In the beating heart of Houston’s Galleria/Uptown District, you will find the iconic Gerald D. Hines Waterwall. This spectacular fountain stands as a mesmerizing testament to architectural ingenuity and natural splendor. Often referred to simply as the “Waterwall,” it is a symbol of Houston’s modernity and elegance. This landmark attraction draws visitors from around the world to marvel at its grandeur.
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Location of Water Wall Park, Houston
The stunning Gerald D. Hines Waterwall is an architectural gem in Uptown Houston. This is a multi-story curved sculptural fountain located in the Galleria area near Texas Medical Center.
The Galleria/Uptown area is a bustling urban district known for its upscale shopping, dining, and vibrant atmosphere. Centered around The Galleria, one of the largest shopping malls in the United States, this area has a diverse array of high-end boutiques, luxury retailers, and world-class restaurants.
Uptown’s skyline features impressive skyscrapers, contributing to Houston’s cosmopolitan vibe. The Waterwall faces south face of Williams Tower in Post Oak Blvd area. Physical address of the Waterwall Park is 2800 Post Oak Blvd Houston TX 77056.
A Masterpiece of Design and Engineering
Gerald D Hines Waterwall is unlike any other fountain. Designed by architects Philip Johnson and John Burgee, the Waterwall was completed in 1985 as a central feature of the Williams Tower development.
It stands 64 feet tall, with a semi-circular shape and a width of 72 feet. What makes this structure truly remarkable is its cascading waterfall, which sends a stunning 11,000 gallons of water per minute over its vast, semi-circular, and meticulously crafted concrete surface.
Water cascades down both the inner and outer walls of the tall fountain and creates a stunning sight. The fountain and 3 acres surrounding land together form the Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park. This is a popular Instagram spot in Houston!
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History of Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park
This Houston landmark has an interesting history. The fountain and surrounding land were initially planned as an accompanying architectural feature for the adjacent skyscraper, Transco Tower.
Both the Waterwall and Williams Tower were designed by internationally renown Philip Johnson and John Burgee architects team. Construction of the Waterwall began in 1982 along with the tower and was completed in 1985. Post completion, the water fountain was named Transco Waterwall and was open only for company use.
When Transco Tower was renamed to Williams Tower, the waterwall came to be called the Williams Waterwall. The City of Houston then purchased the private park with the waterfall for public use in December 2009 and renamed it Gerald D. Hines Waterwall after the architect Gerald D Hines.
Today, the Waterwall is one of Houston’s iconic public parks and visited by several tourists annually.
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Playtime at the Waterwall Park
Visitors are instantly drawn to the Waterwall’s mesmerizing cascade, which creates a soothing and immersive experience. The sound of rushing water combined with the lush greenery of surrounding trees and plants creates an oasis of tranquility amid the bustling city. Many choose to sit on the benches surrounding the Waterwall, finding respite from the Texas heat while taking in the awe-inspiring view.
Best Things to do at the Houston Waterwall
The Waterwall Park located in Uptown District is popular with both locals as well as visitors. It has become a community centerpiece as well as popular backdrop for photoshoots in Houston. Here are some of our favorite things to do at the Houston waterwall park.
Take in the beauty of the majestic Waterwall
The tall horseshoe shaped fountain is just beautiful. Watching the water cascade down its sides is a mesmerizing and soothing experience.
To some, the fountain feels akin to an optical illusion – especially when standing inside the U-shaped wall and looking up at the rushing water. The spray of the water is perfect on a hot summer day.
Take a walk around the Waterwall
After seeing the fountain from up close on the inside, take the time to walk around the outer sides of the Waterwall. Water cascades down both sides of the fountain and the convex side feels vastly different from the concave side.
The convex/exterior face of the semi circular fountain faces the Hidalgo Street and observing the fountain from here is a great experience.
The fountain is beautifully framed by live oak trees and Williams Tower rises splendidly over the Waterwall to meet the clouds in the background.
