Part of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, the Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens is a history lover’s paradise right here in Houston.
The 14-acre property is the former home of Ima Hogg, a Houston philanthropist who lived from 1882 to 1975. Now, visitors can view a collection of early American decorative art, paintings, and furniture throughout the mansion, as well as beautiful gardens. The pieces in the collection were made or used in the United States from as far back as 1620.
The Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens is made up of the house and gardens, both available for you to browse at your leisure. Each room is decorated based on a different time period, from pioneer times to just after the Civil War. Whether you’re a history buff or a fan of HGTV, you’ll love viewing the nuances of how each room (38 in total!) is decorated.
The formal gardens were intended to be an extension of the home’s living entertaining area. Each area of the garden offers different elements to capture your interest. You’ll find sculptures and waterfalls in some areas, paths winding through trees in others, and beautifully manicured flowers and plants in others.
On the third Sunday of every month, Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens hosts Bayou Bend Family Days, where the grounds are opened to the public for free. Family Days feature music, games, crafts, and a number of other fun activities for children and adults. Families with young children are invited to take guided tours, led by volunteers from the Houston Junior Woman’s Club, of specially chosen rooms in the house.
Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens Location
Bayou Bend Collections and Gardens is located in the River Oaks neighborhood of Houston, at 6003 Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77007
Things to Know
Hours
House Tours (all self-guided, audio available on your phone):
Tuesday–Saturday
10 a.m.–5 p.m. (last admission at 4 p.m.)
Sunday
1 p.m.–5 p.m. (last admission at 4 p.m.)
Garden Tours (all self-guided, audio available on your phone):
Tuesday–Saturday
10 a.m.–5 p.m. (last admission at 4:30 p.m.)
Sunday
1 p.m.–5 p.m. (last admission at 4:30 p.m.)
Cost
House + Gardens
$12.50 | Adults
$11 | Seniors (65+ with ID)
$11 | Students (with ID)
$10 | MFAH Members
$6.25 | Youth (ages 10–18)
Free | Children (ages 9 & younger)
Gardens Only
$7.50 | Adults
$6 | Seniors (65+ with ID)
$6 | Students (with ID)
$5 | Youth (ages 10–18)
Free | Children (ages 9 & younger)
Third Sunday of every month – free admission for all
Get more information at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens website.
Looking for more Houston fun? Check out our Complete Guide to Things To Do In Houston With Kids!