The building is a rectangular volume placed on a base that mimics the natural landscape of Texas. The roof of this base is partly landscaped with native plants and partly covered with slabs of rocks typical of the state.
Through the main entrance, visitors enter the lobby, from where they offer views of the spacious atrium at the full height of the building, and escalators lead to the very top of the building (including along the glazed corridor taken out to the outside). On the upper tier, there is an observation deck in the form of a glazed balcony, from where views of downtown Dallas open. After viewing the panorama, the examination of the exposition, located on five floors, begins. At the same time, visitors descend down a spiral route, now approaching the atrium, then to the outer walls of the museum, where through the glazing of the eastern corner of the building the city is visible from the outside.
The museum is designed primarily for children and adolescents, and the spectacular architecture, as conceived by Tom Maine, should attract this "target audience" and increase its interest and attention to the exhibits presented.
In addition to the exhibition halls, the building houses a 3D cinema, an auditorium, a cafe and a shop, as well as an educational center.
N. F.
