See the sky through a different light at sunrise and sunset. Twilight Epiphany Skyspace by James Turrell is part of the Skyspace series of monumental, interactive sculptures that can be found throughout the world. These works of immersive art are meant to have the viewer experience the sky and the surroundings. Twilight Epiphany Skyscape is located on a pyramid mound of earth. It is interesting to see the light sequence projected on the concrete "roof." The 40 minute light sequence starts 40 minutes before sunrise and 10 minutes before sunset. Climb the stairs to the second level seats or sit inside the pyramid. Or view the show from outside the pyramid. I think that is the better view. Look at the Moody Center for the Arts calendar to take a guided tour to learn more. read more

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Although I've never experienced a musical performance, wedding or even the light sequence at Twilight Epiphany, it's still a 5-star experience. As an art head and aesthetic enthusiast I've always wanted a Claes Oldenburg installation or architectural wonder open to the public in my city. Around 2012 my wish was granted! Located on the Rice campus, this spot has provided many a memory. Highlighting art, space and nature, this beautifully constructed, sparsely attended, and (imo) under appreciated spot is truly a standout in the community. I understand how this spot may feel ordinary to some, but between this, Rothko chapel, and Menil, all my aesthetic dreams are answered. Pro tip: This installation requires parking at the Rice Campus, and a short walk so be prepared! If you're visiting someone at Rice, St.Thomas TIRR, or the nearby hospital, it's def worth the stop in. read more

Disappointed in the unmaintained landscaping and operation of the lights. We've came here hoping to experience a nice James Turrell installation but we only got to see the structure. The landscaping was a hot mess and the biggest thing was the lights weren't turned on. read more

Twilight Epiphany Skyspace by James Turrell - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Twas a nice light show and relaxing place but full of mosquitos omg! If you don't put repellant then you'll be bitten so badly! Other than that, enjoy the show! read more

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Good morning through the twilight lens. Natural, unfiltered is the rawest and realist beauty in and of itself. No optical illusions, just natural ebb and flow of light. From darkness to light. We suggest parking at West Lot 2 ($2/20 mins) / Entrance 18, closest lot to the Skyspace. Walk straight, past The Shepard School of Music on your left, turn left around the building and left again to get in the other side of the building and then you are adjacent to the Skyspace. read more

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Public Artwork in Houston, Texas... Situated on the campus of Rice University, Twilight Epiphany is near the School of Music by the football stadium. It was my brother-in-law's last night in Houston. He was here to drop off my niece (his first born daughter) at college. It seemed appropriate to visit Rice University for the last time ...until she graduates maybe? We went after dinner - so - after 8pm - a little after sunset. We missed the changing of the lights (if there was any). However, it was still an awesome experience! There were some people sitting along the benches upstairs. Downstairs, you can go in the middle and look up at the sky. The entire art installation sits on a mound, surrounded by city sights! If you are in Houston, take a look about a half hour before sunset! It's kind of cool! read more

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Great place to spend a little time gazing up at the sky with friends, family, and strangers, while visiting Rice University. Our nephew gave us a personal tour of Rice University, and suggested we stop here for a 'light' show. It happened at sunset, which was around 8 pm on a hot and muggy houston August day. There is concrete seating on two levels, and we tried both. From the bottom, one can stare straight up into the night sky via the opening at the center. The light does not strobe or change quickly, so at first glance the sky seems 'normal'. But then you realize, the color of the sky is of an unusual hue that isn't natural, but doesn't seem out of place in nature. Tonight it was sea blue/green. Very relaxing, and the other patrons were quiet as well. Strangely I didn't smell anything unusual in the air. It's one of those places where if future archaeologists discovered this place and had no digital records, they would have a hard time figuring out the 'purpose' of this place. read more

This artwork, acoustically designed for music students, is located at the Shepherd School of Music on the beautiful Rice University campus. I came to experience the light sequence show that starts prior to sunset (around 5:45pm this past Sunday), and it was pretty amazing, even with how simple it may seem. There are two levels of seating, but I prefer the bottom level, because looking up, as the light of the structure changes colors, the view of the clouds at the center is hypnotic, my eyes becoming fixated on the movement of the clouds as my mind empties. It was quite nice, and even though there was a good amount of people on both levels, it wasn't crowded or distracting. Even from the outside and from a distance, the changing light display is mesmerizing. My friend and I stayed here for 30 minutes at most, but it was more than enough to fully appreciate this one-of-a-kind exhibit. read more

