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56 reviews for The Menil Collection
They have a Gustave Dore oil painting.
That's all you need to know.
There are some really informative, comprehensive reviews on here of the history of this museum already, so I'll stick to my observations. This space represents the impressive private collection of the de Menils, and as a museum it is relatively unassuming- housed in a lovely white and grey modern building befitting the work.
I love that it is free to visit, and love that they rotate the work on display to keep the public interested. I also love that the space isn't so large as to be overwhelming. Seeing everything in one visit isn't at all strenuous, or it wasn't when we were there- a few of the galleries were closed. (The last museum I visited was the new modern wing of Chicago's Art Instutute. Its filled with amazing work and I think, must be experienced slowly, in a few visits.)
But I digress...my interest lies mostly in the modern art- and I was thrilled to see the number of Magrittes on display. My sister quickly spotted the one Duchamp hanging inconspicuously by the door of the Surrealist room, and I was absolutely elated that they had Cornell boxes! Joseph Cornell is one of my favorite artists, and while I was confused by his grouping with the surrealists, I was so glad to find him there. These are 4 particularly good boxes of his, I think. Ones I had never seen in person before.
My sister loves Old Things, and she lingered over the ancient artificats, 19th and 20th century African art, and 15th century Byzantine icons. We found some human skulls among a display of weaponry that would have frightened me as a child.
I can't forget the really impressive Michael Heizer pieces at the North Entrance either. "Isolated Mass/Circumflex" is iron troughs in the ground, winding into interesting zig-zags and twirls. I'll bet these look lovely when it rains, filled up with water- IF IT EVER RAINS ;)
The other curiosity right by the door was the "Charmstone", created about 20 years later. It's a beautiful carved giant stone pendulum, and I'll admit to wanting to scurry up and give it a push.
Also- the atrium gardens filled with lovely tropical plants, which you may only be able to see from inside, were very calming. I enjoyed sitting there, studying some intimidating African carvings, and watching the palms rustle in the breeze. I love the natural light in this building. It's one of the more pleasant museum spaces I've seen in a while, and I must say, it appears as though the aforementioned Art Institute's new modern wing borrows some similar concepts.
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So I'm actually ashamed to admit I've been here but once (maybe more if my parents took me here when I was little, but that doesn't really count, now does it?). The Menil is a quaint hidden gem nestled in the heart of Houston, and it's really easy to always want to go but forget it's there. But since I'm making yet another pilgrimage up to New York to see a few of the greatest museums in the world, I figured I'd make my Menil write-up before heading off.
The Menil (and its surroundings) was the brainchild of Dominique de Menil and family (rich beyond rich due to Schlumberger money). The Menils were, to put it mildly, patrons of the arts, and to give back, they constructed these free (yes, FREE) displays to the benefit of many Houstonians. The neighborhood is coordinated in a dull gray, as the Menils bought the surrounding properties. As such, the museum area doesn't make a bright splash like Los Angeles' Getty Museum, but rather a slow, haunting creep of wonderment and awe.
That sensation fits in perfectly with the work housed there, which we'll run through quickly.
- The main body of art is the Menils' extensive collection of surrealist art, which is perhaps the creepiest period since the Renaissance. They have an amazing collection of Magrittes (Thomas Crown Affair aficionados will appreciate it) and also dabble is some other more well known artists like Duchamp and Dali.
- Besides the Surrealist stuff, the collection houses an amazing array of modern art, including some personal favorites like Mondrian. While none of the art is overly famous, they as a whole encompass a far reaching view of 20th century artwork.
- Unsurprisingly, given their particular taste in more modern artists, there is also of African and Pacific art (which, as you may now is hugely prevalent in artists like Picasso and Gauguin). This stuff doesn't really interest me as much, but it's there for you.
- Similarly, there's also a nice Byzantine/Medieval section; my personal tastes start at the Renaissance.
More important than visiting the actual museum is going to visit the surrounding buildings.
- First, the Cy Twombly Gallery--pass. No offense to Twombly fans, but that has to be the biggest waste of time of art viewing I've ever had. Maybe you can change my mind.
- Next, the Byzantine Fresco Chapel--pretty neat. It houses the only Byzantine Frescoes anywhere in the Americas, which makes it pretty cool in itself. Even cooler, the Menils rescued these frescoes from thieves (via a checkbook, not by force. Oh well) and restored them to what you see today. The building and design are actually strikingly modern, yet contains these amazingly old pieces of art.
