Construction Projects
Heart of the Park
Heart of the Park Phase I - Completed
On September 8, 2001, Friends of Hermann Park (FHP) and the City of Houston celebrated the completion of Phase I construction work on the Heart of the Park project. Phase I work includes the Lake Overlook and Molly Ann Smith Plaza. Children of all ages can now enjoy the four interactive and playful fountains at Molly Ann Smith Plaza, a place dedicated in memory of a much-loved Houstonian. Train riders will also delight in the choreography of the fountains as they travel between the Lake Overlook and Molly Ann Smith Plaza.
The scenic Lake Overlook features a raised picnic lawn, dramatic views and generous steps to McGovern Lake, as well as shaded seating areas flanking the picnic lawn.
Cost $1,100,000
FHP $1,100,000
Heart of the Park Phase II - In Progress
As a result of significant new gifts to Friends of Hermann Park (FHP) for the Heart of the Park project, construction of Phase II work is now underway and includes the following components:
Mary Gibbs & Jesse H. Jones Reflection Pool When completed, the Pool will be the Park's most prominent feature, measuring 740 feet long and 80 feet wide. It will feature sculpted stone edges, a black bottom for maximum reflection, and a "white water" cascade at its north end.
Entry Plaza As the foyer to Hermann Park, the entry plaza will be a favorite gathering place for Houstonians. FHP will involve a uniquely qualified artist in the detail design of the ground plane of this prominent plaza, located between the Reflection Pool and the Sam Houston Monument. By integrating art into the design of this entryway, FHP further forges an alliance with the adjacent Museum District of Houston. The entry plaza remains a Recognition Opportunity.
Shaded Allees Due to generous in-kind gifts of trees from Urban Retail Properties Co. and St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital, the existing 80-year-old Live Oaks along both edges of the Reflection Pool are complimented with an additional row of 14" to 20" caliper Live Oaks on either side to create alley ways (allees) that will rival North and South Boulevards. The West Allee will contain the O. Jack Mitchell Garden, a quiet contemplative space that will be planted with flowers, shrubs, and trees. The garden will also include attractive seating areas and a small fountain to be recognized for Albert and Ethel Herzstein. The shaded allees and the Arbor in the Pines remain Recognition Opportunities.
Estimated Cost $8,400,000
FHP $6,000,000
City of Houston $2,400,000
Miller Outdoor Theatre Phase I Improvements
Since the construction of the covered
seating area in 1968, Miller Outdoor Theatre continued to dramatically expand its repertoire without comparable facility improvements. Today, an average of 500,000 people attend Miller Theatre performances yearly.
In the summer of 1998, Friends of Hermann Park (FHP), in partnership with the City of Houston, completed the design of its first capital project: Phase I improvements to Miller Theatre.
The project added new restroom facilities (from 17 to 85 toilets), a new ticket office and employee offices, storage/utility areas, renovation and upgrade of all systems within the existing building, and improvements to the Theatre grounds. The project also added landscaped plazas and terraces, new outdoor lighting, employee parking and service areas.
Cost $5,400,000
FHP $2,600,000
City of Houston $2,800,000
History of Hermann Park
Hermann Park, one of Houston’s oldest and most historically significant urban green spaces, is a common destination for 5.5 million visitors each year. It is a cultural and recreational resource, a grand civic space, and a respite for urban dwellers. Visitors to the Park reflect the city’s demographics, and a casual drive around the Park on any given day will reveal a diverse mix of individuals taking advantage of the Park’s many recreational offerings.
Over the years, the Houston Zoo, Miller Outdoor Theatre, the Houston Museum of Natural Science (HMNS) and the first desegregated public golf course in the United States have all added to the Park’s importance as a recreational destination. By the late 1980’s, due to insufficient public resources and very high public attendance, the Park became rundown and entered a state of disrepair. As a result, a number of committed and visionary Houstonians formed Friends of Hermann Park (FHP) to encourage the development of more attractive, usable green space in Hermann Park, and to promote the restoration of the Park to its originally intended standards of beauty.
