Rienzi management really needs to hire new staff. Their staff is aggressive and unprofessional specifically Francisco and Genaro. Beware with what you wear because they’ll try to accuse you of violating their rules (which doesn’t cover attire) and cite their completely unrelated photography rules instead even if you’re there with your family and you have an iPhone with no ability to even take “professional or formal photos”. The security also won’t even listen to their management and will try anything in their power to prove you wrong despite their policies being clear and despite management giving them the green light. They’re extremely aggressive and discriminatory. Don’t bother going inside the building either. They’ll (security) follow you around so closely as if they think you’re going to steal something or vandalize (especially if you’re POC). The museum is gorgeous and one of the only places like this in Houston but the staff makes the experience terrible and honestly I feel like this place is very discriminatory. It’s really upsetting and sad.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
Free

I found the self guided tour almost useless, hence I missed a LOT. The map doesn't include a suggested path. And, the list containing the telephone codes for the audio for the various rooms doesn't follow a logical path either And the rooms need to be identified by signs. Using pictures makes the tour a puzzle challenge for seniors. Also, the curb at the entrance to the grounds nearest the White Garden is a genuine tripping hazard! Wonderful displays but gave up on trying to figure out what they were. Attendants more fluent in English would help too, but can make do with heavily accented speech. Do the emergency exits exit to a clearly marked path to the parking lot and do the window covers fall away easily? Rhetorical but ... my memory is that the stairs from the balcony were closed on Sept. 7.

Rienzi is one of my favorite Houston museums. When you come here, you get a good dose of art and architecture to explore, but also a fair bit of Houston history. The house was owned by the Masterson family (Harris Masterson III and Carroll Sterling Cowan) of Humble Oil fame and is named for Harris' grandfather, Rienzi Melville Johnston. The house itself is beautiful and a tour guide will tell you about its history and additions, and the house is filled with European art and a very large porcelain collection. You can also go and enjoy the grounds around the house, including various gardens and fountains. It's a nice visit!

I love taking my daughter's to museums. This museum was nice and small, however the employees watched us constantly and followed us in every single room, literally. We could not look at anything without someone in the room to watch us. It made me feel extremely uncomfortable, to the point I didn't enjoy the museum as much. I know that they had expensive items on display, but I didn't have that kind of treatment at the museum's that I visited in Paris and Greece, that had pricier items on display. I'm not sure if it's a "color" issue or is it normal protocol.I definitely will not be back and will not recommend.

I never knew it was there, and I've lived in houston for a lot of years. It is a hidden treasure. We had a private tour thru it, so we got to see some of the extras... If you can get a tour, i highly recommend it. So much history, knowledge, and trivia about the people, the house, and the history of collectibles in houston and around the world. I am looking forward to going back and spending a little more time. (It's not a place i would bring my kids. They would learn something, but i dont think they would enjoy it)
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait

The Rienzi is a little gem in the middle of the city. The gardens are gorgeous and well maintained and the house is stunning. Dustin ing our visit, docents we’re in the rooms throughout the house to give details of the room and little bits of information about the Mastersons. I had no idea the family supported the arts to the degree which they did and most of the arts in Houston are a result of their generosity. There are events held at the house throughout the year. It’s a lovely place to spend some time wandering through the gardens or sitting by the pool.

What a cool little place. I had no idea it was in Houston and was delighted to take a tour! We were the only ones on the entire tour and it was super neat to see some very cool collections of plates, sculptures, and paintings. The garden out back is also beautiful and simply lovely to walk around. This place deserves more publicity as it was a very unique thing to do here in H Town, I really enjoyed it and found a “hidden gem” activity. Very neat to explore if you’ve never been!

