One of my favorite historical building that is open to the public. On the first floor. You can do research on Houston history. But the second floor is my favorite spot. There is a quiet room and an art gallery that is all free. There is an elevator if you are not able to take the stairs and restroom in the building. read more

Julia Ideson Building - The history research area of this building you have to sign in and put your backpack away. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Houston, Texas

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I'm always looking for beautiful, quiet places to explore, and this building really hits the mark. It's just old and gorgeous inside, full of history. There's interesting exhibits to browse - I really enjoyed the map exhibit on the first floor. The second floor has a lovely reading room to spend time in. Paid street parking is generally available right out front. read more

THE LIBRARY IS NEXT DOOR. I believe this building is used for research and archives but there is a gorgeous quiet room on the second floor that you can use to read or study. The building is beautiful with dark academia vibes all around. It's freezing cold and quiet. I recommend stopping by if you're ever downtown and need to get some work done. read more

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Amazing to see what a great job city has done to restore this nearly a century old building. It was built in 1925. OMG. I want to stick around for its 100th birthday. I was here attending the LGBTQ Veterans & Allies Military Ball fundraising event hosted by Combined Arms. Since me and my +1 arrive early, the event host gave us a history and introduction of this facility. I like the feeling of this all-wood furniture and everything on the wall in the Reading Room. The event was on second floor. I can't stop staring at the coffered ceiling above Kitty King Powell Gallery during sunset hours. The acoustic in the Reading Room was perfect. There was no echo at all. I believe the elevator was put in during modern times. I couldn't walk on the tiled floors because it was slippery with my dress shoes. So we used elevator to get around. Since it's part of public library system. I would come back with a better camera to capture this beautiful Kodak moment. read more

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I've only been here once, so my review will only be based on the wedding ceremony area and reception. Now, I can see why many couples would choose this location as their wedding venue. The photo opportunities here are spectacular! It's old, historic, and a true landmark to the city of Houston. The various angles, the warm and neutral colors, the high ceiling with creative lighting; It's what photographers love utilizing. Prior to the event, the building was closing to the general public. We basically were allowed to enter as the public was leaving. Close to the main entrance was a room, probably used as a study room, that was all set up for the services. The room had plenty of windows for natural lighting, cushioned folding chairs, and alter in the front. I took a couple of pics, so check them out. As for the reception area, it's located upstairs with a foyer that had all the tall tables for cocktails, appetizers, and hors d'oeuvres. It's not really a foyer, but rather the center of the building where the cool high ceiling is located. The reception room is right next to it. Books all along the sides, dining area set up with white table cloths, and center stage for the first dance, etc. I'm sure this room is probably also used for other conferences. This truly is one memorable venue indeed! Now, the only reason why I had to deduct a star was because of a couple of things. One being the "handicapped difficulties", as we had a few older disabled folks that had to walk far just to reach the elevator. I know it was built in 1926, but I felt bad when the looked at the stair like "oh hell no"! And the employees that helped out, just pointed to the elevators. Second is the homeless that wondered around the windows and entrance. I know it's common issue being in a big city, but no one wants to see a homeless wedding crasher in their pics. Welp, there you have it! read more

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Staff was not welcoming at all , my friends and I were trying to take some photoshoot pictures for a brand and claimed that we were bending over trying to look provocative also were recording us without our consent and never told us to leave when she could've kindly let us know we were not welcomed . Definitely not coming back . read more

As a college student back home in Houston for the summer, I wanted to find a spot that reminded me of the college libraries I loved so much on campus in order to study for one of my summer school classes in peace. Any self-respecting Longhorn will know that the UT Life Science Library is commonly referred to as "that library that looks like Hogwarts", and it was this sort of bookish and elegant atmosphere that I was searching for in Houston. Luckily, I stumbled across a small link on Houston Public Library website with information on this same building. After looking up photos of the inside of the building, I knew that this place was a perfect match to my beloved Life Science Library back in Austin. The building is surrounded by beautiful gates and a lovely courtyard that leads you to the front glass door. Once inside, I always love to take a deep breath of the faint old book smell that lingers in the air. The first floor contains old historic Texas maps and photography equipment on display similar to a museum that you're allowed to explore on your own. I also believe there are guided tours of the building that you can ask the front desk about. The second floor contains beautiful artwork on the ceiling of the foyer, with gorgeous tiny details that make this building so unique. My favorite part of this building, however, has got to be the study area on the second floor, with a high-rise ceiling, long wood tables, antique-style lamps, and inviting couches perfect for studying or curling up with a book. There's also a door off the side of the study room that leads to an adorable little patio area complete with tables and chairs. Although I have yet to go up there, I believe that the third floor contains a room that can be rented out for private events, and based on the first and second floor, I bet that the third floor is just as gorgeous. The only downside: it feels like Antarctica inside the building, so bring a jacket if you (like myself) get cold easily. read more

