Acquired by City of Houston Convention & Entertainment Facilities Dept.: 1986
Size: 22.5 acres

The result of a nationwide design competition, Buffalo Bayou Sesquicentennial Park has become an urban oasis in the heart of Houston’s downtown Theater District. Serving as the park’s gateway, the two-acre Phase I site, completed in 1989, includes a cascading fountain, gatehouse, and octagonal pavilion adjacent to the Wortham Theater. The 8.2-acre Phase II section of the park, which opened in the 1998, features the following elements:

• The Common
  A gently sloping 1.25-acre lawn flanked by a walkway and stately trees. Be sure to check out artist Dean Ruck’s historic photographic display, located in the balustrade railings overlooking Buffalo Bayou.
• Allen H. Carruth Promenade
  Shaded by large cypress trees and enclosed by an historic balustrade overlook wall, the 24-foot walkway features five of the massive park pillars, created by architects TeamHou and artist Mel Chin.
• Preston Avenue Bridge
  Designed as a pedestrian link to the bayou’s east and west banks, the Preston Avenue Bridge is lined with wide sidewalks, and replicas of the historic lighting that once adorned this early bayou crossing. Two park pillars can be found on each side of the bridge.
• The Garden Club of Houston Garden
  Located on the western bank of Sesquicentennial Park, you will find this natural sweeping grassy slope the perfect spot for an afternoon picnic. The site, which has been designated a Texas Wildscape by the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, contains extensive native plantings, unique stonework, and natural water pools.
• The Fondren Garden
  After walking the meandering walkway to what just may be Houston’s highest point, you will be able to rest in the seated terrace at the crown of the hill.
• The Josephine B. and Anthony Charles Muller Overlook
  Park your bike at this overlook site, situated on a bayou curve near the Prairie and Bagby Street Bridge. It is the perfect spot to take in the spectacular view of Houston’s downtown buildings.
• Seven Wonders
  Rising dramatically above Buffalo Bayou’s Sesquicentennial Park are the seven 70-ft-tall pillars “Seven Wonders.”. Flanking the park’s Promenade and Preston Avenue Bridge, the columns highlight Houston’s history through the themes of agriculture, energy, manufacturing, medicine, philanthropy, technology and transportation. Each column is constructed of 150 individual children’s drawings, etched in stainless steel plate.

>>>Brochure of Sesquicentennial Park's Public Art and Map (pdf)

>> Link to Cultural Arts Council Sesquicentennial Project