Rienzi and Bayou Collection and Gardens

A few weeks ago Jonathan and I finally got around to visiting Rienzi! I never knew of any historical houses in Houston to visit. We recently found out that there are two in Houston owned by the Museum of Fine Arts called Rienzi and Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens. Once I heard about them I immediately wanted to go. What was even better was that I found a Groupon for Rienzi! It never has to be expensive to get out of the house and see new things. So anyways, Rienzi was the home of the philanthropists Carroll and Harris Masterson starting in 1952. I believe the home was named after the architect that designed the house. The Mastersons were a fairly wealthy family and developed a large collection of European art, furniture, etc. It is absolutely stunning. I wanted to take many pieces home with me. Our tour guide was really nice and especially patient with us since we asked so many questions. We learned a lot of interesting tidbits. For instance, did you that when the English started creating their own porcelain and china they often had Asian inspired designs? Before that time, porcelain was only available in Asia and those were the only designs that the English knew to paint. They ended the tour with the family wedding gown that has been passed down from generation to generation. Of course only the girls were interested haha. Rienzi hosts many events but the only weddings allowed on the property are for family members. The family wedding gown has been worn by five brides with the last wedding in 2010ish (I think). Unfortunately, we weren't allowed to take any pictures inside the house but I do have beautiful pictures from the outside of the house. By the way, it's free to just visit the gardens!

Jonathan was smart to wear sunglasses. I'm a little squinty.



It's a beautiful place and the tour was well worth it. We've also been to the Bayou Bend Gardens but haven't toured the house to see the collection. Every Thursday in the months of October and March BBCG has a Sip and Stroll. The admission is the same cost as normal entrance plus they have wine and cheese. We went last October and it was awesome. The gardens are amazing and the house looks beautiful. The house was the home of philanthropist Ima Hogg and the collection is American art and furnishings compared to the European Collection at Rienzi. Both locations have events all the time and their website has their calendar of events. I even noticed that admission to BBCG is free on the 4th of July! We may have to check that out. If we do I'll be sure to tell you all about it!

-Chelsey