In the 1920s, long before street signs and GPS, Houston marked its corners with handcrafted blue tile. Elegant, durable, and unmistakable—these street signs were the city’s first wayfinding system.
Today, they’re becoming more than just historical artifacts. They’re becoming the foundation of something new. From cornerstones of public art to markers of memory and culture, the blue tiles are evolving into a city-wide experience—connecting neighborhoods, telling untold stories, and reminding us that no matter how wide it stretches, this city belongs to all of us.
The Blue Tile Project is a nonprofit initiative working to create a distributed monument across Houston: a network of blue tile markers that spotlight the people, places, and stories that make this city so much more than it seems at first glance.
Let’s be real—Houston can be hard to figure out. It’s big, it’s hidden, and its best parts don’t always show up on a top-ten list. The Blue Tile Project is here to change that—offering a new way to discover the city, one tile at a time.
These markers help you explore neighborhoods, uncover hidden history, and connect with the culture that makes Houston what it is. Some link to public art installations. Others lead to digital experiences. All of them help us see Houston in a new way.
It’s about honoring our past, connecting the present, and building pride in the place we all call home. Houston.
Full site coming soon.
Get in touch
Got a tile idea, want to get involved, or just love talking Houston? Let’s chat.