Overview
We sculpted a got-dang Texas icon, y’all! Have you visited the Disco Cowboy Hat in Fort Worth’s Sundance Square yet? This massive foam sculpture offers a standout photo opportunity for locals and visitors alike. For a city in real need of more recognizable landmarks, we were really proud to deliver this experience to historic Downtown Fort Worth!
The project began when Fort Worth wanted a bold centerpiece for a New Year’s celebration. We got the call and were tasked to create a dazzling, ready-to-party tribute to the city’s cowboy legacy. Because we’re Smash Design, they already knew it would turn out BIG!
The sculpture was installed in Sundance Square, a central hub for community dining and entertainment in Downtown Fort Worth. Thanks to its prominent placement, the Disco Cowboy Hat kind of became an instant icon. It wasn’t originally intended to be a permanent installation, but that’s exactly what it became! Today, it attracts visitors to gather, pose, and party like a true Texan in an immersive way. The hat was a smash hit during FIFA World Cup 2026 festivities!
Process
Scaling a cowboy hat to 16 feet with a fully mirrored surface presented a challenge no one had ever done before! However, our team approached the project with the experienced craftsmanship we’re known for.
Our process included:
Foam Carving
First, our team carved the massive hat in sections from high-density foam in our studio. This approach ensured we could achieve the iconic silhouette while managing the sculpture’s enormous scale. Once assembled, with smoothed out and sanded the seams and edges by hand.
Weather-Resistant Hardcoating
After sculpting was complete, we applied a specialized hardcoat to the entire piece. Because the hat would be installed outdoors, durability was critical. This finish protected the structure from weather and constant interaction. It’s now held up for years and looks just as good as ever!
Hand-Applied Mirrored Facets
After carving, our sculptors refined every detail by hand. They enhanced logos, sharpened edges, and added dimension. At the same time, they cut and placed real glass stones to replicate the brilliance of diamonds.
Result
The finished hat exceeded expectations. Throughout the New Year’s Eve celebration, visitors lined up to take photos and share their experience online. As a result, the installation became a social media magnet and a centerpiece of the festivities.
The response was so overwhelming that Fort Worth made the Disco Cowboy Hat a permanent Sundance Square attraction. From local residents to international visitors, the display connected with audiences of all backgrounds. Moreover, the oversized scale and shimmering surface made every detail impossible to miss.
By combining engineering and artistry, Smash Design created more than a display. We built an experience that honored Texas culture while celebrating Fort Worth nightlife. The hat continues to shine as one of the city’s most beloved landmarks.
Projects like this reinforce why we love this work. This sculpture brings joy to thousands of visitors each year. It also adds a bold visual element to one of Fort Worth’s most celebrated gathering spaces. That’s an experience that goes beyond visual art. It creates connections, sparks memories, and inspires local pride!
