In celebration of the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern‘s centennial, officials are debuting a new multi-media art pieces. Entitled “Undercurrents”, the interactive public artwork blends light, sound, and poetry in a labyrinth of LED lights above the water surface.
The Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern is a massive 87,500-square-foot underground chamber is a unique architectural find, featuring more than 200 slender, 25-foot-tall columns. The scale of the space creates an incredible echo, making it one of the most distinct and atmospheric spots to explore in Houston.
The cistern was originally constructed in 1926, which means that it will celebrate its 100th anniversary this year. In honor of its centennial, BBP is unveiling a new exhibition. Undercurrents is an interactive, multi-media art installation by Raphael Lozano-Hemmer.
Per Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern:
“This original, site-specific artwork will fill the cavernous space with light, poetry, and interactive sound, featuring a nearly two-mile-long labyrinth of LED lights suspended above the water’s reflective surface”.
Visitors are invited to record their own messages, which spark immediate pulses of light and sound throughout the massive chamber. These personal recordings—paired with original works from local Houston poets—create a living soundscape that will continue to grow and evolve throughout the installation’s run.
Participating poets will host public readings in guided tours, including:
- Nick Flynn (April 30)
- Aris Kian (June 4)
- Martha Serpas (September 17)
- Roberto Tejada (October 22)
Undercurrents runs at the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern from Friday, April 24 – January 24, 2027. The exhibition will be on view from Wednesday through Sunday from 10 am – 6 pm save for 12 – 1 pm and 4 – 5 pm.
Tickets in 15-minute windows to Undercurrents are now available through BBP, starting at $15. $12 tickets are available for military, seniors, students, and youth.
The Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern is located at 105-B Sabine St.
