The Public Art of Houston, Then and Now

Public art is a topic that’s sometimes controversial; there’s that love it or hate it argument, and it seems we’re always relying on the generosity of philanthropists. But there’s no denying that art is inspirational, causing many a photographer (both amateur and pro) to try for that perfect shot. Good thing, too, as it is the best way to preserve the memory of temporary installations as well as those pieces looking for their next home. Here’s a round-up of some public, civic and corporate art (past and present) in the Houston area. We took a look at photos shared with the Houston Press Flickr Pool (thank you very much) and supplemented the pics with a few of our favorites.

Photo via CC from jjsala, JWSherman, Patrick Feller, Ed Schipul, Katie Haugland Bowen, Jerald Jackson, brando.n, David Van Horn, Poor Ole Rich, Let there be light (Andy), sandrafdzh, Osbornb, Shannon McGee, Keri, James, Jenn, Lorie Shaull and David Houston. Additional photography by Katya Horner.

“Synchronicity of Color” by Margo Sawyer is on view at Discovery Green.
Temporary installation at Discovery Green in 2013.
The illuminated, international sculptures leading up to George Bush Intercontinental Airport.
“Fifth Ward Jam” by Dan Havel and Dean Ruck.
One of the umbrellas at The Orange Show Center for Visionary Art.
The ceiling mural from the lobby at City Hall.
The Orange Show Center for Visionary Art.
Sculpture outside Be Fit Gym in Houston.
Bronze sculpture by Boaz Vaadia at Main Street Square.
The 36-foot-tall Virtuoso sculpture by David Adickes.
Great sunset shot.
Sculpture of dancer outside Jones Hall.
“Tolerance,” by Barcelona-based artist Jaume Plensa, an installation of seven sculptures on view at Buffalo Bayou Park.
“Tolerance,” by Barcelona-based artist Jaume Plensa, an installation of seven sculptures on view at Buffalo Bayou Park.
“Tolerance,” by Barcelona-based artist Jaume Plensa, an installation of seven sculptures on view at Buffalo Bayou Park.
The stage at The Orange Show Center for Visionary Art.
All hail the magnificent orange at The Orange Show Center for Visionary Art.
Light sculpture at M.D. Anderson Library.
The Sam Houston Monument at the northwest corner of Hermann Park.
Presidential busts by David Adickes.
“Tolerance,” by Barcelona-based artist Jaume Plensa, an installation of seven sculptures on view at Buffalo Bayou Park.
Atropos Key at Hermann Park.
The flowers look great in this shot of The Sam Houston Monument.
McGovern Commons at the Texas Medical Center at Christmas-time.
The Hindu temple, BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, in Stafford.
Nice reflection for the Hindu temple, BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, in Stafford.
Stained glass from 1910 Harris County Courthouse.
The Downtown Aquarium.
Monument Au Fantome, by Jean Dubuffet, on Avenida de las Americas.
“Fifth Ward Jam” by Dan Havel and Dean Ruck.
Fisheye view of sculpture at Historic Market Square Park.
“Abrazo Monumental,” one of the sculptures from Jorge Marín’s “Wings of the City,” a temporary installation at Discovery Green.
“Split Monumental,” of the sculptures from Jorge Marín’s “Wings of the City,” a temporary installation at Discovery Green.
“Archi-valdo,” one of the sculptures from Jorge Marín’s “Wings of the City,” a temporary installation at Discovery Green.
Downtown Houston.
Downtown Houston.
“Field of Light” by Bruce Munro, a temporary installation at Discovery Green, and “Synchronicity of Color” by Margo Sawyer, on view year-round.
“Hope of Humanity” by Charles Umlauf, outside the Houston Museum of Natural Science.
“Monument Au Fantome” by Jean Dubuffet is on view year-round at Discovery Green and is valued at more than $6.7 million.
“The Beatles” by David Adickes.
The blue trees at Memorial at Waugh.