The Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House, a cornerstone of the AT&T Performing Arts Center in Dallas, Texas, stands as a 21st-century reimagining of the classic opera house. Located on Flora Street, this architectural marvel is meticulously designed for opera and musical theatre, boasting stages equipped for ballet and various dance performances.
Designed by the esteemed Foster + Partners, under the guidance of Pritzker Prize laureate Norman Foster and Deputy Chairman Spencer de Grey, the Winspear Opera House is celebrated for its exceptional acoustics, intimate 2,200-seat performance hall, and iconic architectural presence. It has rightfully earned its place among the nation’s leading performing arts venues. As John Allison from Opera (U.K.) magazine aptly noted, “Quite justifiably, it has come to be recognized as America’s finest opera house.”
The entrance is defined by the stunning Annette and Harold Simmons Signature Glass Facade, soaring 60 feet high to create a seamless visual connection between the vibrant red interior glass panels and the surrounding Sammons Park. Extending outwards, the slatted Sky Canopy provides ample shade to the Prothro Lobby across three acres of Sammons Park, crafting inviting outdoor spaces for visitors.
The heart of the opera house is the Margaret McDermott Performance Hall. This principal performance space is adorned with gold leaf-covered balconies and retractable screens. It features a spacious fly-tower and a three-square stage with expansive side and rear stage areas, facilitating the performance of opera in repertoire. Adding to the ambiance is the modern Moody Foundation Chandelier, comprised of over 300 LED rods that gracefully retract into the ceiling before performances, accompanied by music specially composed by Philip Glass.
Within the Winspear Opera House, you will also find Nancy B. Hamon Hall, an intimate 200-seat venue that hosts a diverse range of programs. Additionally, the PNC Members Lounge offers an exclusive space for patrons at specific membership levels.
The opera house is a tribute to the legacy of Margot and Bill Winspear, dedicated patrons of opera and The Dallas Opera. Their generous philanthropy was instrumental in making the AT&T Performing Arts Center, including this magnificent opera house on Flora Street in Dallas, a reality.
