KIDS + FAMILIES

Bayou Bend, the American decorative arts center of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, hosts a free Family Day the third Sunday of each month from September through May. 

Sunday, March 20, 2011:  Spring into Season

Bayou Bend’s gardens burst into bloom during the month of March, and the museum is marking the occasion with a spring-themed Family Day on Sunday, March 20. Explore the gardens to see the many varieties of trees and flowers before taking a tour of the house, where nature’s inspiration is present in historic furnishings.

Say hello to the baby animals in the petting zoo and enjoy a spring concert on the lawn, or visit the craft tables to create your very own nature-themed memento of the day.

Tours of the 1st floor of the house are hosted by volunteers of the Houston Junior Woman’s Club, while giveaways and promotions are offered through our media sponsor, KUHF 88.7 FM and Bayou Bend.

Performances:

Diana Terrace:
1:30 p.m. – Becky Valls Dance Co., “For the Birds”
2:45 – 4:30 p.m., The Blue Gnus, “American Jazz Highlights and Spring Musical Themes”

Diana Terrace MC – Eric Ladau, KUHF 88.7 FM Radio
Giveaway Drawings – held twice during the day between performances

Additional Performances & Demonstrations:
Fry’s Fun Farm (Petting Zoo), 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. on the South Lawn

Puppet Pizzazz, Birds and Bunnies of the Bayou – Character Greetings in the gardens and in front of the Lora Jean Kilroy Visitor and Education Center

Story Time in the Library w/ Serena Newmark, 2:30 p.m. in the Kitty King Powell Library, 2nd Floor of the Lora Jean Kilroy Visitor and Education Center

Workshops and Activities:
Nature Painting – Bayou Bend East Terrace
Handprint Azaleas (Annual Favorite) – Diana Lawn

Door prizes are provided by our media sponsor, KUHF 88.7 FM, and the MFAH.

 Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens, Houston’s home for America’s treasures, features one of the world’s great collections of American decorative arts and paintings. The objects are displayed in the home of legendary Houston philanthropist and collector Ima Hogg (1882-1975), who gave her estate to the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, in 1957. More than 20 room settings reveal the evolution of American style and taste from 1620 to 1876.

The mansion is situated on 14 acres of formal gardens and lush woodlands. Bayou Bend is open year-round to visitors, and offers many programs for children, families, and adults.

Visitors are also invited to enjoy the new Lora Jean Kilroy Visitor and Education Center that showcases the cultural, civic and philanthropic legacy of the Hogg family; a public research library that houses 6,000 volumes dedicated to American art, culture, history and gardening; as well as two meeting rooms and a retail shop.