Destinations in Hermann Park
McGovern Lake | Lake Overlook and Molly Ann Smith Plaza | Japanese Garden | Miniature Train | Jogging Trail | Houston Garden Center | Houston Zoo | Hermann Park Golf Course | Bayou Parkland | Houston Museum of Natural Science | Miller Outdoor Theatre | Buddy Carruth Playground for All Children | Pioneer Memorial Log House Museum | Jones Reflection Pool
McGovern Lake
This 8-acre masterpiece is newly restored and expanded. The restoration created two new islands for migratory birds, and a third island that the Miniature Train travels. Four-seat pedal boats are available to rent at the boathouse for $7 a half hour. Catch-and-release fishing available for children under 12 and senior citizens over 65 at Bob's Fishing Pier. For more information, call (713) 524-5876.
Lake Overlook and Molly Ann Smith Plaza
Located on the north shore of McGovern Lake, this area offers picnicking on a raised lawn, shaded seating, and playful interactive fountains for children to enjoy. The Pioneer Memorial obelisk is located in the center of the fountains in honor of the early pioneers who founded Houston. For more information, call (713) 524-5876.
Hermann Park Japanese Garden
This garden, next to the Jones Reflection Pool, represents serenity and harmony, and is an escape from everyday metropolitan life. Stroll through the shaded paths and take in the beauty and simplicity of Japan (713) 284-1914 or visit the Japanese Garden Society.
Hermann Park Miniature Train
Made famous by children of all ages! A Hermann Park tradition, the train runs daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. $2 admission. For more information, call Buffalo Rides at (713) 529-5216.
Hermann Park Jogging Trail/Marvin Taylor Exercise Trail
Walk, run, or jog under the shade of mature live oak trees planted in memory of World War I veterans. The trail is approximately two miles long and travels through the Park. For more information, call (713) 524-5876.
Houston Garden Center
This historically significant building is a meeting place for over 20 Houston area garden clubs. Surrounding the center is over 2,500 rose bushes in a variety of colors. For rental information, call (713) 284-1986.
Houston Zoo
Set in a 55-acre lush tropical landscape, Houston Zoo is home to more than 3,500 exotic animals representing more than 700 species. Get eye to eye with a prairie dog, see an eagle’s nest and watch a river otter slide down a muddy river bank at the John P. McGovern Children’s Zoo. The Houston Zoo is open from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. seven days a week. Regular admission is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors, $2 for children ages 3-12 and FREE for children 2 and under. Zoo memberships start at only $45. For more information, and details on becoming a member, call (713) 533-6500 or visit our Web site at http://www.houstonzoo.org.
Hermann Park Golf Course
Redesigned in 1997 by Carlton Gibson, who also redesigned The Woodlands TPC Golf Course, this 18-hole challenge is one of Houston's oldest and most popular municipal courses. To set up a tee-time, call (713) 526-0077.
Bayou Parkland
Picnic in the shade or hike on nature trails in the urban forest. Bayou Parkland, flanking Brays Bayou in Hermann Park, offers a relaxing atmosphere for anyone who enjoys the outdoors. School, scout, and community groups can participate in year-round programs teaching sound stewardship. To learn about details of the programs, call (713) 524-5876.
Museum of Natural Science
Founded in 1909, the science museum is the nations fourth most highly attended science museum. Enjoy the Wortham IMAX Theater, Cockrell Butterfly Center, the Burke-Baker Planetarium, or one of the permanent exhibits. For information and show times, call (713) 639-IMAX.
Miller Outdoor Theatre
Obtain a free ticket for the covered seating area or lay on the large, grassy, green hill and enjoy a variety of arts, music, and festivals. Relaxing and entertaining for all ages. For show times, call (713) 284-8350.
Buddy Carruth Playground for All Children
This playground offers equipment for children of all abilities. Most equipment is handicap accessible. Children can cool off in the refreshing interactive water playground. Picnic pavilions may be rented for family gatherings or birthday parties. The Fannin Pavilion, the oldest structure in the Park, is also available for rent. For rental information, call (713) 845-1003.
