City: Houston, TX

Category: Tours & Attractions

Telephone: (713) 639-7750

Address: 6003 Memorial Dr. at Westcott St.

Description: Love American decor? You won’t want to miss the Museum of Fine Arts Houston—Bayou Bend. Here you’ll find one of the most extensive collections of American decor at the former home of Ima Hogg, the daughter of former Texas governor James S. Hogg. Built in the late 1920s for Ima and her two brothers, the Hogg manse features 28 rooms, each taking visitors back to another period in American history. Every room is filled with American furniture, ceramics, silver, and wall decor spanning from 1620 to 1870. After visiting the house, take a walk through the gardens. Credit for this relaxing oasis of color goes largely to Ima Hogg, who planted dozens of flowers, plants, and trees while leaving plenty of green space. Hogg also refused to cut down many of the trees and wild green thickets that comprised an integral part of Bayou Bend. Admission is $10 for adults and $8.50 for college students and seniors 65 and up. Children 10 to 17 get in for $5; kids 9 and younger get in free but aren’t allowed on guided house tours. Admission includes a guided tour or an audio tour. Reservations are required for guided tours. Admission to the garden—which includes a self-­guided audio tour—is $3 for visitors 10 and older and free for kids 9 and younger. Free parking is available in a public lot on Westcott Street. Closed Monday.