We hope you are keeping cool out there! And we hope you will keep cool with us on Sunday, September 17th as we host in indoor event to celebrate the 112th National Day of Taiwan. We will also be celebrating 62 years of Friendship between the sister cities of Taipei and Houston. Join the Houston-Taipei Society (HTS) for a fun morning indoors (10:00 am - 1:00 pm) at the Houston-Taipei Friendship Celebration and Photo Contest at the Houston-Taipei Friendship Pavilion in Centennial Gardens, Hermann Park.
About the Pavilion
The Houston-Taipei Friendship Pavilion was gifted to Houston by Taipei almost half a century ago as a symbol of international peace and understanding.
There are many stories and symbols hidden in the design of the Pavilion. From the colors of paint to the the number of pillars; from the cloud gates to the royal dragons on the walls and the the phoenix rider on the bamboo roof, every element is full of meaning.
Restoration of the Pavilion
Located in the heart of Houston, this exquisite treasure is the major public symbol of Taipei and is now undergoing a $650,000 authentic restoration led by famed architect CC Lee and STOA International in association with the Houston Parks Department.
Stay cool, sample some treats and learn more about the Pavilion
Relax in the Park’s air-conditioned Cherie Flores Pavilion as you enjoy a presentation about the Pavilion’s fascinating history and architecture - while sampling brunch treats from Houston and Taipei.
Meet a panel of Houston-Taipei Society Sister City leaders who watched master craftsman from Taipei unpack the crates and construct the Pavilion on-site almost 50 years ago -and learn about plans to bring renewed life and activity to this special place.
Hear about the master craftsmen who will again travel from Taipei to Texas and share YOUR ideas about ways to reimagine using a classic Garden Pavilion to bring modern Houstonians from all backgrounds together!
This is all about friendship - and to be a friend people have to know who you are and what you stand for!
Photo Contest!
We invite you to enter a photo-to show who you are or your appreciation of the Pavilion architecture for the HTS PHOTO COMPETITION!
We have a panel of internationally renowned photography judges, including partnership with FotoFest Houston founder Wendy Watris, and Gene Huang, Past President of the Houston Chinese Photographic Society .
Winning photos will be exhibited; and there are cash prizes for student entries.
The contest photos will also be featured in a photo mosaic artwork by internationally recognized architectural photographer and artist Joe Aker, showing who we are as a community-
Don’t be left out! Photo competition Kickoff 9/17/23.
RSVP Through Eventbrite:
CLICK HERE TO RSVP through Eventbrite (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/706395607277).
Seating is Limited - RSVP Today!
BREAKFAST SEATING IS LIMITED TO 150 - (unlimited free admission to the Park and Houston-Taipei Friendship Pavilion)