Celebrated for its buoyant metropolis and prolific culture, Houston is a city that constantly surprises. Beyond its renowned culinary scene and towering skyscrapers lies a tapestry of hidden attractions that enrich the city's cultural landscape.  Among these treasures is The Orange Show at Smither Park, a whimsical mosaic wonderland and a vibrant testament to the city’s folk art. Constructed from recycled materials, the installation’s colorful motifs celebrate imagination, self-expression and ingenuity. Serving as a “center for visionary art,” The Orange Show hosts state-of-the-art workshops, installations and festivals year-round, including the upcoming annual Art Car Parade on April 13.  Click to expand Nestled amidst lush greenery in northwest Houston, the Lanier Theological Library houses an array of theological texts and manuscripts, providing a tranquil space for study and research with a comprehensive collection and museum-quality artifacts. Click to expand For art enthusiasts seeking to delve into contemporary visual expression, the Menil Drawing Institute poised in the heart of Midtown adjacent to the Houston Center for Photography offers an eccentric lens with its collection focusing on drawings and works on paper.  Click to expand Experience nostalgia at the Houston Toy Museum delights, where visitors of all ages can explore its extensive collection of vintage toys and memorabilia. From rare action figures to classic board games and a 19th century teddy bear, this charming, 2-story museum tells Houston’s story through enchanting playthings. Join the nostalgia at the next Lego night on March 24.  Click to expand Step back in time to a collection of preserved structures dating back to 1847 and over 23,000 artifacts at the Heritage Society Historic Buildings. From quaint cottages to grand mansions, this novel treasure provides a glimpse into Houston's compelling cultural history.  Adding a splash of color to the landscape, Umbrella Alley features a canopy of vibrant umbrellas over riveting murals. Photographers and pedestrians delight in the engulfing work of Lee College’s Art Department, nurturing Baytown’s ecology.   Click to expand Explore an underground reservoir turned art installation! Beneath the city’s busy streets lies Buffalo Bayou’s Cistern where visitors marvel at expansive chambers and immersive light displays, offering a unique perspective on Houston’s infrastructure.  Click to expand Learn more about living in Houston and uncover its many wonders. 

The Greater Houston Partnership returned to Austin to host Houston House at the 2024 South by Southwest conference, highlighting the strides made in technology and innovation within the city. Throughout the one-day program, discussions delved into the essence of collaboration as a driving force behind success in startups and industry advancement within the Houston region. Startups face formidable odds, with up to 90 percent failing within the first few years. However, the consensus among successful Houston startup founders and investors is clear: collaboration is key for scaling effectively. Sunny Zhang, Founder and Chief of True Leap, stressed the importance of cultivating diverse perspectives and networks, emphasizing to “surround yourself with different minded people in every spectrum to maximize your collective intelligence and your network.” Amidst the evolving landscape of remote work and the rapidly changing tech industry, startup CEOs prioritize fostering positive work cultures that revolve around strong team dynamics. This emphasis on collaboration ensures cohesion and resilience as companies navigate the challenges of scaling up effectively. Co-Founder and CEO of Hello Alice Carolyn Rodz shared fostering teamwork through shared responsibilities, even tasks like taking out the trash, binds teams together towards a common goal. Throughout the discussion, panelists consistently underscored the magnitude of activity burgeoning within Houston. From Greentown Labs and the Ion to the Texas Medical Center and Generation Park, Houston’s vast portfolio of thriving industries and innovation hubs have paved the way for opportunity and collaboration across sectors, driving growth and success in the region. “Houston has a cornucopia of opportunities for people looking to switch industries,” said Trevor Best, CEO of Syzygy Plasmonics. “There is a lot of overlap across industries. At Syzygy, we got people who come from the oil industry and aerospace who bring in different skill sets.” Yet, with growth comes the imperative of nurturing talent pipelines. Education leaders emphasized the need for community collaboration in preparing students for evolving industries. “If you look at low-income students in Texas, only 23 percent of students are completing secondary education," said Raj Salhotra, Executive Director of Momentum Education. “Most jobs require experience and education past high school. We have to build a pipeline to get people there.”  Houston House at SXSW 2024 showcased the region’s unwavering dedication to propelling its tech ecosystem forward, spotlighting its collaboration efforts and the groundbreaking advancements driving growth and innovation in the Bayou City. “There is a revolution happening in Houston, said Best. “There are signs pointing to a lot of success in the future. We are on the cusp of something huge.” View Houston House at SXSW Panel Recordings.