This art gallery is a historical and artful look at examples of Mexican, English, French, and Spanish art gathered together in this beautiful historic home, in River Oaks along the buffalo bayou. The collection ranges from 1700-1950 and belonged to an influential couple, Carrol and Harris Masterson in Houston's high society built in 1952.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$6–10

Beautiful collection of art, decor and antiques in historic Houston house. Very impressed with guide Tatyana Gelfund who knows so much about the house and every item in collection: era, country of origin, author, story behind and much more, and enthusiastically shares it. Unfortunately not very many familiar with this museum. I think that better advertising and attractive street sign would help. Recommend to every fine art lover and definitely coming back.

I had no idea it was in Houston and was delighted to take a tour! This place deserves more publicity as it was a very unique thing to do here in Houston. The property is pretty fantastic. Great atmosphere. I really enjoyed walking around and viewing the pieces they had. Excellent collection and beautiful architecture. Our tour guide Tanya was amazing, very knowledgeable and did an outstanding job, made me want to come back.

What a curious fine art museum site. Worth a visit. We walked up, asked about tour availability (all docent led). Staff were exceptionally polite and signed us up for the next one. We enjoyed exploring the grounds in the meantime (some impacts from Hurricane Harvey, but still worth checking out). The tour was interesting, both due to the art but also the home and what you learn about Houston's high society past elements.

This Museum was very well taken care of. The door guide was very sweet and very informative. They allowed us to ask so many questions and she gave the best answers she could possibly give. She was very kind to the children and help them with answers to their questions. She took her time out to explain to them something that would help them understand the reference of its meaning. Over all this is a must see!

Impressive collection. Phenomenally knowledgable tour guide. With the ability to get so up close and personal with this collection, the docents are the most protective I've ever seen. Unfortunately most of the outside grounds were barricaded, unlike comparable tours like the Hogg mansion. While appreciative of art, our 15 yr old daughter has no art history training and was mindlessly bored throughout.

Arrived close to closing. Didn't go inside. Got many awesome pics outside, around back, and in the garden. This is a hidden gems for exclusive photo shoots. Place is well kept, and clean outside. Had a good time there, may go back again.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

A wonderful slice of Houston history and nice artwork. The grounds are well maintained and was happy to have had the chance to visit. Was able to get a tour, I’m not sure if there always one available but it made the experience more enjoyable and educational.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

The tour is wonderful. The tour guide is knowledgeable. No time wasted from the beginning and end of the tour. The artworks and furniture will keep you inspired. Like us here in Okey Dokey Locksmith our technician are professionally trained and knowledgeable in the services they performed. For sure you will have an awesome experience with us.

The guided tour is brilliant. It was just me and my date and the tour guide. She was very knowledgeable about all the pieces and the setups in every room were amazing. The history contained in this house is amazing and I would recommend it. The outside is pretty interesting as well but I understand it's more impressive in the spring.

I agree that the guided tour is brilliant. The house is very interesting, and the gardens are beautiful, especially in the spring. The tour is guided, and lasts about an hour - just the right amount of time. Perfect for a nice Sunday afternoon date. The Museum of Fine Arts is doing a terrific job with this absolute gem in River Oaks.

Beautiful former residence of former patrons of the Museum of Fine Arts Houston. Now a property of the museum containing pieces of the collections of the former owners and the museum's European decorative arts. Nestled in about 4 acres on Buffalo Bayou. Beautiful grounds and gardens with always blooming flowers.

Enjoyable, unique museum experience with very knowledgeable docents. My wife and I have gone during normal hours and had a good experience, but the events in the evening really stand out as special. I probably wouldn't take young children again, unless it is to one of the family events that they host.

The dosant is soo knowledgeable! I had such a great time doing the tour. You have to get the tickets in advance- they are only available by purchase. The gardens are free to visit and beautifully managed.
Visited on
Weekend
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$11–15

A beautiful experience, our tour guide was so informative and humorous . I need to bring my child. You need to buy your ticket before coming. Luxury and historic mansion.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$6–10

The moment in walked in I thought: “The Versailles of Texas…!” Go & see rare, exquisite art & artifacts from around the globe. You won’t be disappointed!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$16–20

The building appears nice, but the outside needs help. Museum attendants were supposed to be helpful, but would stop mid explanation and move on to other visitors. Most of the art is behind a velvet rope. What's the point of all the art if we cannot truly enjoy it?

