SPECIAL EVENTS

The Orange Show Center for Visionary Art presents an Orange Show Eyeopener Tour: Getting High in Houston.

For over 20 years the Orange Show Center for Visionary Art has been opening the eyes of Houston art and architecture lovers with one-of-a-kind tours that reveal the surprising sights of our city. On Sunday August 23rd we’ll reach new “heights” with a tour that takes artful explorers to the rooftops of the city.

Houston’s location on the flat coastal plains of Texas has given rise to a spectacular skyline with iconic buildings known throughout the world of architecture.

This afternoon tour includes stops at:

One Park Place
The first residential high rise to be built downtown in over 40 years, One Park Place overlooks the busy and vibrant Discovery Green Park. Susanne Theis, program director for Discovery Green and former director of the Orange Show Center for Visionary Art, will address the group.

Hotel Icon
At the gateway to downtown’s arts and entertainment district, this historic 1911 structure, originally built for Union National Bank, is a sumptuous symbol of Houston’s wildcatter past. Now a luxury boutique hotel, we’ll tour the bank vault, wine cellar and elegant lobby before enjoying signature cocktails on the terrace of the three-story penthouse.

Post Rice Lofts
Once home to the legendary Rice Hotel, real estate developer Randall Davis breathed new life into the moribund building with loft conversions in the mid-1990s. Our guide will highlight the history of the hotel as we tour the Crystal Ballroom, underground pool and ornate wrought-iron balcony.

JP Morgan Chase Tower
Designed by famed architect I.M. Pei, Chase Tower stands as the tallest building in Houston. From the 60th floor “Sky Lobby” you can see unobstructed views of the city.

Hilton Americas
With more than 150 original works on display in the public areas, the Hilton Americas is a virtual who’s who of Houston artists. Architectural historian Stephen Fox will speak to the group from the glass walled “Skyline Room” with an incredible view of downtown as his backdrop.

Regency House
This mid-century high-rise apartment once housed the posh and private Napoleon Club. We’ll tour an art-filled penthouse with works by James Surls, Ann Stautberg and Donald Lipsky among others.

Eye Opener Tours travel by luxury motor coach staffed with knowledgeable guides. Guests enjoy unlimited snacks, bottled water, sodas, beer and wine throughout the tour. For more information call 713.926.6368 or visit www.orangeshow.org. 

Photo of Chase Tower and Miro sculpture by Ken Hogue.