- Finally, the Rothko Chapel--absolutely phenomenal. One of the most vivid lines I remember from an art history professor was that everyone who goes into the chapel has a different sensation; he mentioned that there were people that actually went in there and just started crying. The Rothko Chapel is eerily quiet with a circular sitting area surrounded by a number of gray-hued Rothko paintings. It's haunting, ominous, and an incredible experience.
This place is great to go at any time and for any reason. Go on a rainy day when you're alone when there's nothing else to do. Go for a cheap date with free admission and a picnic in the neighborhood. Go with a group of friends to amaze them with your working knowledge of the Menil Collection. Whatever you do, just go. I know I need to be back again; maybe I'll even give Ol' Cy Twombly a second chance.
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Lovely place. Worth a trip just to see their Magritte, Ernst and other surrealists. One slightly sour and humorous note. We've been to many museums, I don't think we've ever been scolded by a docent. So it was kind of funny that David and I got scolded, by separate docents, in the space of about 10 minutes - him for getting fingers too close to the artwork (anything less than a foot seems to be too close) and I for passing a not very visible boundary around a piece of art on a pedestal - the boundary was the same color as the wood floor, but in retrospect was slightly raised. I had no idea we were so evil!
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Before I even get to the art, I just want to say that the park around the Menil is pretty fabulous. Picturesque, Shady, and picnic-friendly, this is the perfect place to sit and read a book or take a walk. After your walk you'll have a clear head, ready to take in the great collection of work at the Menil.
I love free things--food, massages, movie tickets--and art is no exception. In fact I think I enjoy it more when entry is free. I'm more impressed by the modern art at the Menil, especially the amazing Rene Magritte pieces. The building itself is a work of art to me--very energy efficient with gorgeous natural light.
The docents can be a little in your face (don't take pictures!), and on a recent trip a nosy docent kept joining our conversation. My friend and I were joking about the meaning of a piece, and the docent interjected with "That's the thing about art, it can have many meanings!" Thanks, Lady. I too went to college.
Anywho, you must visit the Menil. You'll love it, truly.
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SO GOOD. They have some nice Magrittes and some interesting stuff by Yves Tanguy among others.
Great museum! Loved the surrealism room! However the museum attendants stared at us like hawks on prey because we were violators of their rules of taking photos and drinking water. I didnt know that they were rule until I violated them and then they stared at us so hard that it was hard to enjoy the pieces.
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Five reasons why the Menil Collection deserves five stars:
1. Free admission
2. Wide range of art / artifacts
3. Design of the building is art in itself
4. Open Saturdays and Sundays late
5. Free admission
Free admission is great because you can just pop in whenever, see what you want to see, and leave when you feel like it. Even though I can appreciate history and art, and like museums, going to one makes me feel lethargic as hell. So for example, today, we dropped in at 6:00 and left by 6:45, just looking at one side of the collection.
A lot of the art here is that funky, surrealist stuff which I'm not crazy about. It is reserved for the "exclusive-artsy" crowd. But to me, it reminds me of the story of the Emperor and his new clothes--if you don't know it, this makes no sense. But, for example, when you walk in, there is a huge yellow wall and in the middle is a little silver/holographic rectangle that says, "This is the color when people wage war against the Earth" (not exactly like that but similar)-- I don't get it...but I guess it is pretty cool.
Then, there is the "Four Seasons" which I actually really liked, but it was just four large rectangles of different colors. I don't really understand it. Moving on, we peaked at looking at something that was just a clear rectangular glass box. No joke. It was all very strange. But I nodded, and murmured inaudibly, and pretended to be cultured.
It is a good place. I think appreciating art is like appreciating Shakespeare. If you hear/read/watch Shakespeare, there's something interesting or intriguing at a base level. But if you get down to the nitty gritty and study Shakespeare, you realize it is genius. I don't know about some of the artwork at the Menil Collection, but I don't really know that much about art to begin with.
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Edit: After exploring Houston, I realized even with the annoying security, this place still deserves 5 stars. Probably the best thing Houston has to offer.
