The Menil Collection is an art museum located in Houston, Texas, along Sul Ross Street. Free for the public to enter, it is home to both special exhibitions and permanent collections of artworks and sculptures. You can expect about two-thirds of the main building filled with all types of artworks curated from the 1940s to the 1990s by the Menil Collection’s founders, John and Dominique de Menil. To know more about the exhibitions, head over to their official website to see what’s on and what’s coming up next. You will also be able to get a glimpse of past exhibitions. In this guide, we will specifically look into the things to do and buy, tips, how to get there and more. Read on for an in-depth guide to The Menil Collection, Houston.
Things to do / Highlights
Admire the architecture
Designed by the famous Italian architect, Renzo Piano, The Menil Collection boasts of classic gray and white cubic forms, making the place a wonderful backdrop for your selfies, wefies, ootds and Instagram updates.
Visit the bookstore
The Menil Bookstore faces the main entrance of the museum building so it’s hard to miss it. Enter this place if you’re keen to browse and maybe purchase one of the volumes from The Menil Collection imprint and past exhibition catalogs. Books on contemporary art, architecture and design are also available. Parents looking to bag home something for their kids will be glad to know that there’s a large children’s book and toy section in the bookstore.
Check out the works at Cy Twombly Gallery
You can find the gallery opposite the main museum building. Opened in 1995, it is a collaborative effort between the Menil, the Dia Foundation, and artist Cy Twombly. The artworks of Cy Twombly include canvases, sculptures, paintings, and drawings. See if you can spot the untitled “Green Paintings” the artist displayed at the 1988 Venice Biennale and the Bay of Naples and Triumph of Galatea paintings from 1961 while you’re there.
Walk through the Dan Flavin Installation at Richmond Hall
Apart from artworks and exhibitions at the main building, take the opportunity to admire the works of Dan Flavin, a minimalist sculptor, who has created a permanent installation with fluorescent-light tubes at Richmond Hall. Using the building’s original skylight to his advantage, the sunlight is able to interact with the artwork’s electric light during the day.
Where to eat
Bistro Menil
You will find Bistro Menil located right at The Menil Collection campus. It is a modern restaurant serving European American cuisine, craft beer, and wines. Not feeling too hungry? You can have an affordable afternoon tea from 2pm to 5pm from Wednesdays to Sundays. Price starts at 65 USD per person and reservation is required.
BuffBurger
Located a 3-minute walk away is BuffBurger restaurant along West Alabama Street. Apart from their quality burgers, they serve salads, beer, and cocktails. There’s also a kids’ menu and milkshakes choices from everyone!
Good Dog Houston
Along the same street as BuffBurger restaurant, you can find Good Dog Houston, a hot dog restaurant. Satisfy your cravings with Texas-made franks, barbecue chicken wings, and desserts. A tip: tofu hot dogs are available upon request for those trying to eat a little healthier.
Things to buy
Past exhibition catalogs
Museum fans who love to appreciate the arts can consider purchasing one of the now-rare exhibition catalogs from The Menil Bookstore.
Jewelry and artwork
At the same bookstore, spot a specially curated selection of jewelry and artwork by Texas-based artists. Since you’re in Texas, there’s no better time than now to support the local artists and their quality works.
A membership
Feeling a strong sense of attachment to The Menil Collection and seeing yourself returning to Houston within a year-long period? You can now purchase a membership starting from 125 USD. Some of the benefits include being able to receive invitations to exhibition openings, access to Member Noontime Talks and also selected advantages across 1,000 museums in North America.
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Travelers tips
Wheelchair-accessibility
There are four wheelchair-accessible parking spaces at The Menil Collection’s main parking lot at 1515 West Alabama Street. If you require wheelchairs, they are available on a first-come, first-serve basis at the main building and Menil Drawing Institute.
Group visits
If you happen to be arranging a visit for more than 20 people, you will have to call in at least one week in advance. There’s also a 1:10 adult to child rule that applies for visits to the museum.
Visitor guides available
E-guides are available in various languages including English, Spanish, French, and Vietnamese. You can download the relevant guides in your preferred language in advance from their official website.
How to get there
By bus
Take bus number 025 and alight at Richmond Avenue at Mandell Street bus stop (Stop ID: 2979). Thereafter, take a five-minute walk via Mandell Street to get to The Menil Collection.
Parking information
If you’re driving, do head to The Menil Collection’s main parking lot at 1515 West Alabama Street for parking of your vehicle. Alternatively, you may park along the streets on Sul Ross, Mulberry, Mandell, Branard, and West Main Streets and in lots adjacent to Richmond Hall and the Byzantine Fresco Chapel. To save yourself some time to find a parking lot, opt for an Uber or Lyft ride.
The Menil Collection information
The Menil Collection
Address: 1533 Sul Ross St, Houston, TX 77006, United States
Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 11am - 7pm (closed on Mon & Tues)
Cost: Free admission
Official website: The Menil Collection
Department of tourism: Visit Houston
News & updates for The Menil Collection: The Menil Collection presents ‘Of Heaven and Earth’
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