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, included with general admission, are offered:
    Wednesday at 11 a.m. & 2 p.m.
    Thursday & Friday at 10 a.m., 11 a.m. & 1 p.m.
    Saturday at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. & 2 p.m.
    Sunday at 1 p.m. &
    2 p.m. 
  • 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.  

GET TICKETS 

 

Happening Here

Hours

Sunday
1 p.m.–5 p.m.
Monday
CLOSED
Tuesday
CLOSED
Wednesday
10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Thursday
10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Friday
10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Saturday
10 a.m.–5 p.m.

More Information

Street Address
1406 Kirby Drive Houston, TX 77019
Map & Directions
Mailing Address
Rienzi P.O. Box 6826 Houston, TX 77265-6826
General Inquiries