Perot Museum to Build 4-Acre Outdoor Expansion

The Dallas museum will replace a parking lot with 60,000 square feet of interactive learning space starting in 2027.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Landscaping

Perot Museum to Build 4-Acre Outdoor Expansion

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The Perot Museum of Nature and Science plans to transform a surface parking lot into a 4-acre outdoor exhibit area by late 2028. This redevelopment project aims to enhance science engagement for the nearly 230,000 schoolchildren who visit the museum annually.

Why it matters

The expansion is designed to accommodate the high volume of student visitors and broaden the educational impact of the institution. By converting concrete into interactive green space, the museum seeks to deepen public connection to the natural world.

The redevelopment spans 4 acres and includes 60,000 square feet of outdoor exhibit zones featuring 25 large-scale displays and 40 learning touchpoints. To date, the museum has secured $135 million toward its $185 million funding goal.

The players

Perot Museum of Nature and Science

This Dallas-based institution serves nearly 230,000 schoolchildren annually and focuses on science education.

Balfour Beatty

This multinational firm serves as the general contractor tasked with overseeing the construction of the outdoor expansion.

Hillwood Urban

This company acts as the project development manager responsible for coordinating the expansion efforts.

The details

Construction is set to begin in early 2027 under the guidance of general contractor Balfour Beatty and development manager Hillwood Urban. The site, formerly used for parking, will be converted into a space dedicated to increasing engagement with science through outdoor exhibits.

2006: The Perot Museum formed through a three-institution merger.
late 2012: The Perot Museum opened in Victory Park.
May 2025: The expanded children's museum space opened.
late July 2026: The museum registered the project with state licensing authorities.
early 2027: Construction is scheduled to begin.

Culture Shift

The transition from surface parking to public green space reflects a broader trend of repurposing urban real estate for community-focused education. By prioritizing interactive outdoor space, the museum aligns with modern efforts to integrate environmental engagement into city centers.

Visitors to Victory Park can anticipate significant changes to parking availability near the museum once construction begins in 2027. Residents and families should plan for potential traffic adjustments during the multi-year development period.

The takeaway

This project underscores the growing importance of outdoor learning environments in major metropolitan areas. Residents can look forward to a new public resource that blends natural science education with accessible urban park space.