Houston arts lovers have a reason to celebrate. After a 28‑month closure caused by the university’s new business‑school expansion, James Turrell’s iconic “Twilight Epiphany” Skyspace is set to reopen on Sept. 15 at Rice University’s Suzanne Deal Booth Centennial Pavilion.
What the Skyspace Offers
Designed in 2012 as part of Turrell’s worldwide series of light‑filled architectural spaces, the Skyspace features a pyramid‑shaped, 72‑foot square roof of white ceiling that frames both sunrise and sunset. LED projections blend with natural sky light to create shifting tones and colors that change with the day’s progression. The installation can accommodate roughly 120 visitors at a time and is the only Turrell skyspace built to span two stories.
New Technology Enhances the Experience
During the closure, the Moody Center for the Arts upgraded the original lighting fixtures to a modern LED system and installed updated controls. These improvements expand the Skyspace’s ability to support custom performances while preserving Turrell’s artistic vision.
Live Music and Student Use
Twilight Epiphany is the first of Turrell’s more than 100 skyspaces worldwide specifically engineered to host live music. Shepherd School of Music students use the venue as a performance laboratory, and the space will continue to welcome concerts and other artistic events.
Visiting Details
Admission is free and no reservations are required. The Skyspace will be open to the public seven days a week, but visitors should check sunrise and sunset times to catch the full light sequences. The sunrise program begins about 40 minutes before sunrise, while the sunset program starts roughly 10 minutes before sunset.
Community Impact
Moody Center Deputy Director Joel Thompson said, “The profile and popularity of the Skyspace can’t be overstated. For students, it is an integral part of campus life. For Houstonians, it’s a part of the city’s identity, and for art enthusiasts around the world, it’s a beacon that brings them to Rice for a singular experience.”
Local residents and visitors alike are encouraged to experience the blend of art, architecture, and natural light that has made the Skyspace a beloved Houston landmark.
Original reporting: Community Impact — Houston — read the source article.