I'm not much of an art admirer by any sorts but I recently came here during an UYE. At first I didn't even know about the museum since the picnic was just in the park. When I was told about it I was very excited to check it out especially since admission is FREE!!! This place could be an awesome free date in the future. The only reason it lost a star is the security people kept following our group around like we were going to steal something.
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I went here to meet a group of friends at the park and have a picnic. I have to say this place is really neat, the park is a little small but it is beautiful! Well maintained, wonderful trees, a huge piece of art which I thought was really cool and the area is around a bunch of really cool art museums.
Crystal if you read this, thank you so much for introducing this place to me, I will be coming more often and enjoying the abundance of things Menil Collection has to offer.
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What boggles my little mind about The Menil Collection is that what you see on the walls here is less than 5% of their collection. The exhibitions and installments are purposefully designed so that the viewers do not experience a sensory overload by hanging every last piece the Menils own.
The setting is small and intimate - it won't take you days to wander through, but because of the scope of their collection and the frequency of when they change the exhibits, you may find yourself here often and that's a good thing - the admission is free!
The collection spans almost the entire spectrum of art history from the beginning of human civilization. Not much chance of getting those African ivory tusks or Greek amphorae through customs today, but I love being able to look at them without having to travel to their places of origin. How politically incorrect of me
Every last aspect and nuance of the museum, including the building itself, was designed to show off the best aspects of the art. The building was conceived so that natural light was possible, but would still protect the work from the brutal sun of Houston's summers - not an easy task.
My only complaint regarding the collection has been that Surrealist and Contemporary exhibits contain very little work by other than male European artists, meaning female and artists of color are sorely underrepresented. Of course, to prove me wrong, they are exhibiting works by Marlene Dumas, a contemporary artist of some note, in March.
Than again, it is a private collection and the beauty of that is you get to collect what you want to collect, not what is dictated by public funding. Dominique de Menil was a Schlumberger heiress and if I had her barrels of oil, I'd buy what I wanted to, too!
If you come to a opening reception, you will enjoy talks by world class curators and rub elbows with art lovers from around the world rather than those that show up at the opening of an envelope for free wine (hick!). You tend to not see the openings of their exhibits advertised all over Houston so becoming a member is worthwhile.
If you believe that modern and/or contemporary art is not your bag, come to the Menil with an open mind rather than regurgitating what you were told by someone else. Maybe you'll like it - maybe you won't, but at least you decided for yourself.
Bear in mind that once upon a time the Impressionists were held in great disdain by the art world for their lack of realism. One hundred and some years later, some people cannot get enough of them.
Don't forget to check out the additional outlying exhibits and installations: Cy Twombly, Dan Flavin, the Rothko Chapel, in addition to the outdoor art work surrounding the Menil and its beautiful grounds.
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It's difficult to say what makes this place more magical--the weightless, light-filled, Renzo Piano building with its louvered ceilings and beautiful wooden floors, or the world-class collection, a well-curated assortment of ancient, near eastern, and African art, not to mention key pieces from the modern and postmodern eras: surrealism, minimalism, cubism, abstract expressionism, pop art, op art, color field painting, conceptual art. You name it, they have it...
Always genuine, understated and tasteful in its approach--one would never hear the word 'blockbuster' uttered within its four walls, nor be bombarded with didactic panels and audio guides--the museum nonetheless challenges its visitors to experience art as transcendence, offering exciting changing exhibits (many of them by contemporary artists), lectures and other programs.
A visit to the museum isn't complete without a stroll about the verdant Menil complex, which includes the ultra-serene Rothko Chapel with Barnett Newman's "Broken Obelisk" reflection pool outside, the Byzantine fresco chapel (where the attendant will speak to you at length about the de Menils and their harrowing plight to save these precious frescoes from art pirates), the Cy Twombly gallery, the Dan Flavin light installation, the museum bookstore, or the lovely oak-filled park. This perfect little ecosystem is framed by a quiet neighborhood of gray, Menil-owned bungalows, which contain people as well as local arts and culture organizations.
Admittedly, having grown up in Houston, I'm biased, but if I were to pick one place to spend the rest of my days, this would be it.
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I admire the passion for the arts and philanthropic vision that the Menil family had. Houston is so blessed to have a collection of wonderful art that is open to the public without charge.