Pioneer Memorial Log House Museum
Teaching Texas history since 1936, this original log house is supported by the San Jacinto Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas. The house and grounds are a memorial to the pioneer women and men of Houston. For program information, call (713) 522-0396.
Mary Gibbs and Jesse H. Jones Reflection Pool (under construction)
One of the most dominant features of Hermann Park, this Pool and it's immediate surroundings represent one of Houston's most grand civic green spaces. Once completed, the Pool will measure 740 feet long and 80 feet wide, and will display sculpted stone edges, a black bottom for maximum reflection, and a "white water" cascade. Both sides of the Pool will be flanked by alleys of mature live oak trees. For more information, call Shauna Lanehart with Friends of Hermann Park at (713) 524-5876.
Judson Robinson Jr. Community Center
This community center offers a full gymnasium and weight facility. Room rental available for meetings or parties. Closed Sundays. For more information, call (713) 284-1997.
Houston
Located between Main Street and Fannin on a small (one acre) triangle at the tip of Hermann Park, directly across from the Meekham Fountains and the Warwick Hotel, the site is incredible! The site was so good that it was selected over others even though we realized it was too small to build an absolutely magnificent park. The focal point is a gazebo with a fountain in the center. The columns of the gazebo and the surrounding perimeter (the PMA) are magnificently carved stone columns connected with wrought iron. The roof of the gazebo is made of 3,000 hand wrought iron leaves covered with 2,000 tiny lights. The computer is set in a stone facade. With a sign at each of the three points, the park is a jewel.
Hospital
Sam Houston
Identification Summary
Number: 0018
Artist: Cerracchio, Enrico Filberto (1880-1956)
Title: Sam Houston Monument
Date: 1924; unveiled August 16, 1925
Type: Sculpture
Medium: Sculpture:bronze, Base:gray granite
Dimensions: Sculpture:approx... 20' x 20' x 9', Base:approx.. 25' x 18' x 9', Plaques:front 24" x 19 7/8" x 3/8"; rear 12 ¼" x 15 ¾" x 3/8 "
Foundry/Fabricator: Roman Bronze Works, NY
Location/Environment: Hermann Park / Outdoors
Provenance: Given to the City of Houston by the Women's City Club of Houston
Historical Background
On March 1, 1917, an article appeared in the Houston Chronicle calling on Texans to come together and raise the money necessary to erect a monument commemorating Texan hero and statesman, General Sam Houston. The Women's City Club raised the funds for this monument and commissioned Enrico Cerrachio as the sculptor. He is shown on horseback leading his men into the battle of San Jacinto, which the monument is positioned to point towards.
Artist History
Enrico Filiberto Cerracchio, sculptor, was born in Castel Vetro Val Furtore, Italy, on March 14, 1880, the son of Memnato and Joseppa (Alterisio) Cerracchio. He studied both academic subjects and sculpture at the Institute Avellino in Italy. After graduating in 1898 he continued his studies in sculpture under Rafael Belliazzi. In 1900 Cerracchio immigrated to the United States and settled in Houston, where he sculpted commemorative monuments and busts for forty years. He became a naturalized citizen in 1905 and two years later married Marion Kowalski of Shamokin, Pennsylvania; they had a daughter and a son.
Cerracchio worked in a heroic, classicizing style, generally choosing bronze or marble as his medium. Cerracchio's best-known Texas sculpture is probably the large bronze equestrian figure of Sam Houston (1924) located at the entrance to Hermann Park in Houston; the figure points toward the site of the battle of San Jacinto. In later years he maintained a studio in Houston and one in New York City, where he was living at the time of his death, on March 20, 1956.
Physical Description
The Sam Houston Monument is a colossal bronze equestrian sculpture that rests on a triumphal granite arch. The inner walls of the arch are tiled with small square glazed ceramic tiles and bronze plaques are mounted on the interior faces of the abutments. The plaza surrounding the granite arch is composed of multi-colored, broken rubble marble tiles with Portland cement mortar grouting.
