Rienzi, the MFAH house museum for European decorative arts, presents special exhibitions twice a year. The estate is the former home of philanthropists Carroll Sterling Masterson and Harris Masterson III, who were known for their eclectic tastes and their art collection.
As part of Rienzi’s 20th anniversary celebrations, Broadway’s Amazing Mastersons focuses on an especially fascinating aspect of the Mastersons’ artistic interests: their foray into Broadway productions.
From 1958 to 1966, the couple immersed themselves in Broadway theater. This exhibition explores several of their productions, including The Lady of the Camellias, by famed director Franco Zeffirelli; and the Tony Award–nominated musical Bajour, starring the legendary Chita Rivera.
After several Broadway ventures, the Mastersons turned their attention to cultivating the Houston art scene, but not until they had left a Texas-sized mark on the Big Apple.