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This place is solid! I've been to a few of his exhibits and the cool thing about them is that the piece changes with the time of day and the weather. You can come and visit multiple times and most likely will have a different experience. You can also experience it from multiple angles, go inside and look up or have a seat & relax. The reason it's 4/5 is mainly due to parking. Since its on campus, parking close can be tricky. Best to visit on the weekend when classes aren't in session. read more

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Such a cool experience! Grounds at the school are also beautiful. Go on a nice afternoon/early evening. Enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!!! read more

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Unique place to visit in Houston. The art piece is pretty big and it's really cool that you can sit inside and underneath. We stayed to watch the sunset - the art changes colours so it's nice to stay for a bit! read more

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Beautiful art structure at Rice University. It happens every day, rain or shine at sunset. People start lining up about 20-30 minutes before. A volunteer comes out to explain the meaning behind the art piece and you can sit and listen and watch as lights decorate the structure. It's a really great place to meditate or just come enjoy the view. I actually liked the view from outside of the structure more than inside. read more

Twilight Epiphany Skyspace by James Turrell - Beautiful - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Houston, Texas

Free light installation art that you can enjoy at sunset.Arrive about 30 minutes before sunset if you want a seat, otherwise you might end up standing. Although constructed to allow for recorded or live music, tonight was silent, but still a beautifully contemplative experience. Come without expectations. It's an evening of meditation, reflection, and subtle engagement. It's not flashy, not strobe lights, not Disney. Paid parking is available, but I suggest you bike or walk. Particularly recommended for groups of family and friends, however I would also suggest it is a marvelously contemplative thing to experience on your own. read more

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I guess when I first saw this 5 years ago, not many people knew about it and despite my snarky attempts at humor in my last review, it really was a nice experience; however, I recently got a chance to check out Skyspace again and was a bit shocked at how much the instagram "look at me" types are ignoring the rules and ruining the experience for everybody else. Let's forget and forgive the fact that many people were taking photos inside despite the rules and being reminded by a nice lady who works there that the artist wants people to experience it. Everybody has cell phones...I get it. Just take a quick snapshot and forget it. ...But nope, that's not enough. There was a photographer outside with not 1, not 2, but 3 remote controlled mono-lights taking photos of his wife and kid and each bright flash would just bounce all over the place. ...but wait there is more! there was a young woman with a thong going halfway up her back climbing the top of the art piece while someone from the ground was taking her photo. This went on for a while and then another dude got up on top posing for the photos and before you knew it, there were a half dozen people treating it like a photo studio and a giant softbox. I'm not exaggerating either and if anything am downplaying what was going on. They were using flash, bringing in props, climbing things, and completely ignoring every single rule about it. I really think the lady who gave the speech about the piece at the start should stick around for a few hours after sunset and remind people about the rules. read more

This is a beautiful peaceful space to sit and observe the light changing at night. Rice, and all of Houston, are very lucky to have it. read more

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Very cool piece of art to experience, super intimate. I highly recommend. My only complaint is it is a bit dirty upstairs, but other than that its amazing. read more

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Stumbled across this when we were staying in the area. We were there for sunset, light sequence was awesome against the clouds and lightning in the background!! There were several people there enjoying the quiet and meditating. Parking available along the street. It's quick and easy to stop in and stay for a short visit. If you go to the website that's shown when you are reviewing this location on the map it will show the best times to arrive for your visit!! read more

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Pretty cool installation that's free in htx. Unique structure that you can sit in the lower or upper level and watch the ceiling change colors as the sunset cascades. Busy on the weekends. There's no signage to indicate what's happening, but look up the website for more info, you also can inference what's going on after sitting and observing for a few minutes. Really peaceful and chill spot to relax and zen out. Parking costs at the visitors lots either at the stadium or the sub level below right before you see the structure. We parked on the street adjacent, which didn't have signage to NOT do that, but you're probably not supposed to.... read more

Twilight Epiphany Skyspace by James Turrell - Skylight - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Houston, Texas

My husband and I spent twelve hours in Houston last month and decided to visit the Twilight Epiphany Skyspace, as it was a quick thing to do near where we needed to be. We went at around 5:30 on a Monday evening, not realizing that we were sort of missing the point by showing up an hour too early for the light show, which runs at sunset and sunrise (we had to leave before sunset). It was still cool, an impressive James Turrell Skyspace installation on the Rice University campus. We were able to park in a nearby garage pretty easily and paid a few dollars for our fifteen-minute visit. There was a couple taking engagement photos in front of the artwork, which made it a little hard to navigate, but we walked around and through it, taking it in from all angles. We enjoyed the view of the sky framed from inside the installation. I'm guessing if you miss the light show, this is the main point of the thing. Anyway, it was worth a quick visit as long as we were in the area, and I'd recommend it if you want to see one of the most famous public artworks in Houston. Just plan better than we did if you want the full experience of Twilight Epiphany. read more

