About Us

The Houston Museum of Decorative Arts is a unique cultural institution, opened in 1961 in Chattanooga’s Bluff View Art District to honor the legacy of Anna Safley Houston, a pioneering businesswoman and antique collector. From the early 1900s through the 1940s, Ms. Houston curated a remarkable collection of decorative arts that now includes over 15,000 items, spanning glassware, pottery, textiles, furniture, and much more. Her entrepreneurial spirit and foresight in bequeathing this collection to Chattanooga's community have made the museum an invaluable resource for local history, artistic heritage, and educational enrichment.  

Mission Statement

The mission of the Houston Museum of Decorative Arts is to showcase and preserve the unique decorative arts collection of the late Anna Safley Houston and use it for education and enrichment.

Education and Outreach

We pride our Education and Outreach programs on customizing the focus based on your organization’s needs. Please reach out to Tim Barnett to start planning a visit to our museum or for us to bring the museum to you!

Tim Barnett
423-267-7176
houstonmuseumoutreach@gmail.com