Although I called Houston home for the first 18 years of my life, my first trip to The Menil Collection was on a college architectural field trip. Growing up, my family had always visited the more popular Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. I was surprised to find such a gem in my hometown!
Curved Roof Panels
On this first trip, my classmates and I examined this thoughtful building. Renowned architect Renzo Piano designed the main building, as well as the adjacent Cy Twombly Gallery. Piano also designed the recent expansion of the Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth. The challenge of any art museum is bringing natural light inside to illuminate the artwork without damaging them with harmful UV rays. At The Menil, Piano used curved roof panels to safely direct and filter the light into the spaces below, creating a distinctive rhythm throughout the structure. In addition to the roof panels, I love the long wood plank flooring that make the galleries seem even longer. The heavy wearing of the wood reveals the countless number of people who have enjoyed this space previously.
Since my initial trip, The Menil has become one of my favorite places to visit when in Houston.
Inside, galleries highlight different genres: the Antiquities, African, Pacific Islands, Surrealism, Modern, and Contemporary. Works by Picasso, Matisse, Cézanne, Miró, Ernst, Mondrian, Dali, and others grace the walls.
The Collection also features traveling exhibitions. Check the museum’s website for information on the current exhibition(s).
This art was once the private collection of John and Dominiqu de Menil, and is now graciously on view to the public. Even better, there is no charge to see the Collection or the traveling exhibitions. The goal, make art accessible!
While you are in the area, visit the Cy Twombly Gallery, Rothko Chapel, Byzantine Fresco Chapel and Menil Park for the complete experience.
The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday, 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Please note, the museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. No photography is permitted inside the museum.
The main parking lot located on West Alabama Street offers free parking.
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