New "Tolerance" Sculptures along Baffalo Bayou

"Tolerance" Sculptures on Buffalo Bayou Accessible by New Rosemont Bridge

A magnificent group of sculptures created by internationally renowned contemporary Spanish artist and sculptor, Jaume Plensa are now open to the public at "Harmony Walk" on the Buffalo Bayou side of the intersection of Allen Parkway and Montrose. The Rosemont Bridge provides a new view of downtown Houston with 780 linear feet of concrete and steel spanning Buffalo Bayou. On Saturday, March 26, 2011, at 11 a.m. on the north side of the Memorial Drive trail system near Montrose Boulevard, the Rosemont Bridge will have its Grand Opening Ceremony and Festival.

Artist Jaume Plensa imagined harmony and unity in his creation of "Tolerance," consisting of seven aluminum-framed human figures representing the seven continents. The large majestic sculptures are made in his signature alphabet pattern, each representing a mix of languages including Latin, Hebrew, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Greek, Hindi and Cyrillic. At night the figures glow from within, creating a constellation of beacons. The artist’s inspiration comes from his belief that despite all of our many differences that make us unique, such as religion or language, we are all trying to achieve similar things, such as love, health, prosperity and the success of our children.

The Rosemont Bridge's ramps connect nearby neighborhoods and provide access to Buffalo Bayou's 200 acre park while creating a new tree-top view of Buffalo Bayou and Houston's downtown skyscrapers. The bridge will also give park users convenient access to Spotts Park, Cleveland Park and Memorial Drive by connecting recently completed hike and bike trails on the north side of Memorial Drive with existing Buffalo Bayou trails systems.

The “Tolerance” project was initiated by Mica Mosbacher and Dr. Mahmoud Eboo, representing his Highness the Aga Khan, who personally contributed to the realization of the project. The Houston Arts Alliance oversaw the project and installation. For information about cultural arts in the City of Houston, visit www.houstontx.gov/culturalaffairs.