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The Menil Collection: Houston's Premier 20th-Century Art Masterpiece

The Menil Collection: Houston s Premier 20th-Century Art Masterpiece

Recognized as one of the 20th century's most significant private art collections, the Menil Collection is a cornerstone of Houston's cultural scene. Housed in a striking modernist building designed by renowned architect Renzo Piano, it features a thoughtfully curated selection of highlights at any given time. Exhibits span millennia, from ancient Ice Age carvings and Cycladic figures dating to 2800 BCE and Benin bronzes, to modern masterpieces by Pablo Picasso, Francis Bacon, Andy Warhol, and Kara Walker.

Who Owns the Menil Collection?

True to its name, the Menil Collection originated from the extraordinary assemblage of art and antiquities collected by Houston philanthropists John and Dominique de Menil. Opened to the public in 1987, the museum displays a portion of its over 17,000 works, with pieces rotated regularly by expert curators. Since Dominique de Menil's passing in 1997, a nonprofit charitable foundation has stewarded the collection.

Adjacent, the Menil Drawing Institute presents rotating exhibitions of prominent artists. Don't miss the Cy Twombly Gallery or the tranquil Rothko Chapel, both integral extensions of the Menil campus.

What Is the Admission Cost?

Admission is always free for all visitors; simply reserve your timed entry online. The Menil Foundation is committed to keeping this world-class collection accessible to everyone indefinitely.


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