Helium Time Columns Monument

Monument · Amarillo

Helium Time Columns Monument

Monument · Amarillo

1

1200-1348 Streit Dr, Amarillo, TX 79106

Photos

Helium Time Columns Monument by null
Helium Time Columns Monument by YellowRose (Atlas Obscura User)
Helium Time Columns Monument by ATLAS_OBSCURA
Helium Time Columns Monument by forssa (Atlas Obscura User)
Helium Time Columns Monument by aitchvee (Atlas Obscura User)
Helium Time Columns Monument by http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Helium_m... (Public Domain)
Helium Time Columns Monument by YellowRose (Atlas Obscura User)
Helium Time Columns Monument by breaingram (Atlas Obscura User)
Helium Time Columns Monument by Collector of Experiences (Atlas Obscura User)
Helium Time Columns Monument by ATLAS_OBSCURA
Helium Time Columns Monument by ATLAS_OBSCURA
Helium Time Columns Monument by ATLAS_OBSCURA
Helium Time Columns Monument by YellowRose (Atlas Obscura User)
Helium Time Columns Monument by YellowRose (Atlas Obscura User)
Helium Time Columns Monument by null
Helium Time Columns Monument by null
Helium Time Columns Monument by null
Helium Time Columns Monument by null
Helium Time Columns Monument by null
Helium Time Columns Monument by null
Helium Time Columns Monument by null
Helium Time Columns Monument by null
Helium Time Columns Monument by null
Helium Time Columns Monument by null
Helium Time Columns Monument by null
Helium Time Columns Monument by null
Helium Time Columns Monument by null
Helium Time Columns Monument by null
Helium Time Columns Monument by null
Helium Time Columns Monument by null
Helium Time Columns Monument by null
Helium Time Columns Monument by null
Helium Time Columns Monument by null

Highlights

A quirky yet fascinating tribute to helium, this stunning sundial monument in Amarillo invites curious visitors to ponder history while enjoying peaceful lakeside vibes.  

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1200-1348 Streit Dr, Amarillo, TX 79106 Get directions

atlasobscura.com

Information

Static Map

1200-1348 Streit Dr, Amarillo, TX 79106 Get directions

atlasobscura.com

Features

wheelchair accessible parking lot
wheelchair accessible entrance

Last updated

Jul 13, 2025

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"The Helium Time Column Monument is a six-story, stainless steel structure erected in 1968 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the discovery of helium. It’s mounted in Amarillo, Texas which hosts a major helium plant and played a key role in the US Government’s helium reserve and gas production dating back to 1927. In 1982, the monument was lifted by a helicopter to its current site at the Don Harrington Discovery Center. The monument has four time-capsule columns that hold exceptional books, artifacts, and documents that will tell the future generations about what life was like in 1968, and to remind them of the importance for efficiently utiliziting natural resources. The contents, welded into four helium-filled columns, are meant to establish a rounded example of the period in which they were created. In May 1993 the first time capsule was opened during a two-day celebration. In fifty, one hundred, and one thousand years from the time of filling, the remaining three columns will be opened, assuming we haven’t run out of natural resources, and there is anyone left to open them." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

39 Places That Will Warp Your Perspective of Time
View Postcard for Helium Time Columns Monument

Francisco Leung

Google
Amarillo is the "Helium Capital of the World" and this sculpture commemorates the 100th anniversary of the discovery of helium. A simple, yet interesting sculpture that also serves as a sundial. Lots of information to read. It's located in front of the Discovery Center.

Rick White

Google
Amazing Monument to Helium and why Amarillo is known as "Bomb City"

Leonard Caponegro

Google
Very fascinating sculpture of a sundial commemorating the centennial anniversary of helium. I am always fascinated by these sculptures.

Gus Anthony

Google
Nice place to visit near the botanical gardens regarding the history of helium here in Amarillo. Also, the old helium plant is not far from here on Amarillo Blvd on the western edge of town. This monument used to be near I-40 and was visible to anyone passing through Amarillo. But it was moved to this location in 1982. The signs and plaques could use a good cleaning and refurbishment, but the stainless steel monument looks great.

E. Larry Cantú

Google
I spent my formative teenage years in Amarillo, Texas. I escaped as soon as I could. I don’t mean to suggest that Amarillo is a boring place, but it does have a monument to helium (an inert gas). I could understand a monument to nitrous oxide. THAT could have really been a gas. But a monument to HELIUM, really? I wonder whose idea that was. The good news about the helium exhibit is that there is never a line and, despite the rather small parking lot, parking at the helium times columns monument is never a concern. The only real downside to the helium times columns monument is that it is located in Amarillo, Texas. But look on the bright side, once you’re in Amarillo you have the best beaches, mountains, snow skiing and big city night life 500-600 miles in any direction!

Robin

Google
Took my son here a few years ago. It was neat to see how far apart the capsules were dated and it really makes you think. Lots will have changed and the people opening these will think, we're so outdated! Really neat place to randomly stop if you're driving around that area.

Kassi Porter

Google
My husband and I were looking to kill some time and found this and glad we did. This was an awesome monument to learn of and very educational. After reading about it we learned it’s also a sundial. It was cloudy the day we went but evening did get to see it tell time. Awesome must see! We will be back in 2068! 😉

Chris Sotraidis

Google
Beautiful monument and plaques commemorating the discovery of helium and the story behind it all. Located in a park with ample parking, free. Definitely a must see in the area. Perfect for science nerds and regular nerds, too.