Free beautiful covid-safe art? Yes please! You don't need to be an art connoisseur, but you should have some level or interest/appreciation for art. I could see it being a little boring for some people. You pretty much just sit there and watch the colors change in a cycle. I loved it. It felt like a nice contemplative 30-40 minutes. There was a volunteer at the entrance who asked us not to take pictures inside (sadly a lot of people didn't adhere to the rules), but the volunteer didn't tell us any information about the exhibit. I would have loved to hear about the piece. This would have been 5 stars for me if there was music to go along with it. I think pre-covid they would have live music, I bet that was amazing. read more

Free installation art that combines nature and direct inclusion of viewer? 5 stars. I heard about this art installation before it opened from a bunch of friends who work at Rice. I was super excited about it, because I love the idea of soothing light outlining the sky. It sounded perfect to me. I witnessed it first hand while on a field trip with students to Rice's art gallery. This art installation is fantastic. The viewer can interact with the art in many different ways. It's open 24 hours a day and you can sit on one of two levels. From inside, you look up to a sky that is framed by a stark white square. At dusk and dawn, there is a light show of changing colors that illuminates the underside of the white canopy. The art installation is tranquil, soothing, and an escape from the rest of the busy life of the University. I have yet to be there for the sunset or sunrise lights show, but have seen photos of it. Maybe winter break will be the time! If you haven't seen this or even heard of this art installation, it's located on the west end of Rice University campus closer to the stadium parking lot. If you drive the loop all the way past the rec center, you'll see it on your left. It's free and open to the public. Go. read more

Twilight Epiphany Skyspace by James Turrell - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Houston, Texas

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This installation is the reason I came to Houston. James Turrell is my favorite living artist and I gladly get into pilgrim-mode to see his works. Reservations are required for the evening light progression but I went anyway because I wanted to watch from outside. It was a fascinating display of human nature as I saw folks file into the the seating area under the thin flat roof that is suspended above a large green grass mound. Going into a Turrell installation with any expectations will ruin the experience and about half of these folks didn't get the memo. They couldn't even stay in their seats throughout the approximately 40-minute experience. Some left after ten minutes. It should be said that Skyspace is not a July 4th fireworks display or a rock concert light show but much of this audience clearly wanted to be entertained. The crowd eventually became louder as many couldn't resist being silent. Terrell's works often reveal more about the underlying tensions of its viewers. If Rice University has a psychology department, there's an interesting study just waiting for them right here. I went back the next morning just before daybreak to experience this for myself. No reservations are required and, indeed, only five other people -- including an infant -- were there. There is not much to explain. Different colors of light are projected onto the underside of the flat white roof for less than an hour as the sky turns from black to blue. We were all quiet except for the low-volume burbling sounds from an obviously joyful baby. I and a few others reclined horizontally on the stone benches so we could look right up through the square hole in the roof that juxtaposes the sky against the light progression. At its conclusion, all of us got up slowly then quietly walked out of Skyspace to greet the day. I lingered outside for a while as the sun rose and the orange light shimmered across the campus. What a sublime morning. read more

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Add this to your Houston Bucket List! The Skyspace is like nothing I've ever seen before. I'm going to borrow some language from their website to describe it: "The pyramidal structure accommodates 120 people between two levels...constructed of grass, concrete, stone and composite steel, the structure is equipped with an LED light sequence that projects onto the ceiling and through an aperture in the 72-foot square knife-edge roof just before sunrise and sunset. Turrell's composition of light compliments the natural light present at twilight, and transforms the skyspace into a locale for experiencing beauty and reflective interactions with the surrounding campus and the natural world." So, yeah, it's not a light show. If you want a light show, go to the Planetarium. This is about experiencing the sunset in a whole new way. The colors of the skyspace adjacent to the changing color of the sky...it's quite amazing. It's visually stunning. Don't miss it. Only cons? Parking and directions. We paid about $4 to park in West Lot 1. Then we had to use google maps to figure out where to go, because you can't see the Skyspace from the parking, there are no signs, and the website is vague. read more

Twilight Epiphany Skyspace by James Turrell - The Skyspace after the evening lights. Moon in the upper right corner! - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Five stars because it's a cool structure that changes to many colors. One can get their zen sitting there for 30 minutes!! You can meditate. Relax. Namaste read more

Twilight Epiphany Skyspace by James Turrell - Pink - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Houston, Texas

