The Ismaili Center, Houston: The Global Spotlight Shines on New Architectural Wonder

A marvel. Stunning. Dazzling. Luminous. A triumph. A historic milestone. A masterpiece of architectural and landscape design.

These are just some of the admiring descriptions of the Ismaili Center, Houston, the monumental project now ready to take its place as one of the city’s cultural tentpoles and architectural jewels.

Following a Nov. 6 VIP opening ceremony – inaugurated by Houston Mayor John Whitmire and His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, the spiritual leader of the world’s Shia Ismaili Muslims – the landmark structure opens to the public on Dec. 13 from 10 am-2 pm. The opening marks the culmination of a 20-year journey that began when Prince Rahim’s father, His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV (1936–2025), put the Ismaili Center, Houston in motion as the first Ismaili Center in the United States and the seventh in the world.

Today, Ismaili Center, Houston fulfills its multi-purpose destiny as a gathering space meant to foster mutual understanding between different communities and cultures. It is at once a place of worship as well as a place of learning where the public can enjoy music recitals, dance and theatrical performances, lectures, art exhibitions, and a variety of public programming.

While called an Ismaili Center, the project is envisioned as a community hub where all are welcome.

“The relationships between Ismailis and the communities in which they live have always been grounded in understanding and common purpose. Today, we honor that tradition, extending the hand of friendship to all, regardless of background or faith,” said His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V. “This building may be called an Ismaili Center, but it is not here for Ismailis only. It is for all Houstonians to use; a place open to all who seek knowledge, reflection, and dialogue.”

Ismail Center, Houston now takes its place as part of the rich fabric of Houston arts and cultural centers in the same league as The Menil Collection, Rothko Chapel, Asia Society Texas, and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. As such, it is an astonishing addition to the city.

Designed by internationally renowned architect Farshid Moussavi, the five-story, 150,000-square-foot building is comprised of three interlocking cubes in different volumes, each with an “eivan,” or veranda.

While Moussavi has described the center as a “tapestry of stone,” it looks airy, almost weightless thanks to walls of perforated stone tiles set in geometric patterns that allow natural light from all sides. A soaring atrium is capped by a central oculus that bathes the interior with light.

The building sits on nine acres of gardens designed by Thomas Woltz of Nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape Architects – a long, lush swath of great lawns, terraces, fountains, footpaths and flower beds. Woltz, no stranger to Houston climate, vegetation and topography (he’s designed a number of major Houston projects), created a purposeful, flood-friendly green space full of native Texas plants.

Taken together, the building and gardens speak to Islamic traditions while fully embracing the now – a harmonious celebration of both the ancient and the modern.

It’s not lost on the local Ismaili community (Texas is home to about 40,000 Ismailis, the largest concentration in the United States) that they are stewards of a major ambassadorial project – a reflection of who they are as Muslims and what Houston represents to the world.

“The Ismaili Center truly reflects the best of Houston’s spirit: our diversity, our compassion, and our commitment to community,” Whitmire said.

He also called the center a “beacon of light.”

For Ismailis, it’s a light that will shine for generations to come.