Relax in the Waterwall Park
A beautiful urban green spans the space between the Waterwall and Williams Tower. The green is bordered by pathways and benches on all sides. More than 100 live oaks are planted in avenues adjacent to the lawn. Taking a walk along these avenues is a popular activity. Visitors can also have a picnic on the lawn or play a game of Frisbee.
Children of all ages love running and rolling on the grass and playing tag. Official park rules disallow use of balls or Frisbees; however we have never seen this particular rule being enforced.
The Waterwall Park is a great place to people-watch and admire Houston’s diversity.
Marvel at the engineering behind the Waterwall
The Waterwall boasts of incredible engineering statistics. The wall is 64 foot tall and each foot symbolizes one floor of the 64 storied Williams Tower. The wall is designed to be a horseshoe-shaped wall of cascading water that is visible from the many buildings in the busy area.
The fountain re-circulates 11,000 gallons of water per minute and the water cascades from top rim on both sides of the fountain. 3 Romanesque style arches frame the Waterwall entrance to resemble an ancient Roman amphitheatre.
You can also read most of these fascinating details on plaques placed on the fountain itself.
Gaze at the sky high Williams Tower
Williams Tower, formerly called the Transco Tower, stands tall adjacent to the waterwall. Williams Tower is a beautiful Modernist skyscraper and the 3rd tallest building in Houston. The commercial skyscraper is a 64 stories tall and houses several offices as well as leasing space.
Williams Tower is one of Houston’s most easily recognizable landmarks. Lie down at the green on Waterwall Park and look up to see the skyscraper meeting the sky – one of our favorite activities in Houston! The dark blue glass façade of the building beautifully reflects the clouds and the sky.
Enjoy a photoshoot at the Waterwall park
The Waterwall is Houston’s most photographed site and undoubtedly popular for all kinds of photo-shoots. Graduation pictures, wedding shoots, maternity shoots, as well as commercial shoots regularly take place here.
Visitors love taking Instagram-worthy pictures at the fountain and it makes a great photo op. Weekends can be crowded, so if you are planning a photo-shoot then try weekday morning for better opportunities.
Any kind of commercial/tripod photography needs an advance permit. The wall has been a popular filming locale for American as well as International movies. Bollywood and Indian film fans would probably recognize this as the locale for Dilbar Dilbar song from the movie Sirf Tum.
Have a date night at the Houston Waterwall or propose to your loved one!
Waterwall Park is also a great place for date night. The fountain is surreal and stunning; it also looks pretty when lit up at night. The wide lawn, live oak trees and benches provide many opportunities for a cozy, romantic date night. The Waterwall is also a rather popular place to propose in Houston.
Houston Waterwall FAQs
When is the Waterwall open?
The fountain is open daily from 8 am to 9 pm everyday; so plan your trip accordingly.
For most up to date timings, please refer here.
Is the Waterwall free? Do you need to buy any Gerald d. Hines waterwall park tickets?
Yes, the Houston Waterwall is a city park and free to visit.
Where do you park for the waterwall in Houston?
Visitors to the Gerald D. Hines Waterwall, Houston can park in the official Williams Tower paid parking lot garage.
Street parking near the Waterwall Park is hard to find; several tow-zones are present near the park.
Visitors looking for free options can park in the Dillards/Nordstrom parking lot a few blocks away and walk over to the Waterwall Park.
When was the Houston water wall built?
1983! The fountain was built as part of the skyscraper surroundings and completed after the tower.
Other things to do while visiting Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park
The Waterwall is located in Uptown Houston in Galleria District and is very close to the nearby Galleria Mall. Galleria Mall has more than 400 of big-chain, anchor and boutique stores for shopping aficionados.
The Mall is 7th largest in the country and also boasts of excellent fine-dining and casual restaurants. The Galleria Mall also has an indoor skating ring and large children’s play area.
Finish your visit to the Waterwall with shopping and a delicious meal at the Galleria Mall.
