The Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern is one of Houston's most unique and iconic attractions, originally constructed as a drinking water reservoir in 1926. Following the discovery of a leak, the reservoir was decommissioned for public use in 2007, but was preserved as a civic and artistic structure in 2010 as the result of efforts by the Buffalo Bayou Partnership. Today, the Cistern has been converted into a space to host rotating art installations, named for its resemblance to ancient Roman cisterns once located under present-day Istanbul. Public history and art tours of the Cistern are offered for free throughout the day on Thursdays, with advance reservations required to secure tour slots. Paid ticketed events are also hosted in the Cistern periodically, including art exhibit openings and meditation sessions.
The Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern, 105 Sabine St, Houston, TX 77007, Phone: 713-752-0314
Ready to go?
Step 1: Visit the website and book directly and/or call ahead to confirm their hours.
Step 2: If you are spending the night, search for Hotel Deals nearby. Read the reviews, then call the hotel directly to book and ask for a romantic, kid-friendly or pet-friendly amenity if you need it.
Step 3: If you are flying, compare Flights. Book directly with the airline, add your frequent flier number and reserve your seat.
Step 4: Estimate your driving time using Google Maps (click the blue 'Directions' arrow in the search box).
Need some more help?
Read our Reservations & Travel Planning Tips guide.