Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Julia Ideson Building

    4.2 (17 reviews)
    Closed 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

    Julia Ideson Building Photos

    Recommended Reviews - Julia Ideson Building

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Reading Room was used for a party upstairs
    Lou C.

    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.

    The wedding hall! C'mon now, we need more yelpers on the groom side lol.
    Ron R.

    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!

    Outside of Julia Ideson Building
    Geneve C.

    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.

    Yin Q.

    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.

    See all

    2 years ago

    Helpful 14
    Thanks 1
    Love this 3
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 1
    Love this 3
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Ron R.
    1430
    1076
    14745

    9 years ago

    Helpful 21
    Thanks 1
    Love this 22
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Geneve C.
    403
    14
    21

    12 years ago

    Helpful 8
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    14 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    13 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 1
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 1

    10 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 1
    Love this 3
    Oh no 1

    11 years ago

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

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Landman H.
    14
    160
    60

    12 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Ask the Community - Julia Ideson Building

    Review Highlights - Julia Ideson Building

    The second floor contains beautiful artwork on the ceiling of the foyer, with gorgeous tiny details that make this building so unique.

    Mentioned in 8 reviews

    Read more highlights

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Landmarks & Historical Buildings 1,218 times last month within 5 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Buffalo Bayou Park - Ripples and Reflection in the Buffalo Bayou Cistern

    Buffalo Bayou Park

    4.5(331 reviews)
    0.7 miDowntown

    The Houston Cistern at Buffalo Bayou Park is not only an amazing piece of Houston history but also…read morea wonderful structure to tour. In a city that is known for tearing down and paving over so much of our history, it is wonderful that this was saved and has been made into a place that visitors can visit and experience. I went with some friends from Kingwood on a Photo Walk of the area, we were lucky that the light and sound experience was still going on, each column in the cistern has LED lighting that changes to the tune of some aethereal music playing silently, the acoustics of the cistern make it sound so beautiful and mesmerizing. When you purchase your ticket online you choose one of the available times, upon entry they give you 30 minutes, the time passed quickly. Be ready if you are taking pictures or better yet, a video. Smart phones work great but you might consider turning off auto focus and just focusing manually if you know how because when it gets dark for a moment and then the lights come on most cameras auto focus has to search for focus so it goes in and out of focus. When you leave, there is a skateboard park up above and worth some time for taking pictures of the acrobatic skating going on.

    What a time we had at this fabulous event. The weather was bad earlier that day so by the time we…read morearrived it was still a little bit damp. The event was called Diner en Blanc an all white exclusive event, with pictures, food, live bands, fashion shows and more. Their catering was ok but for 100 pp for food is a hard no for me. The group we were with was ok had higher hopes but that's the ultra friendly side of me talking It was at buffalo bayou park but because of the rain lots of people (Angela) clothes were filthy There was nothing missed, our people showed up and showed out. The live band was very good, music for all age groups. Now our people forget what copy paper white looks like, they clearly said no off white, beige, cream, egg shell but they had all shades of whitish

    Photos
    Buffalo Bayou Park - O understood the assignment

    O understood the assignment

    Buffalo Bayou Park - This is Joy Davenports gang

    This is Joy Davenports gang

    Buffalo Bayou Park - Look at this beautiful site

    See all

    Look at this beautiful site

    Houston Astrodome - Outside

    Houston Astrodome

    4.9(9 reviews)
    5.7 miMedical Center

    The Astrodome was one of a kind. Literally, the first one. This is obviously a review of times…read morepast. But it can be a review of times present. Presently, the Dome sits majestically on the south Houston plains as a monument to Houston sports past. And frankly, the birth of Sports in the city. Like Plymouth Rock or the Gateway Arch, it represents the beginning of greatness in the now fourth largest city in the United States. The authorities can't bear to bring it down nor should they. It's our history. Lives. It sits there in the shadow of the current Houston football stadium just like a withering parent sits watching his or her son or daughter dominate their industry. It was the birth of greatness in sports. Born in 1965, it represented everything right with the City of Houston. Forward thinking. Innovative. Air Conditioned. It set the tone for what the city would thrive on for the next half century and beyond. She hasn't seen a competitive athletic event or meaningful show in 20 years. As technology moved forward, much like our aging parents stuck to landlines and paper bills in the mail, she didn't want to let go of her old-world charm. To the point where, it just was what it was. Now we must let her reign over our city in her authority. We owe too much. It was home to Houston's sports teams: The Houston Astros. The Houston Oilers. The Houston Gamblers. The Houston Cougars. The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. The people and historic events the Astrodome witnessed is a who's who of 20th Century American culture. Muhammed Ali. Elvis Presley. Michael Jordan. Hank Aaron. Willie Mays. Mickey Mantle. Satchell Paige. Earl Cambell. Nolan Ryan. Craig Biggio. Jeff Bagwell. Andre Ware. The Final Four. The NBA and MLB All Star Games. Evel Knievel. The Rolling Stones. Judy Garland. The Jackson Five. Selena. U2. The Jonas Brothers. The Battle of the Sexes. Wrestlemania. The 1992 Republican National Convention. The Game of the Century (Houston Cougars vs. UCLA Bruins). I could go on. It hosted movies/videos like Bad News Bears. Friday Night Lights. And U2. The technology advancements were incredible. The roof started it. Astroturf followed. Dome visionary Judge Roy Hofheinz Penthouse Suite owners box was an amusement park in and of itself with a carousel, bowling alley, pinball machines, and more. Which led to a whole complex of entertainment in the vicinity, including Astroworld, hotels, and show space for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Don't ever let this place be razed. It means too much. #ForTheH

