Image: ToddKent, Giant Bowler Hat, CC BY-SA 4.0
Tucked into the west side of Griffin Street in the The Cedars neighborhood just south of downtown Dallas lies one of the city’s delightfully oddball public-art landmarks: the Bowler Hat Sculpture. It’s a whimsical, oversized replica of a classic bowler hat—mounted high on a steel pole so that it looms over the block, catches your eye from the freeway, and invites a curious second look.
A Hat with History
This piece has a back-story that is as intriguing as its appearance. The sculpture was created by artist Keith Turman in 2013 after being commissioned by the British furniture brand Timothy Oulton for their Dallas store. The idea was to install this giant bowler hat atop the store as a kind of brand statement.
However, the plan hit a snag: the city of Dallas would not approve the hat for rooftop display due to sign and zoning regulations.
With the brand’s plan shelved, the sculpture found a new home—in a more unexpected form. It was donated to the Cedars neighborhood and mounted on a roughly 30-foot steel “coat-rack” style column in the open lot along the 1500 block of Griffin Street (between Browder and South Ervay).
In terms of dimensions: the hat itself spans about 20 feet wide and roughly 10 feet tall, and when mounted atop its column the installation reaches about 30 feet in height. Materials include steel, wood, fiberglass, epoxy and foam—built to create both structural strength and sculptural impact.
What You’ll See & Where to Find It
If you’re driving along I-30 east of downtown Dallas or moving around the Cedars neighborhood, you’ll spot the hat from the freeway or the street—it sits at the interface of industrial, creative and redevelopment zones in The Cedars.
Walking up to it, you’ll notice how its tilted angle, large scale and solitary presence give it an almost surreal quality. It’s not tucked inside a gallery or behind polished landscaping—it sits in a working-neighborhood context, giving it an approachable yet unexpected presence.
Once there, it’s a fun stop for photos—particularly if you enjoy capturing urban quirks and local character. The view of downtown beyond the hat gives a skyline contrast, and the industrial-arts neighborhood vibe adds a layer of authenticity.
Why It Matters in the DFW Scene
In a region often promoted for sweeping parks, cultural institutions and entertainment districts, the Bowler Hat Sculpture stands out because it delivers something different: a small-scale, off-beat marker of place and personality.
The Cedars neighborhood itself is in the midst of transformation—from industrial roots and older housing stock to a zone of art studios, lofts and creative redevelopment. The presence of the hat in this zone makes sense as a signal of that shift: bold, playful, unexpected.
It also speaks to the narratives of urban art outside of the typical museum or curated setting. The hat isn’t inside a fenced park—it’s part of the neighborhood’s streetscape. That accessibility makes it appealing for local visitors and out-of-town curious explorers alike.
Finally, as one of the more recognized quirky landmarks in Dallas, it contributes to the sense of the city as layered, interesting and full of surprises. Many local “hidden gem” lists include it as a must-see thanks to its whimsy and story.
Visiting Tips
- Arrive during daylight when shadows fall interestingly on the hat’s brim and its tilt shows best.
- Parking is informal—street or nearby lot access in The Cedars works just fine.
- Be aware that the immediate site is not a formal park with restrooms or shade—so plan accordingly.
- If you have time, take a quick stroll around the block to absorb the neighborhood mix of industrial, loft conversions, and creative uses. The atmosphere enhances the experience of the sculpture.
- For the best photo: position yourself slightly below the eye line of the hat, so that the skyline or city context sits behind it. The tilt of the brim adds playful drama.
- Since the hat resides in a working neighborhood, it’s best to respect private property and avoid setup that blocks driveways or disrupts nearby businesses.
Final Thoughts
In a city of major landmarks and large-scale attractions, the Bowler Hat Sculpture offers something modest in footprint but rich in character. It’s not about grandeur so much as personality—a giant hat tipping to the city, set in a neighbourhood that is quietly making its own statement.
For visitors, this stop rewards the curious and the observant. For locals, it’s a reminder that art and identity exist on unexpected corners. Add this little detour to your Dallas list for a moment of whimsy and local context.