This gallery is beautiful inside and out. Well placed and chosen collections that extends down a hallway with scattered views of the oaks outside and tropical gardens inside. Theres no admission fee and the staff was extremely helpful. There is also the Menil cafe and Bookstore across the street. You could go for a stroll around the area stop here for an hour or so and maybe a picnic on the grounds this is the perfect place in the middle of a scenic, historic neighborhood.

You can finish looking at all the at in under 30 minutes. Some of their non-permanent installations were super cool. Too bad you couldnt take pictures of them. If you have some time kill, this place is free with free, easy parking in their lot one street over. I wouldnt make a day out of it though. Only if youre already in the area.

Absolutely beautiful museum right in the heart of the city. Great, central location, free parking and beautiful grounds. Definitely worth a visit for any art enthusiast!

Im not like an art conesiour or anything like that but it was very interesting and nice. Just get the tickets online which are free they are just trying to make sure the number of people in at one time is managed to help with coronavirus. Social distancing was very good and wearing mask was enforced. The staff member at the front desk was very friendly and nice and gives informations on the exhibits. People are all around to answer the questions you may have about the artwork :). Very good experience.

I really enjoyed my time here. Their collection is very nice. The area around the building is very green and many people were sitting and enjoying the nice weather. Id love to come back soon

Gorgeous collection in a minimalist space, and for free! Enjoy some of the most diverse pieces of art, well organized per age and artist. The surrounding area is also amazing, and don’t forget to visit the the Rothko Chapel too!

The staff was amazing redirecting me when I got lost. There are several buildings with art from worldly and local artist. In the main art room there are staff in each room. I went at 1:30 and made an online reservation and entry was smooth. It was free to visit. It took me 3.5 hours to visit the entire collection.

An excellent collection. Gorgeous space. One of Houstons gems. Unfortunately, the staff is very unfriendly towards children. The staff watch families like hawks, offering terse and preemptive instructions regarding hand-holding or other ways to restrict their movement. Its a shame. Theyve lost two members.

Wonderful place, always something new. One of my favorite places to go in the city

The art and the atmosphere is awesome but the security guards watching u like a thief is a downer

What a pleasant surprise. My husband and I arrived at the Main Building of the Menil Collection around 1:00 pm on a Saturday in February. Before entering we werent really impressed with the exterior. Upon entering we were very impressed with the design of the building and the collection within. Each gallery has one wall of glass which exposes beautifully designed gardens that cannot be seen from the outside. The galleries are laid out so that it is ready to go from one to another. You will find pieces in the Menil Collections spanning Ancient to modern times.There is no admission charge. We were treated to an interesting music program hosted by DACAMERA Young Artists and Friends. Unfortunately, we ran out of time and didnt get to visit the other buildings in the Menil Collection. We will definitely return again.

Incredible art museum! I’ve been visiting for years and every visit is new and refreshing. My favorite exhibit is Surrealism; the charcoal walls and low lighting contribute to atmosphere the art on the walls exhibit: dark, distorted, and dreamlike (like our subconscious). Every exhibit is worth visiting. The Rothko Chapel is not far and it’s worth the visit as well. And it’s free! I also recommend learning about the rich history and founders of this museum, John and Dominique de Menil.

I just went to ENJOY the outdoor space! Lovely grounds ... like an oasis in the city.

I enjoyed it. Nice neighborhood and amenities. Staff were courteous and helpful. Parking is a challenge but available.

The museum is always free. If this doesnt make you want to get up to take an adventure in a great area, youre missing out. Highly recommend the bookstore although never acknowledged.

Great little art museum with current contemporary art. If you can catch a concert here it is even better.

Free admission and parking. Note that there are 4 buildings. Plan on 2 hours. The main building has several hundred pieces from all over the world, through the ages, multiple styles, and a great variety of mediums. There are a fair amount of archeological/ historical/ cultural objects (that is, not just paintings hanging on walls). The pieces are labeled, but no explanation/ interpretations: plan on 2 hours. One building is empty except for 2 paintings (2 minutes), 1 has a single piece (2 minutes), 1 has about 20 pieces from the same artist (5 minutes).

Very nice collection, its great to spend an afternoon to visit the place.

Beautiful art collection and ambiance. Well curated and free, definitely a Houston gem.

This museum architect is blending the nature light and green garden with its collections very well. The neighborhood house is also blended very well with this museum. They change collection display often so I always feel fresh each time visit it. During summer and fall, they often have live performance in the entrance or the front lawn. Check their calendar before you go. After two hours walking, you may recharge in the cafe next to the museum and enjoy their fresh healthy food.

Awesome free museum and luxurious grass. good for picture taking and picnics. not open everyday. check website for times.

Dominique DeMenil had a vision to gift this wonderful city with world class art for free and that what still occurs today. This is not only a city treasure, a state teeasure, but a national treasure. A must see for everyone and anyone.

