Celebrate at one of the Houston Public Library’s three historic buildings. Select from the sophisticated grandeur of elegant Spanish architecture, a glimpse of African culture and history with breathtaking views of Houston’s skyline, or return to the Victorian era with native Texas gardens. Artfully located in the heart of the city, historic Freedman’s Town, or Museum District these modern event spaces transforms into your social event needs.
About Our Venues
In the heart of the city, the historic Julia Ideson Building's distinctive and elegant Spanish architecture stands out amongst the glass contemporary buildings that surround it.
As you enter into this 1926 structure, the sophisticated grandeur takes you back to that glorious period making you feel the building's history.
Walk reflective Spanish-brick floors through to the grand staircase upwards to the second floor, featuring Tudor Gallery’s marble pillars, the Reading Room’s original wooden fixtures, and the exhibit room which occasionally showcases some of the Library’s archival collection. Look up to see the breathtakingly detailed gold and vibrant colored wood flowers on the ceiling.
The exceptional romantic spaces and corridors with high-arched windows, as well as the artwork, make Julia Ideson the perfect destination setting for weddings, galas, formal dinners, photo sessions, business meetings, corporate parties, and a variety of other events.
African American History Research Center
Capture a glimpse of history as you stroll through the Gregory School, located in historic Freedman’s Town. Built in 1926, it once housed the first public school for African Americans in Houston.
Now, this building is a restored masterpiece that houses many treasured archival collections of African American history in Houston. Walk through pavers with embedded traditional West African symbols as you enter into the glass lobby.
The lobby features a frameless glass curtain wall, and a 23 foot tall wall of patterned oxidized copper panels, offering breathtaking views of Houston’s skyline. Celebrate unforgettable receptions, parties, meetings and a variety of events in the spaces of this historical building.
Family History Research Center at the Clayton Library Campus
Experience the feeling of serene days gone by at the historic Clayton House located in the heart of Houston’s Museum District. William Lockheart Clayton, prominent Houston businessman and statesman, and his wife Susan Ada Vaughn Clayton built this Georgian-style manor in 1917 to use as their family home.
In 1958 the Clayton House was deeded to the City of Houston to be used as a library. In 1968 a genealogy collection was placed in this facility.
Return to the Victorian era when you enter the beautifully restored Main House and detached houses - the Carriage House and the Guest House. The Main House's unique floor plan allows for a variety of events. Its gardens, with native Texas plants, create a beautiful backdrop for great photographic memories.
Did you know?
Premier Spaces are also History Research Centers Learn more about African American history, genealogy and family history, and Houston history today!