Bayou Bend Collection

A branch of the Houston Museum of Fine Arts, this 28-room Latin Colonial structure has a collection of more than 4,800 works from the colonial period to the early 19th century. The 14-acre gardens are bounded on three sides by Buffalo Bayou. The Lora Jean Kilroy Visitors and Education Center, a contemporary 18,000-square-foot building, has a library, retail shop, and public terracesall dedicated to American art, culture and history. Gardens are open 15 p.m. Sat.Sun. , other times by appointment. Admission charge. 1 Westcott St. 713/520-2600. www.mfah.org