The first Ismaili Center in the United States opened in Houston, Texas on November 6, 2025. Inaugurated by His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan, the 50th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, the center stands as both a spiritual and civic institution. It fulfills a vision first conceived by his late father, His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, nearly two decades ago.
“American Ismailis have flourished here just as they have across the United States — creating businesses, stimulating innovation, contributing to scientific discovery, educating younger generations, and simply being good friends and neighbors,” said Prince Rahim Aga Khan at the opening ceremony.
Located on Montrose Boulevard near Buffalo Bayou Park, the 150,000-square-foot center sits on 11 acres of landscaped gardens. Designed by Farshid Moussavi Architecture and Nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape Architects, it features a five-story atrium, prayer hall, exhibition gallery, theater, banquet halls, café, and educational spaces.
Prince Rahim described the new landmark as “a place open to all who seek knowledge, reflection, and dialogue,” emphasizing that it will serve as both a prayer space and a civic platform for learning and cultural exchange.
“They serve many purposes, and while daily congregational prayer is a primary focus, they also seek to enable a vibrant exchange of ideas and nurture understanding among those from diverse communities,” he said. “The activities will bring us joy and learning and new opportunities — whether through hosting recitals, launching books, presenting concerts, promoting local artists, or offering training,” he said.
“Our intent is to provide a constant rhythm of events that spark curiosity and general understanding, and encourage exchange,” he added. “It is my hope that events here will not only provide joy, but new opportunities.” he added.
“This building might be called the Ismaili Centre, but is not here for Ismailis only, it for all Houstonians to use,” he said. “Empty buildings, however striking, don’t serve their communities. It is my deep hope that this Center will lift spirits and broaden horizons,” he added.
The Houston Ismaili Center is the seventh of its kind worldwide, joining sister centers in London, Lisbon, Dubai, Dushanbe, Toronto, and Vancouver. Each serves as a place of worship, knowledge, and cultural dialogue — bridging faith and modern civic life.
Houston, home to roughly 40,000 Ismailis and one of the largest Muslim populations in the southern United States, was selected for its diversity and openness. City leaders called the center a “gift to Houston” and a “beacon of global pluralism.”