The Art Institute of Dallas was founded in 1964 as the Dallas Fashion Merchandising College. In 1978 it changed location and became the Fashion and Art Institute of Dallas, expanding its programs in Fashion Merchandising and Interior Design.

In 1979 The Art Institute was approved to grant an Associate of Applied Arts degree in each of its programs, In 1984 it became a member of The Design Schools and its name changed to The Art Institute of Dallas. In 1988 the school moved to its present location.

Expansion into the fields of Computer Animation, Video Production, Multimedia and Culinary Arts in the 90's indicates our continuing desire to meet the demands of a job market that constantly changes as new technology gives way to new and more complex programs and techniques.