Project Row Houses
4.8(350)google
ArtArt InstallationCivil Rights HistoryLocal LifePhoto Spot
Overview
Project Row Houses is a visionary, community-based arts and cultural organization located in Houston's historic Third Ward, widely celebrated internationally as a premier model of social practice art. Founded in 1993 by artist Rick Lowe and a collective of local visionaries, the project beautifully transformed twenty-two historic, abandoned shotgun-style houses into a thriving arts campus. The site hosts regular artist-in-residence programs where creators use the small wooden homes as open galleries for installations that explore African-American history, identity, community development, and contemporary social issues.
Practical Info
Suggested DurationAbout 1-1.5 hours
Best TimeIt is best to visit between 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM from Wednesday to Sunday (closed Mondays and Tuesdays). Visiting in the afternoon allows you full access to walk inside these historic shotgun houses to explore avant-garde art installations celebrating African-American heritage.
Getting ThereLocated in the historic Third Ward neighborhood, you can take METRO Bus Route 54 to the Scott St @ Holman St stop, followed by a 4-minute walk. If driving, exit Highway 288 at Cleburne St, and use the available timed street parking around the neighborhood.
Travel Tips
- These historic row house galleries are only open Wednesday-Sunday afternoons (typically 12 PM - 5 PM) and closed Mon-Tue. Visiting off-hours offers only locked black wooden doors with no access to the African American contemporary art inside.
- Located deep in Houston's Third Ward, the surrounding historic neighborhood can have complex security dynamics after dark. It is highly advised to stick strictly to broad daylight hours and exit the area before dusk.
- There is no centralized public parking lot; free street parking is along Holman Street. Always follow the 'Clean Car' rule—never leave bags or electronics visible inside your vehicle to prevent smash-and-grab thefts.
Reviews
Positive
- A flawless model of fusing African-American heritage with avant-garde contemporary art. The row of iconic historic shotgun houses delivers great visual impact.
- Admission is entirely free, and each home is transformed by different local artists into an intimate gallery space filled with powerful, authentic community voice.
- The core value lies in social practice and cultural resonance. The staff are warm and deeply passionate about sharing the history of community empowerment.
- The crowd density is comfortably low, escaping any corporate commercialization. There are plenty of free street parking slots nearby, making self-driving handy.
Heads up
- Located in the historic Third Ward, the surrounding blocks look somewhat rundown, which might cause safety concerns for first-time international tourists.
- The infrastructure is quite basic. Since these are historic wooden structures, some rooms lack strong air conditioning and offer limited wheelchair accessibility.
- If you don't check the exhibition turnover schedule online beforehand, you might arrive during a gap week where most houses are locked for installation.
- The site features minimal directional signs or descriptive text panels. Visitors unfamiliar with the historical context might find the displays vague.