I love james Turrell's work and I felt fortunate to be in town and being able to visit this work. Unfortunately, there was a large crowd and they were unfortunately noisy making the experience less than ideal. The campus security, for some unknown reason, left a golf cart park in the center of the structure. read more

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Sunrise sequence is a bust.... the lights never started. Best parking is the central campus garage. Just up the elevator and then you are just outside the structure. read more

It was a little adventure to find it but that's what added more fun to finally seeing it! Unfortunately weren't there in time to see it with lights but just as is was amazing! The top level gave you an amazing view of the skyline and an awesome feeling! The lower level was my favorite, the way you feel and then standing right in the middle and seeing straight up how beautiful it aligned with all the bright stars and sky. Definite recommend for a small date or stargazing will be back! read more

Twilight Epiphany Skyspace by James Turrell - The skylight - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Houston, Texas

Definitely worth a visit. Something to check off your "Things To Do/See in Houston" List. read more

Twilight Epiphany Skyspace by James Turrell - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Houston, Texas

Looking for something mellow, free, and a wee bit off the beaten path? The Twilight Epiphany light sequence at Skyspace, which takes place at sunrise and sunset (consult the website for daily times), is a cool art installation that inspires you to slow down your breathing as you look skyward and take in the shifting colors. The pacing is more tai chi than power yoga, so don't go in expecting a fast-paced light display scored to music. I made reservations for the evening sequence, but there was no one checking, so you could probably drop by sans reservation. If you're crowd-averse and a morning person, the sunrise show is likely a better bet. There is seating up top and down below; while the upstairs viewing area seemed more popular, I actually preferred the perspective from ground level myself. read more

Having lived in this city for [redacted in the interest of vanity] decades, I've only recently started getting acquainted with the world that is Rice University. To be frank, I would never have found this until Melissa M clued me into the place. Stopping in on a Texas winter day, I parked at the Greenbriar lot (next to Rice Stadium) where the fee is a flat $1, payable with a credit or debit card only. I figured that I might stroll around the campus after I found my way to the Twilight Epiphany Skyspace - plus, I was pretty sure that I'd get lost a couple of times since this isn't my alma mater. Wandering in a wide arc around the stadium, this spot is next to the Alice Pratt Brown music hall. Check out the Rice University's campus map on their website and triangulate to the Skyspace by finding the APB music hall. The actual artwork is a large open-air metallic item, suspended above a small hillock that reminded me of some kind of American Indian burial mound. Of course, it is not but you can walk through the mound as well as up the stairs to the second level. There are stone benches on both levels which allows visitors to watch the light show that happens at dusk and dawn. Since I wasn't there at either of those times, I had the area all to myself. So, I scampered into the mound, gawked up the middle to the aperture, exited out the other side, turned around and walked up the staircase, then walked the perimeter of the benches to see it from every direction. Would I call it earth-shattering? No. Would I spend hours and hours here? No. Would I find it an interesting stop in a day of interesting stops? Yes, definitely. I'm sure that the dawn and dusk light shows would add an extra "oomph" to this inside-outside art installation. But, this would be like a 15-minute pearl in a string of pearls for visitors to our fair city. And, I'm sure you know this but everyone loves a pearl necklace. Enjoy. read more

Twilight Epiphany Skyspace by James Turrell - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Houston, Texas

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You have to pay to park, but the event is free. We went to the sunset light sequence. I'm not sure if I expected more from this or just don't really get art. It was basically just the light changing color and reflecting off the square roof. It was pretty but we only stayed for maybe 10 minutes max. There are benches on the upper level and inside the structure at the bottom level. There are restrooms in the music building. read more

Twilight Epiphany Skyspace by James Turrell - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Houston, Texas

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I don't get this. It's basically a board with a square in it so you can see the sky, and then the light show is basically changing colors of light on the board. Maybe I just don't get art? Other people seemed to enjoy it though; my friend and I stayed for about ten minutes before leaving. Also, no free parking! Parking is actually quite expensive, so beware of that. read more

Twilight Epiphany Skyspace by James Turrell - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Houston, Texas

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So this place is very serene especially I guess because its the summer. So silent. Its very pretty HOWEVER, I think I might be to stupid to understand what I was actually suppose to experience. I was waiting for it but saw nothing. I wasn't moved. I still suggest you go because its just something to do in Houston. And perhaps you'll experience what I did not. read more

