
The holidays are upon us, Houston, and the whole city is celebrating – whether you’re in the city or in the suburbs, on a rooftop or… underground. This season, Houstonians can enjoy a whole new holiday experience at the Cistern, where the underground venue has debuted its brand new installation: Cistern Illuminated.
Oft cited as a Houston oddity, the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern is a historic drinking water reservoir that was built back in 1926. It spans around 87,500 square feet, supported by 221 25-foot tall concrete columns placed throughout the space. When in use, the cistern is capable of storing up to 15 million gallons of water.
Since 2016, the Cistern has housed a kaleidoscopic mix of fascinating multimedia art installations and video projections. Presently the Cistern is aglow with the debut of Cistern Illuminated.
“Designed by Kelly O’Brien of Fenris, ‘Cistern Illuminated’ features soft, undulating light directed at the underground reservoir’s 221 columns, enhancing the reflection cast in the glassy water below,” Buffalo Bayou wrote in an Instagram post.
“Slight variations in tone evoke an atmosphere of flickering candlelight. Escape the holiday rush and experience this beautiful, contemplative installation for yourself.”
Cistern Illuminated lights up the subterranean space from now until January 7. Tickets are now on sale, priced at $12 per person (ages 9 and up). A $2 discount is available for students, military, and seniors 65+.
The exhibition takes place every other hour from 10 am to 5 pm Wednesdays through Fridays; and every other hour from 11 am to 5 pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
See also: Christmas Village Returns To Bayou Bend At MFAH For Holiday Season