The sculpture depicts Houston, sitting atop of a striding horse, wearing 19th century military attire and a flowing cape. Houston points to the right with his outstretched proper right arm with his upper body and face twisted to his proper left. Cerracchio depicted the horse in motion by raising and detaching the front left and back right legs from the base and its head bent downward. The artist's signature (E. CERRACCHIO SC. 1924) appears on the left, rear-vertical edge of the sculpture's base. The foundry mark (CAST BY ROMAN BRONZE WORKS NY) is on the right, rear-vertical edge.
The masonry arch was constructed by Frank Teich (1856-1939). It is constructed of large dressed and carved blocks of fine grained gray granite that are centered on top of a matching granite pedestal and surrounded by an irregularly tiled marble plaza. Steps descend from the plaza in both directions which allows a visitor to pass through the arch. Sam Houston is inscribed, in relief, on the pedestal's front and back surfaces. The names of the stone company (TIECH MONUMENT WORKS) and artist (ENRICO CERRACCHIO SCULPTOR) are inscribed on the stair banister's left and right vertical edges.
The plaque on the rear abutment of the arch reads as follows:
"WOMEN'S CITY CLUB/ UNVEILED/ AUGUST 16, 1925/ MARKER PLACED/ APRIL 1962." The front, and larger, plaque reads: "DEDICATED IN HONOR/ OF GENERAL SAM HOUSTON/ BORN MARCH 2, 1793 IN ROCKRIDGE COUNTY/ VIRGINIA/ DIED JULY 26, 1863 NEAR HUNTSVILLE, TEXAS…" (continues w/ a chronology of Houston's life).
Restoration / Conservation
In 1996, the Houston Municipal Art Commission (MAC) launched an innovative and ambitious program to restore and maintain all municipally owned art works. For both historical and sentimental reasons, the Sam Houston Monument was chosen as the Commission's first project and at the age of seventy-one, was given a much needed face-lift. A celebration showcasing the newly restored monument was held on September 5, 1996.
Walking Trail
Feeding Ducks
Bird
Ducks
Geese
Museum Tower, Warwick Hotel, Warwick Towers, and Monument
Museum Tower, Warwick Hotel, Warwick Towers, and Monument
Train
View of Texas Medical Center
View of Texas Medical Center
Monument
Kids Train
Japanese Garden
Japanese Garden
Japanese Garden
Japanese Garden
Japanese Garden
Japanese Garden
Japanese Garden
Museum District Skyline
Museum District Skyline
Miller Outdoor Theater
Sculpture
IL PALAZZO
Art Cow Parade
Tower: Highrise Apartments
Monument & Warwick Towers
Museum of Fine Arts
House in Museum District
Harris Gallery
Contemporary Arts Museum
Museum District Church
Building along Montrose Blvd.
Highrise apartments along Montrose Blvd.
Italian Center
Museum Tower
Urban Lofts
Bicycle Network Map
Destinations in Hermann Park
McGovern Lake | Lake Overlook and Molly Ann Smith Plaza | Japanese Garden | Miniature Train | Jogging Trail | Houston Garden Center | Houston Zoo | Hermann Park Golf Course | Bayou Parkland | Houston Museum of Natural Science | Miller Outdoor Theatre | Buddy Carruth Playground for All Children | Pioneer Memorial Log House Museum | Jones Reflection Pool
McGovern Lake
This 8-acre masterpiece is newly restored and expanded. The restoration created two new islands for migratory birds, and a third island that the Miniature Train travels. Four-seat pedal boats are available to rent at the boathouse for $7 a half hour. Catch-and-release fishing available for children under 12 and senior citizens over 65 at Bob's Fishing Pier. For more information, call (713) 524-5876.
Lake Overlook and Molly Ann Smith Plaza
Located on the north shore of McGovern Lake, this area offers picnicking on a raised lawn, shaded seating, and playful interactive fountains for children to enjoy. The Pioneer Memorial obelisk is located in the center of the fountains in honor of the early pioneers who founded Houston. For more information, call (713) 524-5876.
