James Turrell's "Twilight Epiphany" Skyspace — Attraction in Houston

I've lived in Houston for a year. I moved here from the Midwest. I was trying to find some unique things to do in Houston that were inexpensive or free. This looked amazing based on the reviews and it's free except for the parking. You can go for sunrise or sunset.

Based on reviews it seemed as though sunset was busier and since I was going alone I didn't want to deal with crowds. It said to arrive an hour before sunrise. It's on the campus of Rice University. There was no one there when I arrived .There was no lighting in the art structure. Frankly, there was little lighting on campus. I was a little concerned for my safety. It said the light show started 40 minutes prior to sunrise. That time came and went and nothing happened. But since I was up I decided to stay for the sunrise.

Eventually a few other people showed up. Right as the sun started to rise a guy started to mow the lawn right next to us, I mean literally inches away! That took the wind out of my sails.

The sunset was still pretty, although it looked better in my rearview mirror as I drove away. I am willing to give the sunset option a try because the reviews were current for that. You have to park in an on-campus parking lot which is about $6. It's about three or four blocks away from there. The concept is very interesting just disappointing that the show didn't happen.

When I got home, I reviewed the website meticulously to be sure I hadn't missed any pertinent information about the sunrise show not happening on certain days or at all for that matter. I couldn't find anything. Oh well, you learn something...

I am a huge fan of Turrell. I’ve traveled several places to see his works. A main reason for visiting Houston was this piece. This skyspace was by far the most disappointing experience.

My issue is in no way with the artwork itself. It is a wonderful example of these “meeting” places. It is that there is no assistance to ensure the work can be appreciated at the designated sunrise and sunset times. We went for a Thursday sunset during the school year, and it was like someone plopped a bar right in the center of the piece. Evidently a non-Rice U group planned a meet up there. None of these folks were there to interact with the piece.

If you are traveling to see this, you should probably allow yourself time to experience it during sunrise**. I think a sign near both entrances that explains the sequences timing with a simple request to “please respect the artwork’s meditatitive quality” could help. It is a shame that Rice University, such a revered academic institution, can not provide proper stewardship of such an important artwork.

**PS I just noticed a recent review where the sunrise lighting sequence was not triggered and loud lawn mowing started instead! Time for Rice to get in the game and allow this piece to be appreciated properly. Turning this thing on an off on time is the...

I am giving this a 5-star because it is a must-do especially on a cloudy windy day. But small improvements could be made to make the experience so much more satisfying. A docent came in just before "showtime" to let people know it was a quiet space with no phone, camera, or video use allowed. Then she exited and stood way away from the structure on her own phone and did not monitor the chaos that ensued during the experience. Too bad. It is a contemplative place that should evoke the quiet hush of a library. The whole experience was interrupted by a person calling for their dog over and over and over and over as this is in a big green space area (this probably cannot be avoided). And then 2 different groups of young (under 11) girls ran around with 2 of them face-timing loudly. Then a person brought their dog inside the structure and proceeded to call it and play with it. No one seemed to notice people quietly and thoughtfully looking up. An inexpensive installation of signs at the 4 entrances indicating it is a pet-free, phone free, camera free, quiet space will help people know what the space is for. I don't think most of these people were rude...they just had no idea of its purpose. It is an amazing experience that would be greatly improved with a...