    Just wanted to write a review for the old school memories. I was a Houstonian back in the 70s to…read more80's. What a place that was. From watching the Oilers, Astros, circus and the stock show it was an awesome place for a kid. A story came across my phone talking about what will become of that event center. Says there will be an event center there, hotel, and the common ideas people have for a place like that. It's to bad it can't be converted into a new wonder of the world. My idea would be the largest green house/lab in the world that college ag programs could get a use of as well as providing essential supply and knowledge for our farms. It can be used to manufacture seed for farms, fertilizer, etc. Also rains a lot in Houston so It could have indoor and outdoor fish farms. It really could be a viable resource build for our countries food security as well as for the ag students and studies for tomorrows generation. Well at the end, I'm glad it's staying up right and not turning into a land fill of boxes and forgot storage.

    Photos
    Houston Astrodome - Astrodome in April 2022

    Astrodome in April 2022

    Houston Astrodome
    Houston Astrodome

    See all

    Beer Can House

    Beer Can House

    4.0(98 reviews)
    3.0 miRice Military, The Heights

    The Beer Can House in Houston is one of my favorite places to take out-of-town guests because it's…read moreso unique to the city. This folk art style house, located in the Rice Military neighborhood, is covered in beer cans, bottles, and pull tabs, making it kind of a Houston landmark. The project was started by John Milkovisch, who, along with his wife Mary, saved empty beer cans for 17 years. While it may not have started as an artistic endeavor, it definitely became one. Ripley's Believe It or Not estimated that over 50,000 beer cans were used, though a more detailed count by a restoration team puts it closer to 30,000. Honestly, I don't know how many cans there are--but the sheer scale and creativity of it make the place undeniably unique and interesting. The Beer Can House is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 AM to 4 PM, and admission is free, which makes it an easy and fun stop. Walking around, you can see how every detail is covered in some form of recycled beer material. It's whimsical, creative, and just so quirky. If you're looking for something different to do in Houston, this is a must-see. It's a great mix of folk art, local culture, and a testament to how even the most ordinary materials can be transformed into something extraordinary. Love it!

    Unfortunately, it was closed when I visited, but I am determined to return before my departure to…read moreexplore its offerings. The intriguing facade has piqued my interest, particularly its juxtaposition with the neighboring modern apartments.

    Photos
    Beer Can House - Fans of the Beer Can House

    Fans of the Beer Can House

    Beer Can House - Closeup of the Beer Can House

    Closeup of the Beer Can House

    Beer Can House - The original refrigerator that was given to the owners when they moved in.

    See all

    The original refrigerator that was given to the owners when they moved in.

    Cullen Sculpture Garden - The Bird and The Bean

    Cullen Sculpture Garden

    4.3(58 reviews)
    2.6 miMuseum District

    This sculpture garden is managed by the MFAH although it is free, unlike the MFAH…read more It's relatively small but has quite a few pieces by famous artists like Rodin, Bourgeois, Matisse, and more. There is also Houston's version of the Chicago Bean (created by the same artist). There are a few places to sit and have lunch. I probably wouldn't come here as a stand-alone destination as it's small. However, it's a perfect addendum to either the MFAH or the Contemporary Art Museum across the street. Parking: You can certainly pay to park in the MFAH garage (5101 Montrose). However, there is free street parking in the area if you take the time to look and don't mind walking a couple blocks. For instance, Bayard Lane has free 3-hour parking (behind The Story Church). There are other streets with similar restrictions -- just pay attention to signs.

    The Cullen Sculpture Garden was one of the first few spots I visited when exploring Houston after…read moremoving here and I've been back several times since. The garden is situated right next to the Kinder Building and Glassell School of Art at the MFAH, on the corner of Montrose and Bissonnet Streets. While located at a major intersection of the Museum District, it's tucked tastefully behind an unassuming wall, making it easy to miss while driving by but pleasantly tranquil while inside. The garden has a large number of contemporary and classical pieces by several notable 20th and 21st century artists, such as Louise Bourgeois and Henri Matisse. One of the most popular sculptures is the Cloud Column, a 30-foot reflective steel bean shaped column designed by Anish Kapoor, the same artist who created the famous Chicago bean. This sculpture is a fantastic center to take photos from any angle. The space is designed with a number of low walls to create a natural separation between the pieces but still making it easy for visitors to wander around without a defined path. The garden is completely free to visit and has a number of small tables to sit down, relax, and immerse yourself in the visual experience.

    Photos
    Cullen Sculpture Garden - The Bird by Miro and the Bean (Cloud Column) by Kapoor

    The Bird by Miro and the Bean (Cloud Column) by Kapoor

    Cullen Sculpture Garden - Adam by Emile-Antoine Bourdelle

    Adam by Emile-Antoine Bourdelle

    Cullen Sculpture Garden

    See all

    Julia Ideson Building - landmarks - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...