Saturday, Apr. 11, 2020 – Saturday, May. 2, 2020
Last fall, the MFAH house museum Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens launched a mobile tour of Ima Hogg’s historic 14-acre estate. For the inside scoop, we went to Jennifer Hammond, head of education at Bayou Bend.
► To take your tour, text BAYOU to 56512
What inspired the mobile tour?
With the wide use of smartphones, we recognized an opportunity to enhance visitor experiences with text, audio, and video—information that’s especially helpful in a decorative-arts collection. The tour is arranged by room, and in the order you would walk through the house.
How did you choose the objects to highlight in the tour?
We picked objects that visitors are especially curious about; that are particularly rare or important; and that have interesting stories behind them.
For instance, people might not notice the mantelpiece over the fireplace in the Federal Parlor, but in 2010 an MFAH paintings conservator discovered the signature of noted Philadelphia craftsman Robert Wellford underneath many layers of paint. Wellford was best known for molded “composition ornament,” which was very fashionable after the American Revolution. Ima Hogg always thought the mantelpiece was made by the famous craftsman—now we know she was right!
What rooms have the best “hidden gems”?
I would especially recommend the Metals Study Room, where you can find answers to questions like “Seriously, a macaroni knife?” and “Why would anyone own a silver megaphone?”
Another is the Texas Hall, which features stoneware pottery. Gray and brown jugs and jars may not catch your eye at first glance, but these objects tell fascinating stories of Texas history and represent important work by African American craftsmen.
► Bayou Bend continues to add more objects to the tour, particularly recent acquisitions. Keep an eye out for new highlights! Text BAYOU to 56512
HOURS & ADMISSION
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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.
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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
Directions & Parking
- Free Parking
- Paid Parking
- Street Parking
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Make visiting a snap! Visit mfah.org/parking for complete parking information.
Three Parking Garages
Parking Garage Hours
Open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.Parking Garage Fees
- Parking payments may be made only with major credit cards, MasterCard and Visa debit cards, or cash.
- For hourly rates, go to mfah.org/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.
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