.png)
Fantasy Coffins: The Houston Adventure
- Jennifer Jones
- Oct 26
- 2 min read
Well, Matt and I explored the took our trip to Houston. If you do not know Matt or have not seen my previous posts about his scheduling, you should know that he is absolutely crazy about itineraries. So, in order to fit in all the planned activities, the National Museum of Funeral History was our first (and I mean very first) stop in Houston.
The museum was fascinating. Yes, I originally went to see the Fantasy Coffins, but I had never stopped to consider what an important part of history funerals really are. There is an entire section dedicated to presidential funerals, and the level of respect, honor, and detail given to those who led our country was awe inspiring. Think of the coverage, pomp, and circumstance surrounding the funerals of Jimmy Carter and George Bush in recent history.
One of the most poignant exhibits focused on Abraham Lincoln’s assassination and funeral. That made me smile, thinking of my struggles to get him “just right” on my Merrymen of Mount Rushmore painting. There is a map showing the path of the train and all the stops made to return his body for burial in Illinois. Seeing the information on Abraham Lincoln has made me want to visit his grave in Illinois. (Oh Matt, another road trip to plan.)
Then there was the downright weird. A glass casket, a casket for three, specially ordered, and never picked up and on display, and another casket completely covered in money. I had to stop and wonder about those life stories.
Caskets on Display at the National Museum of Funeral History
But of course, the crowning glory was the Fantasy Coffins themselves. (Remember, the Houston museum has the largest collection of Fantasy Coffins outside of Ghana.) There was a lobster, a chicken, an airplane, and more, each one a vibrant, handcrafted piece of art meant to capture a life well lived. Imagining what sort of story led to each design was both touching and fascinating.
Fantasy coffins on display at the National Museum of Funeral History
✨ Your Turn: If you could design your own Fantasy Coffin, what would it be? A camera? A teacup? Maybe a stack of sketchbooks? Share your ideas in the comments. I would love to see where your imagination goes.
Thanks for reading The 3rd Flamingo—a blog for art lovers, creative wanderers, and anyone who’s ever made a beautiful mess.
I would design a crown coffin. My resting place would be in the center. I would be surrounded by sparkling sequins and wearing an evening gown. Might as well spend eternity resting like royalty.