Hermann Park Japanese Garden
This garden, next to the Jones Reflection Pool, represents serenity and harmony, and is an escape from everyday metropolitan life. Stroll through the shaded paths and take in the beauty and simplicity of Japan (713) 284-1914 or visit the Japanese Garden Society.
Hermann Park Miniature Train
Made famous by children of all ages! A Hermann Park tradition, the train runs daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. $2 admission. For more information, call Buffalo Rides at (713) 529-5216.
Hermann Park Jogging Trail/Marvin Taylor Exercise Trail
Walk, run, or jog under the shade of mature live oak trees planted in memory of World War I veterans. The trail is approximately two miles long and travels through the Park. For more information, call (713) 524-5876.
Houston Garden Center
This historically significant building is a meeting place for over 20 Houston area garden clubs. Surrounding the center is over 2,500 rose bushes in a variety of colors. For rental information, call (713) 284-1986.
Houston Zoo
Set in a 55-acre lush tropical landscape, Houston Zoo is home to more than 3,500 exotic animals representing more than 700 species. Get eye to eye with a prairie dog, see an eagle’s nest and watch a river otter slide down a muddy river bank at the John P. McGovern Children’s Zoo. The Houston Zoo is open from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. seven days a week. Regular admission is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors, $2 for children ages 3-12 and FREE for children 2 and under. Zoo memberships start at only $45. For more information, and details on becoming a member, call (713) 533-6500 or visit our Web site at http://www.houstonzoo.org.
Hermann Park Golf Course
Redesigned in 1997 by Carlton Gibson, who also redesigned The Woodlands TPC Golf Course, this 18-hole challenge is one of Houston's oldest and most popular municipal courses. To set up a tee-time, call (713) 526-0077.
Bayou Parkland
Picnic in the shade or hike on nature trails in the urban forest. Bayou Parkland, flanking Brays Bayou in Hermann Park, offers a relaxing atmosphere for anyone who enjoys the outdoors. School, scout, and community groups can participate in year-round programs teaching sound stewardship. To learn about details of the programs, call (713) 524-5876.
Museum of Natural Science
Founded in 1909, the science museum is the nations fourth most highly attended science museum. Enjoy the Wortham IMAX Theater, Cockrell Butterfly Center, the Burke-Baker Planetarium, or one of the permanent exhibits. For information and show times, call (713) 639-IMAX.
Miller Outdoor Theatre
Obtain a free ticket for the covered seating area or lay on the large, grassy, green hill and enjoy a variety of arts, music, and festivals. Relaxing and entertaining for all ages. For show times, call (713) 284-8350.
Buddy Carruth Playground for All Children
This playground offers equipment for children of all abilities. Most equipment is handicap accessible. Children can cool off in the refreshing interactive water playground. Picnic pavilions may be rented for family gatherings or birthday parties. The Fannin Pavilion, the oldest structure in the Park, is also available for rent. For rental information, call (713) 845-1003.
Pioneer Memorial Log House Museum
Teaching Texas history since 1936, this original log house is supported by the San Jacinto Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas. The house and grounds are a memorial to the pioneer women and men of Houston. For program information, call (713) 522-0396.
Mary Gibbs and Jesse H. Jones Reflection Pool (under construction)
One of the most dominant features of Hermann Park, this Pool and it's immediate surroundings represent one of Houston's most grand civic green spaces. Once completed, the Pool will measure 740 feet long and 80 feet wide, and will display sculpted stone edges, a black bottom for maximum reflection, and a "white water" cascade. Both sides of the Pool will be flanked by alleys of mature live oak trees. For more information, call Shauna Lanehart with Friends of Hermann Park at (713) 524-5876.
Judson Robinson Jr. Community Center
This community center offers a full gymnasium and weight facility. Room rental available for meetings or parties. Closed Sundays. For more information, call (713) 284-1997.
