Fundraising Events

From glamorous black-tie dinners in the halls of the Museum to poolside parties and runway fashion shows at Rienzi and Bayou Bend, the MFAH is host to many of Houston’s most celebrated events of the year. By joining one of these memorable occasions, you are helping to connect the communities of Houston with extraordinary experiences of art.

For information about MFAH fundraising events, contact Development Special Events at 713-639-7581.

Grand Gala Ball

Friday, September 25, 2026
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Caroline Wiess Law Building, 1001 Bissonnet Street

Experience an unforgettable evening at the Grand Gala Ball, a signature celebration of art, culture, and community. Join us for an extraordinary night filled with stunning surroundings, exceptional dining, and inspired entertainment, all in support of the Museum’s ongoing mission to share art that connects and inspires.

Chairs
Polly and Murry Bowden

Ticket Pricing

$150,00 Premier Underwriter Table
$100,00 Grand Underwriter Table
$50,000 Major Underwriter Table
$30,000 Underwriter Table
$15,000 Benefactor Table (limited availability)
$3,000 Individual Underwriter Ticket
$1,500 Individual Benefactor Ticket (limited availability)
$1,000 Junior Ticket (limited availability)

For more information, contact [email protected] or 713-639-7581.

Bayou Bend Children’s Party

Wednesday, December 2, 2026
Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens, 6003 Memorial Drive

Celebrate the season at the Bayou Bend Children’s Party with a magical evening for children and families. Enjoy hands-on activities, games, and live entertainment amid the scenic historic estate. Guests can explore festive stations, take part in creative activities, and make memories together at this event filled with fun, laughter, and holiday cheer.

Chairs
Meredith and Mason Barker

Ticket Pricing

$5,000 Major Underwriter Table
$2,500 Underwriter Table
$1,000 Family Package
$125 Individual Adult Ticket
$75 Individual Child’s Ticket

For more information, contact [email protected] or 713-639-7581.

Art of the Islamic Worlds 20th Anniversary Gala

Friday, January 29, 2027
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Caroline Wiess Law Building, 1001 Bissonnet Street

This biennial gala provides support for accessions to the MFAH collection of Art of the Islamic Worlds, one of the largest permanent displays of its kind in the United States. The evening features a fabulous seated dinner, live entertainment, dancing, and a vote for Museum acquisitions.

Ticket Pricing

$50,000 Premiere Underwriter Table
$30,000 Grand Underwriter Table
$15,000 Major Underwriter Table
$10,000 Underwriter Table
$7,500 Benefactor Table
$3,000 Individual Grand Underwriter Ticket
$1,500 Individual Major Underwriter Ticket
$750 Individual Benefactor Ticket
$500 Junior Ticket (limited availability)

For more information, contact [email protected] or 713-639-7581.

Rienzi Society Annual Dinner

Thursday, February 18, 2027
Rienzi, 1406 Kirby Drive

The Rienzi Society Annual Dinner is an exclusive, black-tie event that brings together a dedicated group of patrons committed to preserving and expanding the collection of European decorative arts at Rienzi. Originally established by Carroll Sterling and Harris Masterson III in their former home, this distinguished evening allows Rienzi Society members to play a key role in enhancing the collection. Members vote on a selection of artworks available for acquisition, ensuring the continued growth and legacy of this unique treasure. The event offers an intimate and elegant setting for art lovers to support the Museum’s mission while enjoying a refined evening of fine dining, conversation, and cultural enrichment.

Chairs
Molly and Ken Delery
Susan and Bill Finnegan

Ticket Pricing

$5,000 Couple
$2,500 Individual

For more information, contact [email protected] or 713‑639‑7581.

Bayou Bend Fashion Show and Luncheon

Friday, April 9, 2027
Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens, 6003 Memorial Drive

Experience an enchanting afternoon at the annual Bayou Bend Fashion Show, where philanthropy meets style against the backdrop of the stunning Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens. Kicking off Bayou Bend Weekend, this celebrated event showcases the latest runway looks, followed by a seated luncheon in the Diana Garden. Past designers have included Akris, Adam Lippes, Loro Piana, and Oscar de la Renta.

Ticket Pricing

$25,000 Major Underwriter Table
$12,500 Underwriter Table
$5,000 Benefactor Table (limited availability)
$1,250 Individual Underwriter Ticket
$500 Individual Benefactor Ticket

For more information, contact [email protected] or 713‑639‑7581.

Bayou Bend Garden Party

Sunday, April 11, 2027
Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens, 6003 Memorial Drive

This traditional garden party marks the close of a weekend of benefit events in support of the daily operations and educational programs of Bayou Bend, the MFAH house museum for American decorative arts and paintings. Featuring music, dancing, cocktails, and a seated dinner in the Diana Garden, the Bayou Bend Garden Party has been a highlight in Houston’s spring social calendar for nearly four decades.

Chairs
Nancy and Butch Abendshein

Aliyya and Herman Stude

Ticket Pricing

$75,000 Premiere Underwriter Table
$50,000 Grand Underwriter Table
$25,000 Major Underwriter Table
$15,000 Underwriter Table
$10,000 Benefactor Table (limited availability)
$2,500 Individual Major Underwriter Ticket
$1,000 Individual Benefactor (limited availability)

For more information, contact [email protected] or 713‑639‑7581.

Florescence

Tuesday & Wednesday, April 27–28, 2027
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Audrey Jones Beck Building, 5601 Main Street

Florescence is one of the largest competitive national flower shows sanctioned by The Garden Club of America in the United States. Florescence is presented by River Oaks Garden Club, The Garden Club of Houston, and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH). Proceeds directly support Florescence’s nonprofit sponsors: River Oaks Garden Club, The Garden Club of Houston, and the MFAH. Both garden clubs rely on Florescence proceeds to support their projects in gardens, parks, and green spaces throughout the community. Visit flohouston.org for additional information.

Chairs
Estelle Lozmack and Nancy Kelley
Stacey Henningsen and Anne Figueiras

For more information, contact [email protected] or 713-639-7581.

The Glassell School of Art Benefit

Friday, May 7, 2027
Glassell School of Art, 5101 Montrose Boulevard

Don't miss the annual Glassell Benefit Dinner, an inspiring celebration of art, community, and education. This exciting event brings together patrons and friends of the Glassell School of Art for an evening of fine dining and meaningful support for student programs and creative initiatives.

Ticket Pricing

$15,000 Grand Underwriter Table
$7,500 Major Underwriter Table
$5,000 Underwriter Table
$1,500 Individual Underwriter Ticket
$500 Individual Benefactor Ticket
$200 Glassell Student Ticket

For more information, contact [email protected] or 713‑639‑7581.

Rienzi Spring Party

Thursday, May 13, 2027
Rienzi, 1406 Kirby Drive

The Rienzi Spring Party is an annual celebration held at Rienzi, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston’s house museum for European decorative arts. Set amid the museum’s picturesque River Oaks estate, this signature event brings together art, history, and community for an elegant evening. Guests enjoy exceptional cuisine, signature cocktails, live music, and exclusive access to Rienzi’s renowned collection and beautifully landscaped gardens. Inspired by a unique theme each year, the Spring Party offers a distinctive experience that celebrates the beauty of European decorative arts while advancing the Museum’s mission to inspire and educate through the arts.

Chair
Alexandra Tennant

Ticket Pricing

$5,000 Grand Underwriter Table
$3,500 Major Underwriter Table
$2,000 Underwriter Package
$300 Individual Ticket
$175 Individual Ticket (35 and under; limited availability)

For more information, contact [email protected] or 713‑639‑7581.