Interior is very small - takes about 1hour for complete self tour. Extensive gardens. Use service driveway to see some of back gardens if in a wheelchair, but there are stairs to the reflecting pool. Front gardens are accessible, but some trails are difficult.

Please purchase ticket before visiting (Adult $10/person) Volunteer tourguide is on site - They will explain the history of Renzi Family
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$6–10

The docent tour was appreciated to give some more context around what the history of the house is. It was a pleasant experience overall.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$6–10

JoAnn you’re amazing. She was our guide and very knowledgeable. She was so sweet to me and my husband. Will definitely be going back.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$6–10

Van Gogh exhibit was cool. But I probably wouldn't care to see reproductions. Vs the real thing. Outdoor happy hour was really nice. There are nice trees to look at and a nice breeze. Parking off of Binz and San jacinto. $10 for 30 min to 4 hrs

I didn't know what to expect when I visited, but I am so very glad I went. The house is amazing and you can feel the love for art, entertaining, and educating that Mr. and Mrs. Masterson cared about. I will definitely be back to learn more!

This was such an amazing experience. We learned so much, and we're amazed by the art and artifacts in the home. If you get a chance, this should be a MUST SEE destination for Houston Art!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait

The gardens are lovely during the Spring with new growth just starting. The winding paths lead to more interesting wonders of the garden. Our granddaughter really enjoyed picking up leaves and arranging them into patterns on the walkways.

Absolutely lovely tour and tour guide. It is about an hour long and guided inside. Beautiful artworks and furniture. Mainly European, but also some Spanish and Asian inspired art. If you are into art history you will enjoy this

Pretty nice place in Houston area. The garden is free and nice. We didn’t have enough time to wait for the next tour ( at 3pm), maybe next time. There are admissions fee with tour for 10 dollars. The tour lasted about an hour.

This is another of Houston's treasures collected and then donated by very rich white people. This family collected American and British furniture, china, silver, paintings, and clearly enjoyed themselves in this lovely house.

Nothing really worth seeing here as a museum or a garden. NOT handicap accessible despite signage. In fact some areas are blatantly dangerous for ANYONE and used to be marked but they took the signs and obstructions down.

Beautiful mini museum that was donated not too long ago. So much to see in every room. The background is stunning with its stairs and pool. Perfect for a venue. Staff are all very professional and helpful.

First time visit after living here for 30 years. We had a docent led tour - highly recommend. Much of the collection is from the owners, but some items are from other Museum collections of similar styles.

Great River Oaks house with classic furnishings and art collection. A glimpse into the high society of Houston's heyday. Place recommended masks but no longer required it (Mid-March). Get tickets online.

A beauty of a museum, perfect for a cool experience- closed for August.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$6–10

Extremely information tour guide that could double as a history teacher.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$1–5

Interesting house in Baroque style. The property is rather fantastic.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Very personalised visit and loved the ambiance of the whole place.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$6–10

I wanted to take pictures in the garden area. One employee said it was ok. 5 minutes later a different employee told us it wasn't ok. It wasn't flash photography or anything like that.

A must see for the culture tramp, it ain’t no dog run!
Visited on
Public holiday
Wait time
1 hr+
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
Free

The countless 18th century works of art left me amazed. The volunteers knew their stuff and made the visit even more enjoyable.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait

My son took me here on Mother's Day and we had a wonderful time. Every mother received a long stemmed rose to compliment their visit. The staff was extremely knowledgeable.

I went twice, once for yoga with my daughter inlaw and again for art class with my sons and dauber inlaw. We loved it
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait

The pictures speak for themselves
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure
Price for adult entry
$6–10

Amazing museum. Outstanding beautiful garden
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
1 hr+
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$11–15

I loved the muesum. The museum has splendid exhibitions and beautiful events.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

Hidden little museum in Houston.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure
Price for adult entry
Free

Beautiful however we missed the best time of year by about 3 weeks when the flowers are in bloom. Beat time according to volunteers is mid to late March

Took daughter to First Saturday Sketch. Wife and I took a tour of the gardens. Glad to see the Masterson's vision is being preserved. Just beautiful.