Beautiful museum, nice neighborhood to walk around with beautiful landscaping

I love this place! Me and my gf live around the corner from it and are excited for the renovations made to the Rothko. Well maintained and extremely safe. Love sitting out in the sun there.

Horrible place great collection. After being assured it was ok to draw in this gallery. And obliging all safety regulations posted .I was forcibly removed for drawing in an empty room. Because so old rich lady decided to complain about me .probably because Im heavily tattooed this place is only for the rich and old . They do not promote the arts just the money behind it. I was doing nothing but drawing on my iPad for 20 min in thay time was harassed by 2 guards whi wanted me to move from an empty room. Then when I moved to another empty room I was removed for property by hpd . This place has some decent works but the absolute worst experience enjoying it. If your not rich or over 50 and especially if you have visible tattoos .menil you suck!

Amazing collection with a wonderful landscape. The exhibits are free and the docents are incredibly kind and knowledgeable. This will be a frequented spot for me as I go through Houston! Everybody should take a look.

Peaceful, serene environment. Beautiful art!

Really amazing art collection with several different modalities the artists use to create their work. I loved the room with handmade sculptures and masks with the full body pinhead model! The gallery was very spacious and I enjoyed how close I could get to the artwork to see all the details. The variety of art was really my favorite part of all this. Definitely worth a return trip.

This a jewel in Houston, TXFree admission with outstanding permanent collections and exhibitions. Exquisitely curated in the heart of mid town. Adjacent other must sees Rothko Chapel and Byzantine Chapel. Recently renovated now better than ever. Time spent at Menil is time well spent and an experience that will stay with you.Parking either on street, or off Alabama in Menil car park a 2 minute walk away

Cool, calm and collected, literally. The Menil Collection is a must see when in Houston. Go online and reserve a free ticket.

Small intimate collection, enjoyed the Warhol works.

I love coming here. I love it so much!

Honestly one of the best museums I’ve ever been to. The location itself was very pretty and the surrounding neighborhood was beautiful. The staff inside here were very helpful! They usually have 4 to 5 different sections where they display art and usually one section for a artist that rotates depending on what time you go. The only sad part was that the Rothko chapel was closed when I went and I’m not too sure when it’ll reopen. I would highly recommend going here!

Nice collection of art from various origins.Not too long to tour, this is a great choice if you have children.

My dtr took me here as we love museums; it’s deeply peaceful, nicely curated. Because it’s free I now go whenever I need a peaceful and inspiring place to write, think, or just be.

Best place to visit in Houston for an afternoon. A few galleries around to walk around with a big park, surrounded by beautiful trees.

The Menil Collection was nothing short of amazing. The exhibits here were absolutely breath taking. My favorite was the African Exhibit. It made me feel closer to my people. Brought tears to my eyes with the energy and history. I will forever visit this museum. Not to mention its free. Whether you are from Houston or just visiting I definitely recommend that you visit this Museum.

Wonderful collection of artwork in a celebrated building designed by Renzo Piano.

Took a friend for her visit and we both thoroughly enjoyed it!

Love this hidden gem. So many great to see all of the unique artifacts. Loved the unique art next door.

Great spot to spend a couple hours! Bring a picnic with you in the fall for the green space outside.

I really enjoyed the historical exhibits. They have a number of tribal masks, sculptures, and art pieces. Some of the art exhibits were not very impressive, but the collection was interesting overall. Also, you can’t beat a free museum! I definitely recommend meandering through the exhibits when you get a chance.

Very interesting things to look at.

Excellent unique museum with a wide variety of art, including an excellent Surrealist collection and a museum building devoted to painter Cy Twombley. A beautiful and relaxing experiance. This is a world class museum and my favorite site in Houston. It reflects the personal collecting philosophy of the founders of the museum.

I went with my African Art class yesterday and happened to go to the museum during the opening of the brand new Drawing Building. The art galleries were extremely beautiful and well organized. There is a large collection of Modern art which is incredible, and the Cy Twombly gallery was a pleasant surprise! For a first time visit, it was overwhelmingly beautiful. Only negative comment is the strict staff and no photography rule inside the galleries.

The fact that admission is free is a real plus because the collection makes art accessible to all. The museum is actually a complex spread out across several streets with different exhibits is each (see my photo of map). The main building which is a large concrete structure (not the cottage pictured on the page, houses some permanent pieces like Andy Warhols iconic Campbell Soup can, as well as temporary exhibitions. The Cy Twombly building is dedicated solely to the namesakes work. The Menil drawing institute houses classrooms but also has an exhibit hall. The Richmond Hall building has a very interesting fluorescent lighting installation. Two other buildings- the Rothko Chapel and the Byzantine Fresco Chapel were not open today. Rothko is undergoing renovation and the Byzantine is switching out its exhibit. There are many outdoor sculptures throughout the property and lots of green-spaces where picnicking and relaxing is encouraged. There is also a bookstore and a Bistro on the premises. The range of art is quite broad, but most people will find some things they like. I especially enjoyed Witnesses to a Surrealist Vision which is an eclectic collection that has been on display since 1999. There is street parking galore as well as a dedicated parking lot with entry from West Alabama. Plan to spend 1.5 to 3 hours depending on how many buildings you want to visit. The museum is closed on Monday and Tuesdays, open Wednesday through Sunday 11 am to 7 pm.

