Landmark · Washington Ave./ Memorial Park
Beer Can House
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The Beer Can House is a unique folk art attraction in Houston's Washington Avenue/Memorial Park area. Located at 222 Malone Street, this ordinary house has been transformed into a shimmering mosaic of flattened beer cans, bottle caps, and other recycled materials. The project was started by John Milkovisch in 1968, who began covering his home with aluminum cans as a creative way to insulate it and express his love for beer. Over the years, he added can curtains, garlands, and sculptures, turning the house into a dazzling spectacle. Visitors can walk around the exterior and view the intricate patterns up close; the interior is not open to the public. The house is surrounded by a manicured lawn and features a gift shop in the garage. What makes it distinctive is its sheer scale and the story behind it, a testament to one man's eccentric vision and environmental consciousness long before sustainability became trendy. The Beer Can House is a beloved Houston icon, often featured in lists of quirky roadside attractions. It's a quick stop that offers great photo opportunities and a glimpse into American folk art.
Don't miss
- See the house covered in thousands of flattened beer cans and bottle caps
- Admire the can curtains and garlands hanging from the eaves
- Learn about John Milkovisch's story and his creative recycling
- Browse the gift shop for unique souvenirs
- Take photos of this colorful, one-of-a-kind landmark
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Beer Can House
You don't need a tour to visit — entry is free. A tour is worth it if you want transport, a guide, or to combine Beer Can House with nearby sights in one day. That's what these do well.
Cheapest way inHouston Hollow Heart Hauntings Ghost Tour4.6★ · 75 travelers~1 hourFree cancellationFrom$26 per personSee dates →
Best full daySpace Center Houston Admission Ticket4.1★ · 1,467 travelers~24 hoursFrom$33 per personSee dates →
Private & flexiblePrivate Houston Brewery Tour by Cart4.9★ · 50 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$57 per personSee dates →Good for
How travelers rate it
Know before you go
- Check the website for hours; the house is open limited days (usually weekends).
- Bring cash for donations or gift shop purchases.
- Photography is encouraged; no flash inside the gift shop.
- Combine your visit with nearby attractions like the Menil Collection or Houston Zoo.
A bit of history
John Milkovisch, a retired upholsterer, began decorating his home in 1968, eventually using over 50,000 beer cans. After his death in 1988, the house was preserved by the Orange Show Center for Visionary Art, which now maintains it as a public art site.
Common questions
Can you go inside the house?
No, the interior is not open to the public; you can view the exterior and the yard.
How many beer cans are on the house?
Over 50,000 cans were used, along with thousands of bottle caps.
Is the house still being added to?
No, it is preserved as-is, but the Orange Show Center maintains it.
Are there guided tours?
Self-guided visits are standard; occasional guided tours are offered during special events.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes, kids enjoy the colorful cans and the story; it's a quick, fun stop.
Can I host an event there?
Yes, the site can be rented for private events; contact the Orange Show Center for details.
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