The size of the museum is just perfect, not too overwhelming. The Met is truly amazing, but the size and grandeur can make it a monumental feat to complete. The Menil, however, is a place you can frequent at any time. Depending on your speed, you'll get through the collection in about an hour or two. While the collection doesn't boast a lot of masterpieces by household name artists, they do have a wonderful mix of modern and classical art pieces. My personal favorite was their collection of Renee Magritte pieces, most famous for his painting, "The Man in The Bowler Hat."
I spent 2 relaxed hours meandering my way through the museum. A wonderful way to spend an afternoon. The lawn outdoors begs for a picnic in nice weather while the neighboring chapels and artist installations are also a great way to make it a full day activity.
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I think the best part of the Menil is the building itself. Set in a neighborhood in Houston surrounded by small, modest houses, the architect, Renzo Piano, did an excellent job of blending the building into its setting. If you enjoy architecture this is a good one to study. Be sure to take a look upwards once inside and notice the light fins that were designed specifically to let natural light for optimal art viewing.
The art itself is impressive, ranging from ancient to modern. Although the Menil collection is quite huge, the museum has a manageable amount of art on display and it's easy to navigate.
The gift shop in the house across the street could be better; they mostly offer books without the cool design objects that a lot of museums offer.
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Since I've moved back to Houston, a number of out of town folk ask, "what's so great about Houston?" (Please read the part in between the quotation marks with a sarcastic, mock-stupid, high pitched voice.) The first thing at the top of a very long list is: "the de Menils and their collection of art."
Dominique and John de Menil were an important part of Houston during the oil barren era, bringing art, artists, film makers, and architects to this tiny town. Think wealthy, yet civic-minded people who mixed with artists, film makers, writers, politicians, religious leaders, and scholars.
They began collecting surrealist art in the 40s. By the time of their deaths, they had collected over 17,000 pieces of art. Not just surrealism, but expanding to Expressionism and Pop Art, also incorporating and collecting pieces from Oceania, Africa, and the Byzantine Empire. I won't give you an art lesson, but as you walk through each room, you begin to see how surreal the ancient art is and how expressive surreal art is. How important symbolism is in both. And this mind-opening experience is free?! Amazing and amazing. What a concept. Art *should* be free to the public.
The modern art collection is staggeringly good and large. The de Menils bought art from (and made close friends with) a number of impressive artists. Max Ernst, Robert Raschenberg (Port Arthur native), Jasper John, Andy Warhol, Yves Klein, and Rene Magritte.
Since I threw some artist names out there, I'll mention architects who worked closely with the de Menils. Their house was built by Philip Johnson (The Glass House, New York State Theatre--the theatre in the Lincoln Center) and the museum was originally going to be built by Louis Kahn (Kimbell Art Museum, Exeter Library), but was later built by one of his employees, Renzo Piano (Pompidou Center).
Experiencing exhibits here is amazing. The museum is beautiful. Wonderful wood floors with wooden ac vents. Diffused natural light. Lush courtyard greenery in atriums. I mentioned their large collection; next time you walk through an exhibit, notice how many of the pieces are owned by the Menil Collection. Staggering and comprehensive. In fact, if you notice "your favorite piece" isn't on display in their permanent collection rooms, it's most likely on vacation in another museum.
Need I tell you that if you have never been, you need to visit this space?
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If you're looking for a place to get your culture and cheapskate on at the same time, go here. From viewing the smaller size of this museum from the pristine, simply landscaped lawn, the place pleasantly exceeded my expectations by the end of my tour. The architecture of the building itself is simultaneously modern and quaint. The natural lighting and rustic hardwood floors lend a warm and inviting vibe, as opposed to the formal or clinical feel that other museums tend to elicit. As other yelpers have noted, you won't feel overwhelmed here and can serenely explore and absorb the many fine works in a couple of hours or less.
As for the collection itself, I was surprised to find so many beautiful works by well known artists. I went during the Max Ernst exhibit, which was awesome, and the regular collection features pieces that span many periods and media. I enjoyed the surrealist works by artists like Dali and Magritte, and was happy to see a few paintings by Henri Matisse, a fave artist of mine. There's also this cool dark, little room that houses various knick-knacks that belonged to a few particular artists and important people, I guess. I got this morbid, Norman Bates kinda vibe in that room, which is a good thing in my book.
Good place to spend an afternoon.
