Buffalo Bayou Cistern
- What is the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern?
- Use and Discontinuation
- Repurposing and Renovation
- What can you do at Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern today?
- Take a Guided Tour
- Cistern Experiential Tours
- Cistern History Tours
- Sound Healing Meditation
- Enjoy Art Installations
- Rain by Magdalena Fernández at the Houston Cistern
- Carlos Cruz-Diez at the Cistern
- Time No Longer by James Turrell at the Cistern
- Boundless by Contemporary Tibetan Artists at the Houston Cistern
- How do I get in contact with the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern?
When you hear cistern what usually pops into your mind’s eye? Perhaps an underground storage tank for water or a secret hideout for superheroes? Well, hold onto your capes, because the Buffalo Bayou Cistern is much more than meets the eye.
As you descend down the stairs into the cavernous space, you’ll feel like you’re entering a different world. The dimly lit cistern is a maze of concrete columns that stretch out as far as the eye can see.
The rhythmic drip of water echoes through the space, creating an eerie and atmospheric ambiance. It’s unlike anything you’ve ever seen. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, we absolutely think you have to check out the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern.
What is the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern?
The Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern is an underground structure built in 1926 to store drinking water and for fire suppression, but later decommissioned and left unused. Today, the cistern has been repurposed as a public space for art installations and special events.
The Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern is a massive concrete structure that measures 87,500 square feet and is supported by 221 concrete columns. The columns are spaced 25 feet apart and created a grid pattern that is both functional and visually striking.
The massive structure is a marvel to see with 8-inch ceilings and 18-inch walls. It’s no wonder the area creates a trippy 17-long echo!
The cistern was once used to store 15 million gallons of water, but today, it is drained and only contains a few inches of water on the floor.
When SWA Landscape Architect Kevin Shanley first laid eyes on the reservoir, he was struck by its resemblance to the ancient Roman cisterns found beneath Istanbul. It was at that moment that he began referring to it as “the Cistern”.
Today, visitors can descend a spiral staircase into the underground space and explore the unique architecture and art installations that are on display.
The cistern’s massive columns and vast expanse create a sense of awe and wonder that is unlike any other space in the city. The Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern is a unique and fascinating space that showcases the rich history and culture of Houston.
Its repurposing as a public space is a testament to the city’s commitment to preserving its heritage and creating new and innovative spaces for its residents and visitors to enjoy.
Use and Discontinuation
After decades of use, an irreparable leak caused the cistern to be shut down and decommissioned by 2007.
Demolition was in the plans and by 2010, the local government was already looking for contractors to do the deed, but that’s when the Buffalo Bayou Partnership stepped in.
The cistern was rediscovered in the middle of whopping $58 million project — the Buffalo Bayou Park.
Repurposing and Renovation
In 2010, the Buffalo Bayou Partnership began a study of the area’s infrastructure, which included an inspection of the cistern.
The organization recognized the potential of the space as a unique public venue and began the process of transforming it into an exhibition space and event venue.
The renovation process was extensive, and included the removal of all of the old water infrastructure and the installation of a new lighting system that accentuated the cistern’s unique architecture.
To make it more accessible, they brought in Houston-based architecture and engineering firm Page to design an entryway that would ease visitors into the space.
Plus, they widened the perimeter shelf to create a six-foot-wide walkway with guardrails.
The Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern opened to the public in 2016, and has since become one of the most popular attractions in the city.
You can descend a spiral staircase into the underground space and explore the unique architecture and art installations that are on display.
What can you do at Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern today?
Today, the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern offers different kinds of guided tours, sound healing meditation, and changing art installations year-round.
Take a Guided Tour
The cistern is a vast underground space that is unlike any other in the city. Taking a guided tour is an excellent way to learn about the cistern’s history and unique architecture.
Trained guides lead visitors through the space, providing insight into the cistern’s original purpose and its transformation into a public venue.
Cistern Experiential Tours
The Cistern Experiential Tours are perfect for first-timers who want to experience the Cistern in a unique and immersive way. The guides walk you through the cistern pointing out special spots you might miss if you explore the cistern alone.
The guide showed us the leak that caused the cistern to be discontinued and brought us to the spot with the loudest and longest echo. This area was where the concrete walls were thickest and made for an echo-chamber experience that sounded straight out of a movie.
The tours are also great for those of you who have already visited the Cistern but want to experience it in a new and different way. Each tour is unique, with different artists creating their own interpretations of the space.
| Duration | 30 minutes |
| Schedule and Availability | Wednesday – Friday at 11am, 1pm, 3pm, 5pm Saturday at 11am, 3pm, 5pm Sunday at 11am, 1pm, 3pm, 5pm |
| Cost | $10 per person $8 for military, college students, seniors (65+)Free on the first Thursday of the month |
Cistern History Tours
If you’re a history buff or just interested in learning more about the fascinating past of Houston’s Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern, then the Cistern History Tours are the perfect experience for you.
