Symmetrical and formal gardens of azaleas, roses and both southern and Japanese magnolias contrast beautifully with the undeveloped bayou ravines where native plants such as loblolly pines, ash and magnolia trees line the edge of the property. The formal gardens are encircled by more natural ones in which camellias, ginger, crynum and azaleas are interspersed among native trees and other bulbs. The house is in the heart of River Oaks at 1406 Kirby Drive. It opened for decorative arts tours for museum members on March 25 and to the general public on May 1. Visitors must reserve parking spaces when making tour reservations.
Parking is free.
Reservations must be paid for in advance, either by credit card or check. Cancellations must be received at least 48 hours in advance. Rienzi is one of two house museum properties of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. The Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens, an American decorative arts collection, has been part of the museum since 1966. The permanent collection of The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, spans more than 6,000 years of history with more than 40,000 works from six continents, making the museum the largest in the Southwest and a major educational resource for the region.