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I went on a quiet Friday afternoon, the day was overcasty and they didn't have lights on, in many of the natural lighted areas, so it was too dark to see.
I like that it was free, was cool about a donation until I had to give it to the receptionist, would rather have an anonymous box to drop it in.
Each room is manageable with exhibits, you don't feel overwhelmed. I enjoyed the intimacy of the venue. Except for the surrealist back room display is crammed full of stuff. So much that you need the leaflet, outside of the room to put a name and description to each little items. Personal items owned by artists, some crazy stuff.
Parking is across the lawn and street, behind the gift shop.
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I used to cut class during my spring semesters just to hang out in the Menil park. It's my favorite place to be in March.
I love the location, and I love all of the works.
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My all time favorite place for art in Houston. And I never would have found it on my own. I passed by it all the time and had no idea the wonders that lay inside. Who knew there were so many Warhol's in Houston? Well I didn't. Thanks to my art history professor for introducing me to the Menil.
This space is wonderful. The collection is almost flawless. I feel bad going in for free when I have to pay for better elsewhere...I can't wait to visit Houston and come by here again - it's been too long!
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The Menil is a hidden, FREE, and mind-expanding gem of an art collection. Did I mention free? Thanks to the generosity of the Menils, Houston has a first-class art museum that everyone can enjoy.
It's great to go on a weekday (except Monday/Tuesday - they're closed!) and enjoy the museum's diversity. From surrealism to Pacific American Art, this place has something for everybody. It's also a place to which you can perpetually return - inevitably, something in one of the galleries will inspire you or take your breath away.
Make sure to visit the other buildings connected to the Menil collection, including the Rothko Chapel, Byzantine Fresco Chapel (my favorite!), and more. You can get a map in the main museum and easily walk to any of the additional buildings.
Also, pack a lunch! There's a great little park with some beautiful, majestic live oak trees right across the street. Make a day of it - you'll be glad you did.
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Still my favorite museum in Texas. Yes, I've been to The Modern. But the Menil collection reads like a dreambook.
An entire room dedicated to Surrealist art, the original Pinhead lives in here! So do 200 other fantastical, amazing and just plain freaky objects of art making up this otherworldly space.
A commitment to Joseph Cornell's curious shadowboxes and Mark Rothko's life-threateningly beautiful paintings (visit the Rothko chapel while you're in the neighborhood). Also home to Max Ernst collages that are so detailed and diminutive, you have to get right up on them and give them your full attention to realize how incredible and genius they are.
Don't just blow through this museum. It's small enough that you can really take it all in. Take it slow. You'll be glad you deliberated.
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I am so sad I found this so late in my time in Houston. I am huge surrealist fan -- and more specific, a hardcore fan of dadaism -- and there is not many modern museums that embrace the impact of this small niche movement that really helped define modern painting, graphic arts, typography, photography and their sociopolitical voice of anti-war, anti-art, and outspoken dislike of the capitalist establishment. the Menil Collection gets it right and has substantial amount of work from this niche's masters. I was very impressed. The presentation is intimate, as well as informative, and has done such a great job I can rate it higher than exhibits I have seen in Chicago and SF. Kudos Houston, I have been impressed by your art knowledge. I just wish I could afford one these pieces. Lucky you Menil!
side note, the Menil grounds and building are nice hidden jem. Very relaxing and very modern. Watch out for the ground sculpture when kicking a soccer ball around. ;-)
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Very manageable, free collection. Perfect place to go when you have nothing to do, but want to get out of the house in the summer and enjoy chilly air conditioning. Why head to the Galleria when you can come here and see some interesting pieces in a terrific space.
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Being a Houston native, I am embarrassed to say that I never knew about this place until last week. We took a stroll here Saturday afternoon and I was awestruck... In my mind, I thought, "How on earth could Houston have such a place?!" Yes, I am biased - Truthfully, I feel that Houston doesn't have much of this kind of culture. But I was wrong -This place is unbelievable AND even has a different feel compared to all the other artsy places I've been to at the big cities.
I automatically fell in love with...
1) It's free at no cost. Of the 5 buildings the Menil Collection consists of, there is a receptionist/greeter at each place who is ready to smile and welcome you. They even say thanks for coming. Wow!
