Comfortably nestled in downtown Houston’s Historic District, Market Square Park is an area full of activity and excitement. You can hit up a nearby restaurant, catch a movie with the family, and take in the beauty of the vibrant, central green lawn. However, we think some of the most intriguing features are the numerous public art installations found throughout the area. From fountains to sculptures to brilliant photography, here’s a look at four must-see artworks in Market Square Park.
Mosaic Fountain and Benches
Built in 1991 by artist Malou Flato, this artwork tells the story of life at the turn of the 20th century. It’s composed of hand-painted ceramic tiles colored with splashes of blue, green, yellow, red, and orange for a display that’s truly radiant. You’ll spot everything from people to flowers to waterfalls, and the mosaic images on the fountain shimmer as water runs across them. What’s more, the fountain and benches can be seen from all corners of Market Square Park, giving you a great view no matter where you are.
Lauren’s Garden
Ketria Scott is the creative force behind Lauren’s Garden, which serves as a memorial for Lauren Catuzzi Grandcolas and the individuals who lost their lives during the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Three twisted bronze sculptures depict the long-lasting bristlecone pine tree, while three granite walls serve as a base for the fountain and represent the crash sites of that fateful day.
The victims of the World Trade Center attack are represented by 2,753 small pebbles placed in front of the fountain, while the Pentagon victims receive 184 pebbles in remembrance. The victims of United Flight 93, including Lauren, are represented by 40 large stones, and the entire structure is surrounded by majestic flowers and shrubs.
Points of View
Standing at 25 feet tall and constructed of painted steel and treated pine, Points of View is a one-of-a-kind piece of art. It features a spiraling body with shards (or points) sticking out in different directions. It was created by James Surls, whose sculptures have been featured at the Museum of Modern Art and Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York City. This structure has been around since 1991, and we’re sure it will continue to intrigue visitors for years to come.
Houston Photography
If you want to learn more about the history of Houston, Paul Hester’s photography collection is worth a glance. His work includes photographs of Market Square Park and buildings in downtown Houston, some of which are no longer standing. You’ll also find a steel cutout design of Houston installed on the fence along Milam Street.
If you journey to the northeast corner, you’ll find a photographic timeline showcasing the history of Houston from 1873 to 2009, giving you a glimpse at its rich past and historical significance.
Market Square Park is a downtown Houston staple that shouldn’t be overlooked. It offers plenty of public artworks you won’t want to miss, and it’s definitely a great spot for some cool photo ops.
Image “43024-Houston” by xiquinhosilva, used under CC BY 2.0
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