It's what would call a Mediterranean style Villa. The beautiful building is well maintained and the gardens are coming back after the Harvey flood.

Go early in Sun 1pm opening. Tour is not crowded and more intimate. Fascinating period pieces and history . must also see grounds before opening.

it offers a glimpse of the life style of upper class Texas oil tycoon. the decorative arts are priceless and the guide was very knowledgeable

Lovely, well-cared. The docent was very prepared and well-informed and helpful to answer all questions. This is a must-see museum in Houston

The decorations inside the building are very beautiful. For the garden, there are not many flowers (only some roses) in the end of August.

Beautiful art. Great atmosphere. I really enjoyed walking around and viewing the pieces they had. The guides were extremely knowledgeable.

Beautiful place. Don't pass this one up, and you'll have to make a reservation online to visit this place. Very much worth your time!

Great place to take guests when they're in town. However, you must make reservations in order to tour Rienzi. Call before you go.

They were so helpful to me with my research for my school project.
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

Nice gardens for an afternoon walk in urban Houston. Docent-led tour of the Masterson home was interesting, took about 45 min.

Very special and amazing. This place has a deep love of plates (haha). Amazing gardens and art. Very much worth a visit.

Would have given this place 5 star but there are a lot of areas of their garden that was inaccessible or closed. …

Nice place to see. You might spend between 1 to 2 hrs there. The staff is great friendly people. Gardens are beautiful.

THE PICTURES BAND performed here for the Costolnik wedding and wow, it was awesome and was even featured in magazines!

Wonderful atmosphere staff very friendly and knowledgeable Love this place to see some fine contemporary art!

Previously a residence, showcases their collections plus other things on loan. Nice for an hour tour.

It was a beautiful and gorgeous house. The ball room is perfect for dance.
Visited on
Weekend

Loved the house and gardens. Gardens not as extensive as at Bayou Bend, but beautiful nonetheless.

If you're into decorative arts, this is 5 stars. Be sure to engage with the docents, in any case.

Very pleasant way to spend a couple hours. Excellent collection and beautiful architecture.

Gorgeous collection of art from around the world, displayed in a beautifully craftedansion

Hidden MFAH gem decorative arts museum. The house and grounds alone are worth the visit.

I very cool home with lots of 17-1800 art and furniture. Beautiful gardens as well.

Gorgeous architecture and landscaping. Certain areas under repair at the moment.

Amazing and unique museum in Houston. Wonderful collection. Beautiful gardens.

It’s owned by the MFAH! I would visit a bathroom run by them just to see it.

Impressive collection of art, paintings, porcelain, furniture and artifacts.

Guide was extremely polite and very knowledgeable. The house was beautiful.

Loved it. Not much else to say. It was great to see and very well kept

My favorite place to visit and take photos for my watercolor art work!

Went for an open air screening of Alfred Hitchcock movie. It was fun.

Historic. A must if a lover of. Houston. Arts. And. History

Make sure you phone ahead for reservations... Exceptional!

comforting atmosphere, great historical experience always.

Great little museum and gardens to visit with the family.

Great place. It's a guided tour, well worth checking out.

Beautiful collection. A true Houston gem of European art.

Many cool art stuff feel like you were a billionaire!!

Very informative. Our children learned a great deal.

Awesome!!!!, Minister Bridgette Goodjoint, In Jesus.

Friendly and informative Staff, beautiful property,

Beautiful interior and collection. Small but nice.

I felt like I was in heaven. Beautiful property.

Its ok, the Bayou bend place is way better tho

Absolutely amazing museum. Highly recommend!

Incredible collection! Fantastic tour guide.