2) Being a beginner when it comes to museums, my first reaction is always feeling overwhelmed and not knowing where to start. But this place is so warming, simple, and relaxing. Right when I stepped in, I wanted to take my time and enjoy the moment rather than reach my typical goal of looking at EVERYTHING there was in a museum. The feeling was right ;)
3) The 5 buildings are all different and spread out in the Montrose neighborhood area. We are literally walking next to houses, condos, parks, tons of green grass, hills, ponds, and Menil Collection sculptures and designs are everywhere.
4) The Rothko Chapel is inspiring. You will be surprised at how you feel right when you step into the door. I knew nothing about this place beforehand, so I was shocked at how I felt. Usually, when you walk into a chapel, you rely on a higher being to help you through your times.. but here, you feel like you rely on no one by yourself. At instances, I felt like I was being crushed or helpless. It's an unexplainable feeling.
5) The Byzantine Fresco chapel was beautiful. The architecture is nothing I've seen before. They make the inside of this small church look 3-D and use natural light on the sides to give it a nice effect. I love it.
6) The Dan Flavin Installation was fun. When you walk through these lights to the front and back, notice something different. It took me awhile to notice, but it's cool!
I'm definitely coming back here to take a stroll or to take a break from life. I can't believe Houston has such an awesome place like this, and I never knew about it.
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I'm in love with the Menil. I can't wait to go again.
The space is absolutely gorgeous: simple lines that give way to natural beauty. I love how the ceiling is open and lets the light in in most parts of the museum. Sometimes you turn a corner and a huge floor to ceiling window opening out into an enclosed garden provides a backdrop to sculptures. Just gorgeous.
My favorite part was the room devoted to Surrealist art. Check out the nook housing all sorts of crazy knick knacks. (Don't miss the shaman's box filled with rat's skulls and feathers!) I especially loved Joseph Cornell's ... dare I say .... dioramas? I'll stick with what Leslie L. said and call them shadowboxes. *ahem*
We took our sweet time going through the museum. We went through it in about an hour and a half. Any longer than that and I start to get a little punchy. It was definitely digestible.
Also? Unexpected mummy portraits always make me happy.
Also, this museum is FREE. Yes, free. Absolutely wonderful.
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Great museum, with an even better price of admission: free. Coming from DC, where many museums charge no admission, I can be miffed if I have to pay $12 or $15 or even more just to get into an art museum. Here I didn't have to be miffed.
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FOR STARTERS: THREE VEHEMENT AFFIRMATIVES CONCERNING THE MENIL COLLECTION
Over-Yelped? Yes!
Really as good as Yelpers write? Without a doubt!
Is there anything left to write about it that hasn't been written already? Absolutely!
A RED THREAD RUNS THROUGH THE ECLECTIC MIX
Spanning approximately 20,000 years, the collection ranges from Paleolithic bones engraved with reindeer to modern art which can simultaneously bemuse, confuse, frustrate and thrill. As one walks through the gallery, what at first seems to be unrelated begins to fuse into a seamless progression of artistic expression and influence that reaches across countless ages.
The art of antiquity drew from nature and embraced myth. The Byzantine and medieval collection was inspired by allegories, both fantastic and spiritual. Tribal art was a direct influence on Surrealism which reveled in synthesizing all these influences into often playfully bizarre works that mystify as they draw you in. There is even a fun exhibit in the Menil that features artifacts and objects that influenced Surrealistic artists. To fully appreciate the progressive artistic influences, I recommend you peruse the art in chronological order.
The works of art are generously spaced and provide you with an uncluttered experience. Because the light, airy environment that features whitewashed walls is not nearly large enough for the complete collection, the works in the permanent collection are rotated on and off display at regular intervals. Hence, every time you visit the museum, the experience is fresh and unlike the last time you came.
The rest of my review reflects what was on display during my last visit. All of it probably won't be there when you stroll through the galleries.
THE HIGHLIGHTS
* Paleolithic bone etchings - mind-blowing to contemplate how old these beautiful engravings are.
* Fertility idols from 5600 BC - bootylicious!
* 3rd century mummy portrait of a young woman - I swore I was staring at Yelp Houston's Community Manager, Fayza E ( http://fayza.yelp.com ). It must have been the eyebrows.
* Ancestor House Post from the Solomon Islands - I'm not sure whether the shark embrace is carnal or a mortal struggle.