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The best thing about Houston is: you could be on your lunch break wandering aimlessly through the concrete jungle that is Houston, and like a mirage you stumble upon this amazing architectual wonder that has been beautifully restored, hidden with barely anyone in it like a secret just for you. This building is otherwise known as the Houston Metropolitan Research Center (HMRC). Here are some photos I've found online: http://www.ideson.org/photos.php Don't be afraid to explore, this building has so many wonderful corners to be discovered: - first level: Texas room has old Texas maps beautifully sketched by hand; some old photography equipment is behind the receptionist; there's also a large study room filled with antique Children's books, my personal favorite / paradise; - second level: the hall way is stunning, study room is beautiful, and a permanet exhibit section that's well planned; - third level: the beautiful ceiling is a must see. Wikipedia says:" Designed by Ralph Adams Cram of Cram and Ferguson, Boston, the Ideson Building opened in 1926 as the Central Library for HPL; the building, exhibiting a Spanish Revival style, replaced a prior Carnegie building. The building received listing in the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. Lana Berkowitz of the Houston Chronicle stated that there are legends of the Ideson Building being haunted by the ghost of Jacob Frank Cramer, a library caretaker, and Petey, his dog." Here's a link to a fascinating article about the building and the person it's named after in honor of: http://www.ideson.org/pdf/houston_history_mag_spring_2009.pdf PS there are 50 min tours of the building on Thursdays at 12 and 1. read more

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A gorgeous building and a great place to host an event, if it wasn't for the event management. They act like they're doing you a favor by letting you host an event there. Buyer beware, absolutely nothing is included in the cost they quote. They wanted to charge me almost $2000 to move some tables! As I said it's a beautiful building... read more

I was wandering Buffalo Bayou Park with a friend and, after crossing over the Sabine-to-Bagby promenade toTranquility Park, found ourselves near City Hall. I had often seen this yellow-brick building but never realized that it was open to the public until we approached the front door. It turns out that this building was formerly the Central Library for the Houston Public Library system until it moved to the more-modern and bigger building right across from it. You can either do a tour or walk the around the inside on your own. The first and second floors were open for visitors, and apparently the third floor can be rented out for private events (we listened in on an event planner walking her clients around to discuss plans). The first floor has the Texas room which contained archives of Houston and Texas history. The second floor's reading room was gorgeous, and across from it was an exhibit room which apparently changes every few months (visitors aren't allowed to take pictures, unfortunately). Definitely a must-see in a tour of historic buildings downtown! read more

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I was in Houston for a day during bar prep and needed a quiet place to study downtown. Yelp led me to the Julia Ideson Building, and I'm so glad it did! As other reviews have mentioned, this building is beautiful. The second floor is truly my ideal study spot -- huge tables, small lamps, gorgeous natural light, super quiet, super cold, and an aura of academia. There are overstuffed armchairs for days when you're reading instead of working, and a precious patio with bistro style tables for when you need a break from studying. What other reviews didn't mention, but what I think I should add, is that this place is also practical. There are tons of outlets attached to the big tables, and the free wi-fi is excellent. You're only allowed to have food on the patio, and drinks aren't allowed on the tables/chairs (i.e. I could keep my water bottle, but I had to store it in my book bag when not in use.) I parked in the garage under the main library, which costs $2/hour up to $16. read more

You cannot pick a better venue for any elegant event. The view, the decor and the pure beauty is enough to sell itself. However, I will say the staff and service made this venue THE premier venue in Houston. I looked for a venue for my wedding for months. My criteria was to fit 200 people, architecturally beautiful, downtown and something fairly new. I searched high and low, far and wide and came upon this venue from a friend who read about it in the Chronicle. How lucky am I? I did not want to write a review about this place until now since I recently got married here, but now that its done and over with, I could not be anymore pleased! If you are so fortunate to have the same staff and same experience you will have an unforgettable night. read more

*wedding venue review* I visited this beautiful library over the weekend because of a wedding ceremony and reception held here. This place is gorgeous- and every girl's dream! The high ceilings, art decor, and of course the books required very minimum decor. The wedding itself was fancy with valet, servers AND security everywhere, an open bar, beef tenderloin buffet: the works! We started in a secluded room where the ceremony was held that led into another room that held cocktails. When it was time for the reception, everybody was led up to the second floor - library/ study area where we enjoyed the rest of the night. There is also a third floor that some of us decided to explore and watch the cake cutting below us. Now I'm not sure how wedding contracts work with this particular venue or if different vendors were involved in the process, but the only complaint I really had was that we were there for a total of 4 hours before seeing off the bride and groom and heading out to Magnolia hotel for the after party. I would have liked at least an extra hour for dancing, but I know most places charge extra after 4 hours is up. I can imagine it being a very hefty fee just for a measly hour. Overall, it was an unforgettable wedding and venue! read more

I was here for a reception. It's a pretty building inside with a nice courtyard.

The historic room has historic photograph collections that would really surprise you and maps of the city from way back that often tell you what business a particular lot in downtown or elsewhere was actually used for. Historians come here to do actual historical research so you have to be quiet, but they enjoy showing people around who are interested just want to check it out. You can also buy reproductions from the photograph and map collection.' read more

This is one of the worst experiences of my life! A wedding was booked today and we were not allowed in the building until 4. Not allowed in the building even ONE MINUTE BEFORE 4 TO SET UP! We started to unload at 3:40 and the security guard was so INCREDIBLY RUDE and tried to sabotage the wedding that was happening that was starting at 6! They kicked us out and made us move all of the food and tables and supplies for the wedding and made us wait out side on the street until 4..... I have never in my life experienced such a level of RUDENESS and INCONSIDERATION! I will make sure to tell every one I know to Never book this venue BC they will take your money and treat you like trash! Unbelievable I am COMPLETELY DISGUSTED WITH THESE PEOPLE! How dare you treat your paying costumers like that! What a scam and a JOKE! I HONESTLY FEEL BAD FOR THE BRIDE read more

One of only a few historical buildings with lovely original interiors in tact. Includes largest WPA murals in one place. Beautiful ceiling with carved magnolias. Very special place for any event with a very capable and attentive staff to match. read more