Visit

Imagine you are in your grandmother’s attic. You discover an old trunk full of carefully preserved treasures that you never knew existed. Tiffany glassware, ivory tusks with scrimshaw designs, arrowheads and Native American art, antique music boxes, Sand Mountain pottery worthy of the Smithsonian Institution …. and some mysterious pieces that defy explanation.

Welcome to the Houston Museum of Decorative Arts!

These treasures were originally stored in a barn, lovingly assembled by one woman, who single-handedly collected an extraordinary assortment of artifacts able to tell stories in exquisite detail about life from the Victorian Era through the Depression Era. Museum visitors and children in our local schools learn about face jug pottery created by enslaved African-Americans, the Tennessee “nanny cradle” made from hickory , and vases that glow-in-the-dark from minerals used in making colored glass. Whether novice or knowledgeable, our visitors take a step back in time to learn about history, science and art from this one-of-a kind boutique museum.

Renowned by experts, the Houston Museum showcases just a portion of the amazing, rare and often priceless antiques and collectibles that were gifted to the people of Chattanooga by Anna Safley Houston, who defied all expectations of her day.

Capital Project Overview

After more than 60 years in its historic 1890s Victorian house, the Houston Museum launched its inaugural capital campaign quiet phase in October 2023 to address the urgent restoration needs of the museum. Our mission extends beyond preservation; it is to transform Ms. Houston’s collection into a platform for accessible and inclusive educational experiences for visitors of all ages and backgrounds.

Progress to Date

Thanks to a generous grant from the Tennessee State Museum received in October 2023, we began construction in May 2024, addressing foundational structural issues. This initial fully funded phase, completed in September 2024, successfully installed French drains, reinforced basement piers, and removed deteriorating structures on the back side of the building, safeguarding the integrity of our building.

In October 2024, we initiated Phase 2, which will restore the interior and exterior’s historic elements, such as locally crafted wood trim, ceramic fireplaces, and original floors and windows. This fully funded phase will restore the home’s Victorian elegance and enhance the visitor experience.

We are now embarking on Phase 3, which is essential to achieving ADA compliance, expanding our classroom space, and creating additional display areas. Phase 3 will enhance accessibility and create new educational opportunities by installing an elevator, building a dedicated classroom, and providing space to feature local artists, strengthening our ties with the community.

Pop Up Museum and Gift Shop During Construction

Throughout the renovation process, we have partnered with the Portera family to set up a temporary museum space at the former Back Inn Café. This arrangement has enabled us to maintain guided tours that showcase Anna’s collection and continue our educational outreach, including participation in the Chattanooga Library Pass Program which allows visitors with a library card to check out tickets to the Houston Museum for free. The temporary space allows the Houston Museum to keep engaging with the community despite construction at our original location, demonstrating our commitment to ongoing service and access to art and history.

Language Assistance Policy:
The Houston Museum is committed to providing programs for the educational enrichment of all our visitors. We respectfully request that individuals or groups who wish to request language assistance because of a limited ability to speak or understand English please contact the museum at least 2 weeks before the date of the museum visit.