Dallas is home to plenty of fascinating places, but one of its most iconic landmarks is Reunion Tower. Rising 561 feet (171 meters) above the city, this observation tower has become a true symbol of Dallas. It stands in the Reunion District, right in the heart of downtown. Designed by Welton Becket & Associates, the tower officially opened on February 2, 1978. Let’s take a closer look at this legendary Dallas landmark. More on dallas-future.com.
A Look Back at Its History
Reunion Tower’s story began in 1978, when it was built as part of a major downtown redevelopment project. The main contractor was Henry C. Beck Company. Interestingly, it wasn’t originally designed as an observation tower — at first, it housed the radio station KOAX-FM, which later became KRLD-FM 105.3, once owned by Westinghouse Broadcasting.
From the start, Reunion Tower was meant to represent Dallas’s modern spirit and innovative drive. Its steel frame and geodesic dome design gave it a futuristic look unlike anything else in the city at the time. The sphere’s surface is lined with more than 250 LED lights, creating spectacular light shows that bring the skyline to life at night. Inside, you’ll find an observation deck and a revolving restaurant that offers 360-degree views of the city.
In 2013, the tower received a major lighting upgrade, allowing it to change colors and create intricate animations visible for miles — a favorite feature for locals during holidays and special events.
Architecture and Design
Reunion Tower’s design continues to impress visitors. It consists of three circular floors supported by four vertical shafts, with three glass elevators that take you to the top in just 68 seconds. The elevators’ transparent design lets you enjoy the Dallas skyline as you ascend.
Before the 2008 renovation, the tower’s levels were used for different attractions: the first housed an observation deck, the second was home to Antares, a rotating fine-dining restaurant, and the third featured The Dome nightclub. The entire sphere is part of an open-air geodesic structure made of aluminum struts. Each of the 260 intersections is accented with a circular aluminum plate and a light in the center, giving the globe its famous glow.
Reunion Tower isn’t just a building — it’s a cultural icon. It’s one of those must-see spots for anyone visiting Dallas, both for its architectural beauty and for its breathtaking nighttime light shows.
Reunion Tower has made plenty of appearances on screen. It’s featured in the opening credits of the TV series Dallas and even appeared in scenes from its second season, filmed just months after the tower was completed.
You can also spot the tower in the 1980 film The Lathe of Heaven, the action movie Revenge, and the 1997 disaster film Asteroid — where it’s dramatically destroyed by a meteor shower. It’s also shown up in Walker, Texas Ranger, the finale of The Amazing Race 26, the 2011 film The Tree of Life, and an episode of Halt and Catch Fire titled “The Threshold.”
Today, Reunion Tower remains one of Dallas’s most recognizable landmarks — a perfect mix of architecture, culture, and innovation. Whether you’re a lifelong local or just visiting, the tower offers a one-of-a-kind way to see the city.
We hope this article helped you learn more about one of Dallas’s most famous landmarks. Have you ever been to Reunion Tower? What did you think?
