Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park
- Admission
- Free
- Hours
- 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM daily
- Duration
- 30-45 minutes
- Parking
- Paid parking available in the adjacent Williams Tower garage, nearby metered street parking, or at the Galleria mall.
- Access
- Wheelchair-accessible paved sidewalks and flat concrete plaza surrounding the waterwall.
This striking 64-foot-tall semi-circular fountain re-creates the thunderous roar of a cascading waterfall right in the heart of Uptown Houston. Designed by renowned architects Philip Johnson and John Burgee, it pumps an incredible 11,000 gallons of water per minute. It is one of the city's most iconic and photographed spots.
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Completed in 1983, the Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park features a dramatic 64-foot-tall semi-circular fountain that recirculates thousands of gallons of water per minute. Designed by renowned architects Philip Johnson and John Burgee, this striking sculptural masterpiece stands as one of Houston's most iconic and photographed landmarks.
Visitors are greeted by a roaring wall of water cascading down both the inner and outer concave walls of the towering horseshoe-shaped structure. Standing at the base of the falls offers a sensory experience, complete with a refreshing cool mist and a thunderous acoustic backdrop that effectively drowns out the surrounding city noise.
Surrounded by a canopy of more than 180 majestic live oak trees, the three-acre park provides a lush, tranquil oasis in the heart of the bustling Uptown business district. It serves as a beloved community gathering spot where locals and tourists alike come to relax on the grass, picnic, and capture memorable photographs.
Ratings
parkVisitor Tips
- ◆ Visit during the golden hour just before sunset for the best photographic lighting and a slightly cooler atmosphere.
- ◆ Be prepared for the mist; if you stand close to the inner curve, you will likely get damp, so protect your camera and electronic devices.
- ◆ Parking can be tricky, so utilize the nearby Galleria parking garages or look for metered street parking along Post Oak Boulevard.
- ◆ Pack a blanket and a picnic to enjoy on the expansive grassy lawn directly in front of the waterwall.
Heads Up
- ◆ Climbing, wading, or throwing objects into the water fountain is strictly prohibited and actively monitored by park security.
- ◆ The lawn can become extremely soggy and occasionally closed to the public following heavy Texas rainstorms.
Common questions
Where do you park for the Gerald D Hines Waterwall Park?
There is no dedicated free parking lot for the park, but visitors can park for a fee in the nearby Galleria mall garages or use paid street parking along Post Oak Boulevard and surrounding streets.
Do you need a permit to take photos at the Waterwall?
Casual photography with cell phones or small cameras is free, but professional photography, commercial shoots, and formal portraits (such as weddings or quinceañeras) require a permit and fee paid to the Uptown Houston District.
Are there public restrooms at the Waterwall park?
No, there are no public restroom facilities at the park itself. Visitors must use the restrooms in the nearby Galleria mall or surrounding commercial businesses.
Can you walk inside the waterwall structure?
You can walk into the semi-circular courtyard at the base of the structure to experience the mist and sound, but you cannot walk behind or directly under the falling water.