01
Weddings
Vows on the covered balcony over Buffalo Bayou, then dinner and dancing on the oak floor of the grand ballroom.
Est. MDCCCXCII · Downtown Houston
Downtown Houston’s historic event venue.
Where Houston has celebrated since 1892.
From corporate gatherings and milestone celebrations to weddings and live performances, Magnolia Ballroom brings people together in a historic downtown setting.
1892
Founded
225
Guests · 180 seated
Landmark
City of Houston & Texas
Bayou
Covered balcony views
I — Occasions
Every occasion, one historic building.
Weddings, milestones, fundraisers and company gatherings for up to 180 seated or 225 reception-style, with a dedicated coordinator from first tour to last dance.
02
Quinceañeras
A grand entrance, a waltz and a celebration worthy of the milestone, in a ballroom made for it.
03
Bar & Bat Mitzvahs
A joyful celebration for family and friends, from the first hora to the last dance.
04
Corporate Events
Client dinners, company holiday parties, networking events and symposiums in a venue guests remember.
05
Fundraisers
A stately setting for benefit dinners, auctions and award nights, with room for a stage and program.
06
Private Events
Birthdays, anniversaries, showers and intimate dinners for groups who want the room to themselves.
II — The Building
A brewery on the bayou, restored as a ballroom.
Hugh Hamilton founded the Houston Ice & Brewing Company in 1892. Its Magnolia Brewery was one of the city's largest businesses at the turn of the century. The surviving building was restored by Bart Truxillo, who brought back its leaded stained glass magnolia windows, cypress frames, ornate plaster and original tile. It is now a City of Houston Protected Landmark and a Registered Texas Landmark.
The Houston Ice & Brewing Co. The two-story building at far right is the only survivor of the complex and houses the ballroom today.
1892
A brewery is founded
Hugh Hamilton establishes the Houston Ice & Brewing Company, known as the Magnolia Brewery.
1893
The building rises
Architect Eugene Heiner completes a four-story Italianate main building on Buffalo Bayou.
1912
Redesigned
H.C. Cooke and Co. redesign the Magnolia Building at Franklin and Milam.
1920
Prohibition
Brewing ends and the company turns to ice, becoming Houston Ice & Cold Storage.
1968
Restoration begins
Bart Truxillo purchases the building and begins restoring it to its former glory.
Today
The Magnolia Ballroom
The second floor hosts weddings, celebrations and Magnolia Live.
III — The Spaces
Four rooms, one floor.
Main Ballroom
Oak dance floor beneath the rotunda, framed by ornate Corinthian columns.
Bar Area
A dedicated bar space that keeps service moving through the evening.
Buffet Room
A smaller adjoining room for dinner service, stations or dessert.
Bayou Balcony
A covered balcony overlooking Buffalo Bayou, ideal for ceremonies and cocktails.
IV — Gallery
Inside the ballroom
V — Build Your Event
Design your day in four steps.
Tell us what you are planning. Our events team will reply within 24 hours to arrange a tour. Your tailored proposal comes after your visit.
Choose an occasion to continue.
Live Music. Different Genres. Unforgettable Nights.
Experience live music at the Historic Magnolia Ballroom in downtown Houston—from salsa and Latin rhythms to ’80s favorites and Country & Western. Explore upcoming events for dates, artists, and tickets.
Go to Magnolia Live