* Man Ray's "La Priere" (Prayer) - this beautiful photograph is intimate and vulnerable yet deliciously sacrilegious making it shockingly surreal.
* Magritte's "Golconde" - this is probably the signature work in the collection. You can endlessly (yet fruitlessly) contemplate whether those men in bowler hats are rising up or raining down.
THE BIGGEST EMOTIONAL IMPACT
A lovely early Matisse, Brook with Aloes, had me musing about an afternoon I had spent in the Matisse Museum in Nice, France, that had featured his blue cut-outs of nudes. I must have subconsciously held this image in my mind as I strolled past works of Rauschenburg and Andy Warhol towards the back room of the 20th century exhibit. Turning the corner, I was confronted by a large canvas of almost electric blue that had reverse images in white of what appeared to be dancing nudes a la Matisse. I smiled and walked over to read the plaque indicating the artist and title. It was a work by Yves Klein entitled "Hiroshima". A chill went up my spine as I realized how wrong my initial impression had been. What the artist had captured was the instant that the deadly atomic flash had illuminated writhing bodies seen as a negative image.
JUST SO-SO
* The Robert Ryman Special Exhibit - this exhibit evoked the only criticism I had of the museum during my last visit. Ryman specializes in white canvases that highlight his obsession with the fasteners used to hold his works to the wall. Because they were displayed on a white background, there simply wasn't enough contrast to fully appreciate what Ryman was trying to do.
* Bruce Nauman's "A Rose Has No Teeth" Special Exhibit - I found this multimedia exhibit to be visually and aurally disorienting. Much of his stuff had an adolescent appeal and reminded me of "art" I produced for grins when I was a teenager. I'm fairly convinced that Nauman was tripping pretty heavily on acid when creating this material.
THE LOWLIGHTS
None!
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This was stop #2 on my way down W. Alabama St. on a recent visit to Houston. Part of a 1-2-3 punch that would have included The Breakfast Klub had the line not been wrapped around the building in 90+F heat, and did happily include The Chocolate Bar.
As Agatha Christie's character Hercule Poirot would likely visit this collection repeatedly to entertain his little grey cells...I too salute the Menil family and museum staff for making this art and grounds available to the public at no cost.
Others have well extolled some of the wonders here, so I'll only add my favorite thing to do with Warhols and Miros.
Be sure to stand back far enough, then pick a certain spot on the painting and stare for a good 30 seconds or so....OK to blink, but fix back on that spot--easy with Miro.
Quickly shift your glance to an open spot on the white walls or ceiling, and give your eyes a moment or two longer to fool your brain with the complimentary colors of the image you were staring at. Newton and Goethe were best at describing this color perception phenomenon...
OK, so you obviously don't want to stare at the sun this way, but these images in the Menil collection of surrealism are equally bright in many ways.
(Quick hint--find a shady spot in the museum parking lot, which is off W. Alabama--then walk to the entrance across the street past the bookstore.)
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I loved the ancient Greek and Roman art. I loved the Byzantine art. I loved the huge Pacific Islander mural. I hated the Max Ernst wing, the surrealist stuff and despised the empty Mark Rothko solid color canvases. It's worthwhile going to see but only 1/3 of the collection has "wow" factor going on. As my chemistry teacher in college once said "You can't call it a museum or a university unless you put a big helicopter wreck of metal out front and dub it art." The Menil has the obligatory helicopter wrecks outside.
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I find the sound of echoing footsteps and creaky wood floors to be quite soothing. Andy Warhol notwithstanding, this place has some wonderful artwork (and the grounds are quite nice, too). Nice joint to be alone in.
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Meticulous Architectural Design ... Amazing Collections .. Historic Surrealism Exhibits .. Antiquities and Cutting Edge Contemporary Openings with Legendary Speakers
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This place shattered the stereotype of Houston being a pit.
The temperature may be hot and swampy out there, but in here it is cool, refined. and calming. The grounds are beautiful, as is the surrounding neighborhood. The exhibits change often enough so even if it is on the small side, it's worth going on a regular basis.
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This is one of my favorite places in the world. The Menil Collection ranks up among the best art museums in the nation right along side the the Getty, MOMA, Art Institute in Chicago, The Frick and the National Gallery. The collection and the gallery spaces are truly unique, spiritual, and inspiring.