Houston has so much culture it is surprising! I recommend taking a peak of this museum if you are only in town for a few days. Pieces you had no idea call Houston home. Thank you to the city and all those that saw a future in Houston’s culture.

When i went to The Menil Collection the art was Pretty good and some paintings too the building was modern and the best thing about it that it was free, but i was seeing the reviews and lemme point something out. I was seeing complaints that guards were looking at them like they are suspicious or criminals if you dont know is that the Menil Collection Is thought free the art is Priceless (about 40,000+ dollars expensive) the reason why they follow people around is because of security reasons to protect the art in closing times and to remind you that taking pictures of art is not allowed at all times. And Another thing is that some are not in a glass case so they will ask you to step from the art/sculpture.

Nicer than before. A great place for having a picnic and enjoy the beauty of the gardens.

Always amazing and free! Dont miss the art on adjacent buildings. Frustrating labels on art that are not next to the art work! Since you cant take photos of art...here are a few of bathroom too!

Free museum in several buildings. The main building had mostly modern art with some artifacts from ancient Greece, Egypt, Africa, Mexico and Iran. One building contained original drawings from French architect from 1700s. One building contained art of just huge scribbles and another building only different colored tube lights down a wall. I just dont connect with modern abstract art, but if you enjoy it, this is your place! The ancient artifacts were wonderful though.

The collection is excellent and not too large.

Really great art collection. This is a smaller museum but has some really great art. Very well displayed and very interesting exhibits. I would recommend it to anyone who loves art. You can see everything at the museum in about two hour probably. I really loved the René Magritte work that they had on display, it is a must see.

I have been here multiple times and it is always a pleasure!! Visiting Houston wouldn’t be complete without a trip to The Menil.

Great variety of art. They even have some very famous pieces and artists featured. Best part? It’s free! The area around the museum is beautiful for a Punic after

The Menill is a beautiful place, with one big building with permanent and visiting collections. Two chapels, book store, restaurant, drawing school and other small galleries.

I remember going here when I was dating a girl around the corner and it brings back memories

An amazing collection! It is one of those sights to see in Houston. From surrealism to contemporary and before time, makes you see the human spirit of communication thru art from the lenses of this talented artists!

Absolutely beautiful artistic collections and exhibits! Great place to peruse and then discuss after with the family. To be honest it’s really just one of those places that you just need to go there and see for yourself! Trust me you will not be disappointed! #themenilcollection #houston #art #paintings #sculptures #collections

An interesting place for a date for sure whether youre an art lover or just some people wanting to ask how a cardboard box taped to the wall is art. Lots to talk and whisper about. Love it.

The entire Menil Collection campus is absolutely beautiful and serene. The architecture is breathtaking, and you cant beat free admission. With that being said, my boyfriend and I left this museum with a sour taste in our mouths. We both studied Art History in college, and have frequented museums around the world, including much higher profile collections such as Tate Modern and MoMA. Never in our lives have we felt more surveyed and watched while appreciating art.The guards at this museum will literally stare you down and watch you walk around a room. Youre not even allowed to photograph most of the art with your phone, for the highly pretentious reason of preserving the contemplative atmosphere and facilitating intimate encounters with works of art. Feeling someone stare me down like Im about to steal a painting disturbs my viewing experience much more than someone snapping a photo on their phone.Were two white people with clearly northeast, alt-style. I cant even imagine how people of color must feel walking around this museum. I would have enjoyed this 100x more if I didnt feel like a criminal the entire time.

One of the best places to visit in the city. Admission is free, but of course donations are accepted. A hidden gem.

It was a fun visit to see some great art. Entertaining for a few hours, and its free! You can take pictures of the art in the hallways, there are around 10 pieces. But they are very strict about inside the galleries. The guards were a bit rude, but only to those who didnt follow the rules.

The Menil Collection is very well curated and has great art form artists like Rothko, Ernst, Wilfredo Lam and Joan Miro. A must when you have spare time in Houston

First Im not an artist or an interior decorator. I like modern art but, like most not in the field, I need some context for 10 foot high black walls that are supposed to be art. I really like the standing exhibits with placards. Am not so fond of many of the traveling shows. There is little explanation to accompany the exhibits and the fancy lighting does little to help. Ive gone back ( many times) but often leave feeling like huh?

