenient parking options. You have the choice of the underground Lexus Red Parking, located directly beneath the opera house, or the Lexus Silver Parking beneath the nearby Moody Performance Hall. Both parking facilities are easily accessible from Jack Evans Street and valet services are also available during performance times.
Seating and amenities
The Margaret McDermott Performance Hall features a traditional horseshoe layout, ensuring excellent sightlines and acoustics from all 2,200 seats. For added comfort, booster seats are available upon request at the Concierge & Accessibility desk. Coat check services are also provided.
Accessibility
The AT&T Performing Arts Center has a strong commitment to inclusivity. You can use an accessible parking space if needed, and the venue also offers assistive listening devices, open captioning, sign language interpretation, and sensory-inclusive aids. ADA-compliant restrooms are located in the west lobbies on all levels, with family restrooms available on levels 3 and 4. For specific accommodations, visitors can contact the access liaison at 214-978-3632 or [email protected].
Concessions and dining
Guests can enjoy a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and light snacks from bar stations on multiple levels of the venue. Policies regarding food and drinks inside the theater vary depending on the performance. The opera house also has the Skyline Terrace and Sunset Balcony for dining, and there are plenty of restaurants within walking distance, offering a wide range of culinary options.
Tours
If you’re interested in exploring the venue’s architecture and behind-the-scenes areas, the AT&T Performing Arts Center offers free docent-guided tours. These tours explain the design and history of the Winspear Opera House and are available on the first Saturday of most months. You can also arrange a private tour on request.
Interesting facts about Winspear Opera House
Winspear Opera House is known for being a true jewel in the Dallas landscape. Have a look at some of its unique characteristics:
- Acoustical excellence – The opera house’s acoustics are considered among the best in the world, ensuring that every performance is an amazing auditory experience, no matter where you sit.
- Green features – The Winspear Opera House is environmentally conscious. Its design incorporates sustainable materials and energy-efficient systems, showcasing modern green building practices.
- Cultural impact – Since its opening in 2009, the Winspear Opera House has hosted an impressive variety of performances, including operas, ballets, Broadway shows and concerts, attracting visitors from around the world.
- Hidden stage flexibility – The Winspear Opera House has an incredibly versatile stage design. The Margaret McDermott Performance Hall includes a unique fly tower and retractable screens. This means the space can be adapted for different performances, from grand operas to intimate theatrical productions.
- Inspired by nature – The design of the opera house’s glass façade and Sky Canopy is inspired by the surrounding environment. The 60-foot-tall façade reflects Dallas’s skyline during the day and glows softly at night. Its aim is to mimic the natural transitions of light and add a touch of nature to the urban landscape.
- Educational outreach – Beyond hosting performances, the Winspear Opera House is fully involved in community education. It offers programs and initiatives that introduce students and young audiences to the performing arts. They also provide behind-the-scenes tours, workshops and interactive sessions to inspire the next generation of artists and art enthusiasts.
Famous performers on the Winspear stage
The Winspear Opera House has welcomed many world-renowned singers, easily maintaining its reputation as a top venue for exceptional talent. The impressive names it attracts reflect the opera house’s dedication to showcasing diverse and outstanding performances.
Notable performers have included:
- Willie Nelson – The country music legend brought his signature style to the Winspear stage, delighting fans with classic hits.
- Bon Iver – The indie folk band, known for their ethereal sound, provided a mesmerizing performance that fans loved.
- Jason Mraz – The American singer-songwriter, known for his soulful melodies, performed with Raining Jane on September 2 and 3, 2014, offering fans an intimate acoustic experience.
- Sting – The iconic musician and former lead singer of The Police showcased his unique blend of rock and pop, captivating the audience with his dynamic stage presence.
- Diana Krall – The acclaimed jazz singer and pianist, known for her Grammy-winning albums, graced the Winspear stage – delivering a memorable and captivating performance.
- Aretha Franklin – The Queen of Soul delivered a powerful and soulful performance, leaving her usual lasting impression on the entire audience.
- Sarah Brightman – The renowned soprano and crossover artist brought her Christmas Symphony Tour to the Winspear, enchanting the audience with her versatile vocal performances.
- Itzhak Perlman – The legendary violinist performed at the opera house, offering attendees an unforgettable evening of music.
See the below pages for further information on the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House:
Winspear Opera House Parking:
Find out more about parking at the Winspear Opera House and driving information.
Ticket Policies:
Read about the ticket guarantees and authenticity policies when purchasing tickets via this website.
Winspear Opera House Seating Chart:
View the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House seating chart and the various seating options.