The museum was created to house John and Dominique de Menil's personal collection and the foundation rotates the artwork in the spacious and natural/organic gallery designed by Renzo Piano. I love "contemporary" art and I'm always impressed with the diverse work I see there as well as the wide range of artists. They currently have a cool Claes Oldenburg sculpture (a giant cloth fan) and a large, dark, Rauchenberg canvas that I've never seen before and it's refreshing to go to a museum where the art work is always in flux.
Besides the main building The Menil Collection also includes the Cy Twombly Gallery (my favorite), a Dan Flavin installation, The Rothko Chapel and the Byzantine Fresco Chapel. The other buildings are within walking distance to each other and the art and architecture of each space is unique and interesting.
I'm moving to Houston in a few weeks and it makes me feel a lot better knowing I'm going to be living within walking distance to this wonderful museum.
Also:
All the galleries are free.
The Rothko Chapel is a nondenominational sanctuary open every day of the year.
The museum hosts free lectures and other public programs. (I hope to check out the gallery talk on Robert Rauschenberg in August.)
The property is an oasis in Houston and the grounds are perfect for a picnic.
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Although the other reviewers have hit the main points on this gallery, I must put in my two-cents.
The first time I visited the The Menil, a fragile senior citizen came walking towards me. Being as immature as I was at the time, I avoided her. I didn't know then that it was Dominique de Menil. She used to greet people when they came to the gallery.........her gallery.
I treated a friend to a hair cut and style near The Menil some years ago. Her son was talking about a paper he had to write on artists. He named Picasso. Since we were waiting on his mom, I asked him if he wanted to see a real one? He said yes, and we headed over to The Menil. The teenager was mesmerized by the surrealist collection. This gallery is a treasure for Houston.
Did you know that the Menil children partied with Andy Warhol? Did you know that Dominique Menil and her husband commissioned architect Phillip Johnson to design their Memorial area home? They helped put him "on the map" here in Houston. He went on to design many significant buildings in our town.
Dominique Menil was formerly Dominique Schlumberger. Her father was founder of one of the top oilfield services companies in the world, Schlumberger.
The Menil is a must see, if you are a visitor to, or a resident of Houston. Stop in at Cafe Artiste on Mandell for a cup of java.
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I have my mother to thank for bringing me here any chance she could get on a Saturday afternoon. The exhibits are unique and memorable. Skip the MFA and take the less-beaten path over here.
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One of the best museums that I've ever been visited in the U.S.
The building is a wonderful venue, with the natural light that really enhances the experience. I am a fan of masks and very interested in them, so the extensive collection of masks from native peoples in British Columbia, Africa, and South America combined with the german-made pin-man suit are all fascinating. I really enjoyed the big windows and rich, lush vegetation that surrounds the art, the building seems to blend art and nature in a vibrant and sensible way.
Museums can often feel institutional or like places where dead relics are stored, quite the contrary the menil feels vibrant and alive. A very inspiring place.
Also the surrealist collection is one of the best I've seen.
I left feeling calm and inspired. The book store across the street is also nice. I mark good for kids, assuming that the kids are normal, well-behaved little ones. And not those kind you sometimes in encounter at the mall or in restaurants who seem to require a sedative or a leash.
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The collection at this museum is incredible. The enviorment is comfortable and relaxing. The permanent collection is extraordinary and the Otabenga Jones & Associates exhibit is not to be missed (if you haven't had a chance to see it, it's on display until December 9th).
It's rare in America now to find such an inspiring collection free of charge. Anyone visiting Houston with interest in the arts can't miss out on The Menil Collection. I'm fortunate enough to be able to wander down here whenever I want.
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I love to go here about once a month to get lost in their Surreal Art room.. It's my fav.
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I like to go here over lunch, as I work in the area. It is a great, quiet, beautiful place to recompose myself during the workday. It just absolutely amazes me that a collection this extraordinary is FREE. I have seen Picasso's here, Klimt, Klee - not to mention the other exhibits, such as tribal art and medieval...
There is something for every art lover here. Now go check it out!
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This is the best art museum I've ever been to. Ever. I felt that the Contemporary Museum of Art in L.A. was the above all end all, but no, The Menil Collection is an absolute must see.
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