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.
Because of the unique and intimate nature of Rienzi, visits to the house and art collection are by docent-led tour only. Learn more.
Please note that Rienzi is closed for now. The gardens flooded because of Hurricane Harvey, but the house and collection are not damaged. Most programs are canceled, although some may proceed as planned; check the online calendar, and contact us if you have any questions. More MFAH updates