A Setting to Inspire Gratitude
Visitors to Thanks-Giving Square will enjoy the uniquely designed areas for meditation and reflection and the many outstanding architectural additions. The Glory Window inside the spiral tower of the Chapel of Thanksgiving attracts thousands of visitors each year. (You can buy a souvenir photo of the Glory Window through our Gift Shop.)
The Glory Window
The Glory Window, which forms the 60-foot-high ceiling of the Chapel of Thanksgiving, is one of the largest horizontally mounted stained-glass pieces in the world. Designed by French artist Gabriel Loire, the window symbolizes the blessing of the Divine descending to earth as well as the ascent of human praise and gratitude to God. Click here to buy a photo of the Glory Window.Great Bells of Thanksgiving
Each day the Great Bells of Thanksgiving ring out the importance of gratitude in our lives. Cast by the Paccard Foundry in the French Alpine town of Annecy-le-Vieux, the bells collectively weigh 5,000 pounds. Shaped in the form of the American Liberty Bell, each has a different inscription from the Psalms at the base. These inscriptions give meaning to the three truths of gratitude: our Creator loves us, we love our Creator, we serve our Creator by singing. The bells strike the hour and peal at noon.Meditation Garden
The Meditation Garden creates a green, restful oasis in the heart of Dallas. Philip Johnson designed the slopes of the pathways to hide the surrounding surface traffic. The waterfalls help mask traffic sounds, allowing visitors to become more relaxed. Seasonal plantings add a touch of color to the brilliant green of the grass. The crepe myrtle, live oak, sweet gum and elm trees will live for generations.
Thanksgiving Monoliths
The Thanksgiving Monoliths, formed from white Sierra granite, each weigh 15 tons. The monoliths honor the spirit and tradition of thanksgiving in the histories of the world, the United States and Texas. Marking the outer limits of the Thanks-Giving Square site, each monolith bears four inspiring quotations representing many diverse histories and cultures.Court of All Nations and Wall of Praise
The Wall of Praise tells the story of gratitude, from the very personal to the universal. Located in the Court of All Nations, the Wall of Praise exhibit includes the 100th Psalm and a large mosaic of Norman Rockwell's portrait of people of the world in prayer, The Golden Rule, reflecting gratitude at home, in the nation and in the world.Ring of Thanks and Circle of Giving
The Ring of Thanks and Circle of Giving are located in the Court of All Nations. The Ring of Thanks, made of aluminum covered in 23-carat gold leaf, has a diameter of 14 feet. Seven white granite stepping stones serve as a walkway through the ring, which is mounted within the gray granite Circle of Giving to remind the visitor of the complementary nature of thanks and giving.
Central Courtyard and Bridge
The central courtyard is the crossroads for thousands of people who come to Thanks-Giving Square from more than 100 countries each year. Special concerts, lectures and performing-arts events occur here regularly. At the far side of the courtyard, steps lead to a bridge spanning 125 feet across the great fountain and the largest of the waterfalls. Leading to the Chapel of Thanksgiving, the bridge allows visitors to realize that any act of thanksgiving moves us beyond ourselves as we reach out to others.
The Dove
A window with a glass etching of a dove graces the main entrance to the Chapel of Thanksgiving. Titled The Spirit of Thanksgiving, the window was designed by the famous English artist and glass engraver John Hutton, who said, "The dove is a symbol used throughout history to depict beauty, peace, hope and thanksgiving."Chapel of Thanksgiving
The curving shell of white marble aggregate symbolizes the ancient "spiral of life." This shape suggests the infinite upward reach of the human spirit. The Chapel of Thanksgiving is used daily for quiet prayer and reflection. Interfaith thanksgiving services are held here, as well as worship services celebrating festive days within specific religious traditions. The Chapel seats about 80 people comfortably and is acoustically ideal for choirs and musical performances.
The Altar Cube
The altar in the Chapel, an exact cube carved of Carrera marble, weighs 7,000 pounds. It rests on a base of Texas red granite. On the altar during special events are a Waterford crystal candle holder and a large Tyrone glass chalice, both gifts from the people of Ireland. The chalice contains prayer cards of thanksgiving placed there by visitors.Hall of Thanksgiving and Exhibit Area
On the lower level of the grounds, the Hall of Thanksgiving and Exhibit Area are just off the central courtyard. The Hall of Thanksgiving tells the detailed story of the American Thanksgiving tradition and includes a copy of the first Thanksgiving proclamation, written in 1777 by Samuel Adams. The Texas, American, and world Thanksgiving traditions are set in a beautiful museum with pillared columns surrounded by a pool of running water. In the Exhibit Area, photographs taken by students from East Texas State University illustrate the meaning of gratitude in everyday life.
Hours: Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM; Weekends and Holidays from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
For more information, call in the United States, 888-305-1205 toll-free
or 214-969-1977 in the Dallas area; or send an e-mail to tgs@thanksgiving.org
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