Rienzi
Rienzi, the MFAH house museum for European decorative arts, is situated on four acres of wooded gardens in the historic River Oaks neighborhood, about five miles from the main MFAH campus and about two miles from Bayou Bend, the MFAH house museum for American decorative arts and paintings.
Formerly the home of philanthropists Carroll Sterling Masterson and Harris Masterson III, Rienzi was designed by prominent Houston architect John Staub in 1952. Opened to the public in 1999, Rienzi houses a substantial collection of European decorative arts, paintings, furnishings, porcelain, and miniatures. Rienzi welcomes visitors for tours, family programs, lectures, music performances, and a variety of special events.
Docent-Led Tours and Self-Guided Visits
Because of the unique setting of Rienzi, visits to the house and art collection are by advance ticket purchase. Small groups and individuals are welcome.
- Docent-led tours are offered Thursday–Saturday at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., and 1 p.m. On Sunday, tours begin at 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. Tours are included with admission.
- Visits are self-guided at all other times. Maps and cell-phone audio tours are available.
- Rienzi closes every year during August. The gardens remain open.
See the latest visitor protocols here.
Happening Here
Hours
- Sunday
- 1 p.m.–5 p.m.Closed in August
- Monday
- CLOSED
- Tuesday
- CLOSED
- Wednesday
- 10 a.m.–5 p.m.Closed in August
- Thursday
- 10 a.m.–5 p.m.Closed in August
- Friday
- 10 a.m.–5 p.m.Closed in August
- Saturday
- 10 a.m.–5 p.m.Closed in August