Giant Eyeball

Tourist attraction · Downtown ·

Giant Eyeball

Tourist attraction · Downtown ·

Giant 30-ft fiberglass eyeball sculpture, a quirky photo stop

Information

1601 Main St, Dallas, TX 75201 Get directions

@matadornetwork

1,344 Postcards · 344 Cities

Art and Culture in Dallas-Fort Worth

"If you take a stroll along Main Street in Downtown Dallas and get the sneaking suspicion that you’re being watched — you’re not wrong. Since the neighboring Joule Hotel installed the art piece in the summer of 2013, Dallas’ “Giant Eyeball” has been watching over its downtown residents and visitors while the city continues to transform around it. This 30-foot-tall sculpture created by multimedia artist Tony Tasset is a social media post waiting to happen. However, unlike some works of art, the eye is not symbolic of anything. Tasset insists the sculpture is simply “cool,” but ultimately meaningless. Kimbell Art Museum – The Kimbell Art Museum is Fort Worth’s equivalent of the DMA. And like the DMA, it’s impressive and the entrance is always free unless you plan to see special exhibits, which will run you about $15. Located off West Seventh Street, the Kimbell has works from some of history’s most-acclaimed artists, such as Monet and Picasso. It is even home to what is believed to be Michelangelo’s first known painting. Comprised of two buildings, the Kimbell is flooded with light and is considered a beautiful example for modern architecture. If you’d like to explore the art or architecture in more depth, the Kimbell does provide guided tours by appointment." - MATADOR_NETWORK

https://matadornetwork.com/destinations/north-america/united-states/dallas-united-states/art-culture/

MATADOR_NETWORK

Giant Eyeball

@atlasobscura

4,908 Postcards · 2,019 Cities

30 Places to Go Deep in the Art of Texas

"Outside of the swanky Joule Hotel in downtown Dallas, you can’t help but notice a three-story gleaming orb resting in their lush garden off Main Street: an enormous, hyper-realistic eyeball, streaky red veins and all. The piece is called simply Eye, and was created by artist Tony Tasset in 2007 as part of a temporary display in Chicago. It stands (rolls?) 30 feet tall, and is modeled after Tasset’s own baby blues. Made of fiberglass, it was fabricated by a company best known for creating giant, kitschy roadside attractions—not unlike the kind you’d see here, here and here. The big eyeball spent a few years in storage, made a brief appearance in St. Louis, and was finally brought to Texas in 2013. It was purchased by the hotel as part of their expansive art collection, and to anchor their downtown location and its sculpture garden. Tasset denies any deep symbolism behind the work, stating in an interview with the website Co. Design that he “just wanted to make something awesome.” As startled passersby generally agree, he succeeded. Update as of October 2020: The sculpture is currently closed indefinitely." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/texas-art-road-trip

Carol M. Highsmith (Library of Congress/LC-DIG-highsm-28401) (Public Domain)

Giant Eyeball

Juan Martin M.

Google

Kinda interesting place to round up your visit of Dallas downtown, you won't spend there more than 10 minutes though. The spot you are able to see the eyeball from is quite far. Don't forget to scan the QR code on the right to get some additional info about it.

DYAN K.

Google

This massive 30-foot eyeball sculpture by Tony Tasset is a quirky and memorable photo stop in downtown Dallas. Located near The Joule hotel, it’s hard to miss and definitely sparks a reaction—whether awe, amusement, or “what the heck?” 😂 What I liked: Bold and unique piece of public art that gives downtown a fun edge. Fun spot for photos and a conversation starter. Free to visit from the street—great for a quick stop while exploring. Things to know: The sculpture is on private hotel grounds, so direct access is limited and you’ll likely view it from behind a fence. Parking in the area can be challenging, so it’s easier to walk or rideshare when visiting. If you're in downtown Dallas looking for something offbeat and memorable—this eyeball fits the bill. 👁️

Anne C.

Google

What a unique art structure! An eyeball! Who would have thought of building this gigantic eyeball! What fun it was to look at! Where it is located is gated. But one can see it clearly and with the zoom capability of a camera phone, the eye is looking straight at you. Uniquely Dallas!

Philip B.

Google

Park in front of the giant eyeball was closed so didnt get as close of look as I would have liked. Much more realistic than I thought. Very unique to have a giant eyeball in the middle of the city, or anywhere else.

Mark

Google

The "Big Eyes" area is a private area, surrounded by a fence. There's really nothing worth seeing there. It's not worth making a special trip. It's located in the city center, so it's relatively easy to find. The photos weren't anything special. Not recommended for too many people to watch So-so You can also visit the mini revolving chapel nearby.

Brandi

Google

The grassy area around the eyeball is gated off which I loved because it gives you the opportunity to actually take a photo of the eye without a bunch of random people being in it. The detail is extraordinary!

Anne Margaret W.

Google

What a quirky, fun find in downtown Dallas. I was a little disappointed to find it was on private property and was gated and posted. You can still get a pretty good pic out front and see it from all angles as you walk around the private terrace. Wish the QR code worked. I'd love to know more about it. Amazing detail!

Jatin J.

Google

Giant Eyeball in the heart of Dallas Downtown. Accessible via DART train as well. Stopover, at St. Paul station and it’s at walkable distance. If coming by own car, street parking is only a good way to park. Many restaurants nearby to drink and dine. Property is locked so you can click pictures from a distance only. No tickets.