The tours are led by trained guides who provide visitors with an in-depth look at the cistern’s history and architecture. Your guide will explore the different eras of the cistern’s history and the changes that have occurred over the years.
Throughout the tour, you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and engage with your guide, deepening your understanding of this unique and fascinating space.
You can also opt for a private tour, which is ideal for small groups of up to 30 people. It’s also a great option for those that prefer to move at their own pace and have more direct interaction with their guide.
| Duration | 30 minutes |
| Schedule and Availability | Wednesday – Friday at 10 am, 12pm, 2pm, 4pm Saturday – Sunday at 12pm, 2pm, 4pm |
| Cost | $10 per person (ages 9+ only) $8 for military, college students, seniors (65+)Free on the first Thursday of the month $300 for private tour |
Sound Healing Meditation
In collaboration with Union is Creation and Youniversal, these sessions are led by a trained meditation instructor who will guide you through a series of meditative exercises while the sounds of singing bowls and other instruments fill the space.
The cistern’s unique architecture and acoustics provide the perfect environment for a sound healing meditation.
As you enter the space, you’ll immediately notice the peaceful atmosphere and the way that the sounds of the instruments resonate and reverberate around you.
You’ll be guided through a series of exercises designed to help you relax and let go of stress and tension, allowing you to connect with your inner self and experience a deep sense of calm and introspection.
| Duration | 45 minutes |
| Schedule and Availability | Saturday – Sunday at 10am |
| Cost | $15 per person (ages 9+ only) |
| Notes | Guests should bring their own cushions or mats |
Enjoy Art Installations
The Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern is known for its art installations, which are curated by the Buffalo Bayou Partnership.
The exhibitions change regularly, providing visitors with a new experience every time they visit.
Here are a few of the most notable art exhibits that have been displayed in the cistern:
Rain by Magdalena Fernández at the Houston Cistern
The installation by Venezuelan artist Magdalena Fernández was a groundbreaking exhibition that marked the first art exhibit to be held in the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern after its extensive renovation in 2016.
The installation consists of a series of light and sound projections that transforms the cistern into a mesmerizing and otherworldly place.
The projections plays off the cistern’s unique architecture and acoustics, creating a surreal and dreamlike experience that was unlike anything else.
The installation encourages you to explore and interact with the space. As you move through the cistern, the projections shift and change, responding to your movements and creating a sense of fluidity and movement.
Carlos Cruz-Diez at the Cistern
Carlos Cruz-Diez is a famous Venezuelan artist who is known for his revolutionary work in kinetic art. He is all about using light, color, and movement to create mind-bending pieces that challenge the way we see and perceive art.
In 2018, the Buffalo Bayou Partnership asked Cruz-Diez to create an installation specifically for the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern, and the result was nothing short of amazing.
Cruz-Diez’s installation, called “Spatial Chromointerference,” was a stunning exploration of light and color that transformed the cistern into a dynamic and colorful space. It consisted of a bunch of line projections onto every surface of the cistern.
What we found really cool about this installation was the way it completely transformed the cistern itself.
The once boring concrete walls and columns became a canvas of light and color, with each structure and angle of the cistern taking on a new dimension as the LED lights shifted and changed.
This makes for an incredibly immersive experience that lets you engage with the space in a totally new way.
Time No Longer by James Turrell at the Cistern
James Turrell is an American artist who’s famous for creating mind-blowing installations using light and space. His work challenges our perceptions of reality and makes us think about how we see the world.
In 2019, the Buffalo Bayou Partnership asked Turrell to create something amazing for the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern, and boy, did he deliver!
Titled “Time No Longer,” Turrell’s installation turned the cistern into a trippy and surreal space. He used projectors and played with light and shadows to create an otherworldly, glowing effect.
What makes “Time No Longer” so mind-blowing is how it makes you feel like they were stepping outside of time and space altogether. By immersing you in a space that felt timeless and infinite, the installation takes your brain on a trip like no other!
Boundless by Contemporary Tibetan Artists at the Houston Cistern
The “Boundless” exhibition in the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern was a significant showcase of contemporary Tibetan art, featuring the works of several prominent artists.
The exhibit included a variety of mediums, including painting, sculpture, and video installations.
Many of the works in the exhibit were created by artists who are living in exile from Tibet, and their pieces explored the complex themes of displacement, identity, and cultural preservation that are central to the Tibetan experience.
One of the highlights of the exhibit was a large-scale sculpture created by artist Tenzin Norbu, which featured intricate details and vibrant colors.
The sculpture was displayed prominently in the center of the cistern, and its size and intricate design made it a striking centerpiece of the exhibit.
How do I get in contact with the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern?
To get in contact with the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern in Houston, Texas, you can visit their official website where you can find information about tours, events, and other activities.
Alternatively, you can call the Buffalo Bayou Partnership, which manages the cistern, directly at the number listed below or email them at [email protected].
The Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern is a popular destination, so it’s recommended that you book tours and events in advance to ensure availability.
