Dallas: Power & Passion on Primetime tV
Through September 14
Click Here for a list of public Programs associated with this exhibit

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Logo for Dallas: Power & Passion on Primetime TV

"A conscience is like a boat or a car. If you feel you need one,
rent it."
J.R. Ewing from the TV series Dallas

A wealthy Texas oil family, the Ewings, captured the imagination of the U.S. and the world through an unforgettable primetime television saga.

Featuring larger-than-life characters like J.R., Miss Ellie, and Sue Ellen, the groundbreaking television show Dallas grabbed the attention of millions of fans drawn to its dramatic stories of intrigue and betrayal, and left a lasting impact on the Texas identity at home and abroad.

"Sue Ellen, you're a drunk, a tramp, and an unfit mother."
J.R. Ewing from the TV series Dallas

Opening 30 years after the program first went on the air, the special exhibition Dallas: Power & Passion on Primetime TV will spotlight the show's enduring legacy by featuring props, artifacts loaned from actors including Larry Hagman and Steve Kanaly, scripts, television clips, and a recreated environment from the program's thirteen seasons.

Exhibition Extra
Click here to check out a video podcast interview with Steve Kanaly, who played Ray Krebbs on Dallas, as he talks about working on the series and some of the objects he loaned for the exhibit.

Click here to listen to an audio podcast with Janet Staiger, the guest curator for this special exhibition about the phenomenon that is the Dallas TV series.

In the ensuing decades, the plot twists and schemes in Dallas live on through DVD sales, domestic and international syndication, and a planned feature-length film.

Collage of items from the Dallas TV show.Included in the special exhibition are:

  • A 10-gallon cowboy hat, boots, and a safari jacket worn by Larry Hagman (J.R. Ewing) in the series.
  • Ostrich boots, chaps, and a cowboy hat worn by Steve Kanaly (Ray Krebbs) in the show.
  • A black evening gown worn by Linda Gray (Sue Ellen Ewing) created by Academy Award®-winning costume designer William Travilla.
  • The book, Sam Culver: The Early Years, written by Susan Howard-Chrane's character Donna Culver Krebbs.
  • Autographed scripts, shooting schedules, and memos from the production.
  • Clips from the show in four different languages.
  • Merchandise ranging from J.R. Beer to board games that capitalized on the success of Dallas.
  • Dallas Morning News photographer David Woo's rare behind-the-scenes images.
  • A family tree chronicling the convoluted twists and turns of the Barnes and Ewing families and their many affairs.
"I wouldn't give you the dust off my car."
J.R. Ewing from the TV series Dallas
Visitors will also be treated to a fascinating short film that was directed by Steve Mims and produced by the Museum, Southfork Pilgrims, where visitors from around the world talk -- and sing -- about their favorite television show and why they are making the journey to a ranch in Parker, Texas.

Behind the scene images courtesy of David Woo.Admission to the Museum’s exhibits, including Dallas: Power & Passion on Primetime TV
(May 31 - September 14, 2008):
$7.00 for adults, $6.00 for seniors/military/college students (with valid ID), $4 for youth ages 5-18, free for ages 4 and under.

Local support: Albert and Ethel Herzstein Hall Fund.

"By the way honey, you’re a little
too old to be running around without your clothes on."
J.R. Ewing from the TV series Dallas