Back in May, we shared our tour of the Houston Museum of Decorative Arts, which is home to thousands of antique items from the personal collection of Anna Safely Houston.
The museum first opened its doors to visitors in 1961 at the oldest home in the Bluff View Arts District. Now in 2024, the space will undergo a renovation and expansion to preserve the historic home + improve the visitor experience.
Key areas of the renovation + expansion
- ADA accessibility | Installing an elevator + other accommodations to meet requirements
- Preservation | Conducting structural repairs + restoring the house to its original appearance
- Expansion | Creating new exhibit, storage, classroom + community engagement spaces
- Construction | Building a glass conservatory to beautify the museum + provide new revenue stream
Next steps
The museum will undergo renovations starting in March, with anticipated completion in the fall of 2025. During the construction, the museum will have to close its doors temporarily.
The good news? There are still ways to support the museum during its transition period. Mark your calendars for the 50th annual Antiques Show and Sale at The Read House from Friday, Feb. 16 to Sunday, Feb. 18. Guests will be able to shop a diverse selection of art, furniture, jewelry, and glassware, with ticket sales benefitting the museum.
During the closure, folks can also see pieces of the museum’s collection at the Hunter Museum of American Art and the CHA Art Space located at the Chattanooga Airport. Additionally, keep an eye out for an upcoming pop-up exhibit at the Back Inn Cafe — make sure to follow the Houston Museum’s Instagram page for updates.
