1489190400


The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

Decorative Arts in the Age of Victoria

Saturday, Mar. 11, 2017 – Sunday, Jul. 30, 2017

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Rienzi, the MFAH house museum for European decorative arts, presents special exhibitions twice a year. Decorative Arts in the Age of Victoria showcases objects from both the MFAH and Rienzi collections.

During the reign of Queen Victoria (1837–1901), the British Empire reached its geographical, financial, and industrial peak. The art, architecture, and design created in those years were inspired by European artistic traditions as well cultures across the globe.

The Great Exhibition of 1851 was organized by the queen’s husband, Prince Albert, to display the wonders of industry and manufactured products from around the world. Decorative arts were shown in revivals of Classical, Renaissance, and Rococo styles—sometimes copied quite closely, but often combined or reinterpreted to create a variety of novel forms and motifs. Historical decorative techniques were also adapted to modern manufacturing processes.

Decorative Arts in the Age of Victoria features works of art that illustrate the dual drives of the British to historicize and modernize their world. Among the examples on view are porcelain, glass, jewelry, miniatures, wallpaper, and furniture.

HOURS & ADMISSION

  • Wednesday, 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
    Thursday, 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
    Friday - Saturday, 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
    Sunday , 12:30 pm - 6:00 pm
    • Monday (Except selected holidays) | Closed.
    • Tuesday | Closed.
    • Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day | Closed.
  • Museum Admission

    ALL ACCESS tickets provide entry to Special Exhibitions and the MFAH Permanent Collections. Purchase online or drop by any admissions desk.
    • MFAH Member  FREE
    • ALL ACCESS (Adult 19+)  $24
    • ALL ACCESS (Senior 65+ with ID)  $20
    • ALL ACCESS (Youth 13–18)  $20
    • ALL ACCESS (Child 12 & Under)  FREE
    • *Thursday MFAH Permanent Collections (All Ages)  FREE
    • *Thursday ALL ACCESS (13 & Up)  $10
    On Thursday, admission to the MFAH Permanent Collections is free for all individuals, courtesy of Shell USA, Inc. Special Exhibitions require a separate, discounted ALL ACCESS ticket.

Directions & Parking

  • Free Parking
  • Paid Parking
  • Street Parking

Special Offers / Dining

Paolo Fronza, from Fellini Caffè, runs this sophisticated dining operation. Enjoy an array of Italian-inspired fare with a Texas flair, a European-style coffee bar, a kids menu, and much more at the MFA Café, located on the lower level of the Beck Building.

Events at The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

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