Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens, a distinctive extension of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH), is located in the historic River Oaks neighborhood, several miles from the main MFAH campus. Established in 1966 and once the residence of philanthropist Ima Hogg, this 14-acre estate is a treasure trove of American decorative arts and paintings from 1620 to 1870, with over 2,500 objects meticulously arranged in period settings.

Bayou Bend offers visitors an intimate journey through America’s artistic and horticultural history. Its themed gardens, each designed to reflect different periods of American history, complement the mansion’s richly furnished rooms, providing a comprehensive view into early American life. The estate’s collection boasts an impressive array of furniture, silver, ceramics, and paintings, including notable works by prominent American artists. The Lora Jean Kilroy Visitor and Education Center enriches this experience with its exhibitions, lectures, and workshops.

If you’re visiting in springtime, don’t miss Bayou Bend’s famed Azalea Trail event, showcasing the springtime bloom of thousands of azaleas, embodying Ima Hogg’s vision of a living museum where nature and art intertwine.