The Houston Museum of Decorative Arts, Tennessee, United States

5AABerry 5:00 PM Mar 15, 2023

Fabulous at-your-own pace guided tour
This was my favorite part of my trip to Chattanooga. The guide was so knowledgable about glassware, pottery, and other decorative arts. I typically hate guided tours because I like to go at my own pace, but she let us choose the pace and ask questions, and she focused on what interested us. I highly recommend this experience.

4ssbrandes 5:00 PM Sep 23, 2021

Absolutely worth the time!!
Random find that was probably the highlight of our girls getaway. We really didn't do much planning for this getaway - just where we would stay and that we'd like to get into the arts district this time. As a result we arrived in the area and did a bit of a wander trying to figure out what was worth our time. Wandered in here and were pleasantly and happily entertained for more than an hour. Tours are led by a docent or docents and cost $9 per person. If you have any interest in glass, porcelain, collections, oddities, collections, interesting stories, strange people, history or just pretty colors sparkling in the sun then give this place a visit. Others here have already said it all. The collector (Houston) was likely what we would term a hoarder today. However she clearly collected a lot of great stuff. Be sure to ask lots of questions. While most of what is here was her collection, there are things that were not - ex the butterfly teacups were sort of hers. some were part of her collection while others she bought (as a Marshall Fields Buyer or in her travels) specifically for or to sell to a customer she knew collected. that collector left the collection to the museum and it is part of what is displayed. likewise the building/house where all these goodies are now housed and displayed was not the home of Ms. Houston (she lived in a barn like structure with her collection).