Bayou Bend is the attractive home of Miss Ima Hogg and is part of the Museum of Fine Arts Houston. It is situated on a bend of Buffalo Bayou and is an oasis in the heart of the city. Ima Hogg was renowned for her collection of American decorative art, and she also heavily influenced the design and innovative architecture of the house and its fabulous gardens. The house was designed by architect John F. Staub for Miss Hogg and her two brothers, and was completed in 1928. The site was originally described as 'nothing but a dense' thicket' and Miss Hogg created the beautifully laid-out gardens, retaining areas of wilderness on their fringes.
The houses was gifted to the Museum of Fine Art in 1957 and it opened to the public in 1966. Guided and self-guided tours of the house and gardens are available. These feature the 28 rooms which display period decor and furnishings, and thousands of objects in Miss Hogg's collection of the American decorative arts that date from 1620 to 1876. The gardens at Bayou Bend are famous for their azaleas and camellias.
The historic house of Bayou Bend has many events and educational activities include Twilight Tours, the Fall Lecture and Family Days. These feature different themes including 'Coming to America' about the lives of immigrants who settled here, 'Texas Legends' and 'Chocolate Days' with tastings and performances. The Nature Inside and Out Days offer tips on organic gardening and nature conservation while other seasonal events include the harvest festival and Christmas festival with yuletide exhibitions.
