Texas Centennial Art

Mural of a harvest scene on exterior of Hall of Agriculture (now Food and Fiber Pavilion)

The artworks created for the 1936 Texas Centennial Exposition were made by accomplished artists and crafts people from across the United States. Not all the artworks built for the Exposition were preserved. Some buildings were demolished and several still standing have murals hidden under a coat of paint. Others, like the harvest scene above are in disrepair. Among the buildings demolished after the Centennial closed late in 1936 was The Hall of Negro Life, which included works of Harlem Renaissance artists such as acclaimed muralist Aaron Douglas.

Fortunately, there remain many examples of the distinctive 1930’s era artwork in the form of statues, friezes, tiles and murals. Some of those have been restored providing a glimpse at how stunning Fair Park was in its Centennial era.

Bas-relief in Hall of Transporation (now Centennial Hall)