We just happened to come here during the 2017 Spring Equinox. It's recommended to get reservations earlier in the day, but probably not necessary. There is no cost other than parking. If there's a game, plan on arriving at least 20 minutes earlier than the 15 minutes before sunset start time. That said, I thought the later phases of the evening light was visually much cooler with the contrast There's plenty of seating on both levels and people matriculate out. I enjoyed the top level better with the city skyline views and University views. Very cool, unique, and free thing to do in Houston, especially of you've been on your feet all day. read more

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Have you been to the Houston Museum of Fine Arts? Did you LOVE that tunnel? You know the one I'm talking about. The Skyspace is done by the same artist. It is a pleasure to watch the sunset from the Skyspace. The opening at the top seems unreal or maybe like screen. The colors are tranquil and you don't even feel like you're in the city anymore. I highly recommend coming here alone or on a date. Also a great visual if you're high on life ;) Let's talk about why this place is great. First, this is free 99. That's right fellas. Bring your date here for free. And the best part is she/he will think your cultured AF. Second, on a more serious note, it was awesome to watch. I've been here multiple times and every time different feelings come up. If you're coming alone I would suggest bringing a guided meditation or headphones for music. Some helpful tips: 1. Park at the stadium and walk over. 2. Arrive early. There's a student who gives you a little history on the piece a few minutes before sunset. So make sure to park and walk over with enough time to hear the speech. Also if you go on weekends, there will be quite a few more people than normal. 3. I like to sit on the top so I can see the skyline and the little square. But there's always space on the downstairs/inside part as well. 4. Bring earbuds, meditation guides, earplugs, whatever you want to make it special! 5. Be respectful of others and don't talk too loud if you must talk. They also discourage photos but I've seen many people take them. 6. Stay for the whole thing! It's worth it! read more

It's a frame for the sky. So choose your day and time well. Or don't and see what hand you're dealt as you lean back against your bit of concrete bench. I was fortunate enough to arrive on a rain day. Not during, but just prior. There were lots of clouds breaking up the blue. It was very Magritte. I'm not certain what the whole Twilight light show is all about; it seems and looks a bit ghastly with all of the changing colors. You can park by the stadium for a dollar, park on Main and walk about .8 of a mile, be beamed down by Scotty, walk around the track and stumble here, walk from class, or or or. However you decide to arrive, keep in mind that there are a few other points of note nearish-by. If you park on Main and amble, there is in order: the Rice Gallery, a pair of statues by Plensa, and a section of the Berlin Wall. read more

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Road trip stop for us before heading out for dinner, lights changed making it appear as though there were different sunsets, all an illusion. Donate by Suzanne Deal Booth, and designed by James Turrell as his 73rd Skyspace. As art and landmark, it is very cool. But I think $5 Million can be spending more wisely than artificial sunset. Then again,I'm not arty or upper class. But then again, when was the last time I sat in silent, watching the sky, listening to the quietness for 30 mins? I suggest you added to your Houston bucket list. Just few tips: - Don't bring a kid here, they will be bored, heck, most adult would be bored - I paid $5 for a hour of parking, not sure if there are free parking or not - Photograph is allowed, but no flashing read more

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What an amazing experience. The area felt so romantic, and the installation was something I feel everyone should try at least once. I wasn't sure what to expect when we sat down but what the staff member explained how the art installation was, and what it was, I was excited to experience it. I was taken to a place of serenity and awe. I felt so calm as the lights changed making it appear as though there were different sunsets, but it was all an illusion. I don't want to say too much, because I don't want to spoil it for you, so you just have to go and experience it for yourself. read more

Twilight Epiphany Skyspace by James Turrell - One of the many color changes. - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Houston, Texas

The Skyspace has a light show every sunrise and sunset which is a great free art attraction, if you're looking for one. Furthermore, you get to walk through the always beautiful Rice University campus and take in the excellent architecture. during our visit we had a docent standing by helping everyone with questions, giving general information and wagging their finger at the folks whipping their phones out for pics/videos. Photography is prohibited unless you're outside of the structure, which I agree with, since the person next to us kept pulling their phone out distracting us with their bright screen as our eyes adjusted to the setting sun and colors. This is something to bring measured expectations to though. Do not expect a planetarium lazer light show with music and crazy effects. It's really just a peaceful change of colors that lasts until the sun has completely come up or gone down, depending on what show you catch. There's a square cut out in the center of the skyspace that frames the sky above and washes color all around it as the lighting slowly changes. Pretty neat. Reminds me a lot of minimalist Marfa art, if you've ever been out West. read more

Very nice and peaceful. The sunset matched with the different color lights creates a nice peaceful feeling. Don't expect a light show. The lights change every few minutes. It is designed to bounce the lighting of the canopy with the sunset to create a harmonic feel. read more

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