Great free museum with several different styles of art. Not all of it was my style but when its free who cares. The buildings themselves are awesome although three of them were closed when I visited. Enjoy some awesome art.

This museum is one of a kind. Its a very special place and a mermerizing collection. It is a must see if you are in Houston. There is deep history to be experienced here.

Beautiful museum. definitely will go again, and is a must-see of houston.

Always amazing. I visit once a month and it seems like I see something new every time. It amazes me how few people who live in Houston actually take advantage of this wonderful museum.

Overall a peaceful place with a distinct modern art collection. The architecture itself is an artwork along with the landscape design. Entry is free, experience both the interior and the surroundings. Store is located in front of the museum.

Beautiful collection, very peaceful. Wonderful lawn to enjoy. Also the bistro is delicious.

Love it, especially the Twomblys

Beautiful place to have lunch and hang out! The head of security is a very abrasive and an angry man though so I would recommend avoiding him.

Always a great day to wonder the halls and galleries of this Houston jewel. The private collection for this museum is massive and many items are on displace at different times of the year. However, the visiting artist are always a treat.

Absolutely incredible. Had a wonderful time at this museum. Worth it.

An absolutely gorgeous and breathtaking art museum, and thats just talking about the architecture! Each section is full of beautiful and incredible pieces of art, with no two pieces ever being the same. Truly worth a visit if youre in the area.

The Menil Collection always has unique and interesting exhibits. The space feels artsy and elegant. We have attended a few of their after hours programs, which are always enjoyable and engaging. This is a great place for all ages. There is something for everyone throughout the year.

Love the permanent collection but everything else is a big disappointment. This museum is worth visiting based on what was acquired decades ago. Last visit we were treated to a massive grey painting with scribbles. They even had a bench in front of the artwork where people could sit and ponder why in Gods name it was in a museum. The bookstore is a joke. Why not display art and functional crafts from local artists? The childrens section was the only recent part of the bookstore.

Great free art museum, they have great exibits that change and the permanent art is amazing too, they are very nice. I love to bring out of town guest here for a fun free afternoon of art

The whole history of art under one roof. Great space. Wonderful atmosphere, light, collections and it is free!

Gorgeous museum with a lot of unique collections. They have a free day so look online for when that is, otherwise worth the money.

One of my new favorite spaces

I hadnt heard of the gallery, or the Menils, until my trip to Houston. The gallery is on the small/medium side, and comprises a wide range of art (paintings, sculptures, relics and more). They have a few Picassos and Rothkos, and other more niche artists. Id recommend it if you have time and interest. You need 60-90min in my opinion.

Picture is from brochure offered at the entrance. Go ahead and have an enjoyable day in the museum with all the historic art collection. The museum is interesting to all groups of people and romantic couples. Now when you walk in there is a great exhibition, the camouflaged Last Supper by Andy Warhol. Another one of his art works is the big can of Campbell Soup- Huge.

The art work is very nice

Excellent. Pls take a look at the building too. One of the most famous architects.

A wonderful collection of all forms of art with very helpful guides and employees. The overall area is lovely!

One of my favorite places to go in Houston.

I wasnt overly impressed with the collection. The security is a bit too much. I felt like I was getting watched the entire time. It was uncomfortable having that many security personnel watching me. While standing in the hallway, I was told to not lean against the walls. It is free so thats why I didnt give it a one star review. I have not visited the outside grounds yet.

What a gem! I love surrealist art and cant believe this impeccably curated collection is in my backyard! They do a great job of creating a different mood in each of the different wings. I cant wait to go back.

I really enjoyed this museum! The exhibits were gorgeous and they all had an exotic and unique look to them! I personally really like contemporary art and if you like contemporary and Picasso style art then you will really like this museum!

Cute little gallery, donation based. Lots of people hanging out outside on the grass chilling out. Cute little date spot in down town!

I was going to only give this museum three stars, but decided to up it to four because it really is done well. The only problem for me is that that art isnt really what I like. It is quite diverse, the space is very open, but just so much of the art isnt my taste. I am not really into Rothko, and I dont get many of the other pieces, like a copper ball sitting on the floor or solid canvases of a single color. Other people might, and thats fine. Its just not for me. There was a really stunning Picasso, and a few not so stunning ones, some excellent Calder mobiles, some really cool South Pacific art, and a really interesting room filled with things. These I found pretty intriguing. However, only a couple of things in this museum really moved me.

Amazing collection, amazing family story, amazing grounds for a walk. Parking might be a challenge. Missed Rothko Chapel(renovation)

Wanted to come here to enjoy the great art thats available in the museum, but they have only one mens room in the whole place, and it was unavailable. And that was after I had to walk my valuable umbrella back to my car because they wont let you carry your umbrellas with you. I bought that collectors item at the Amon Carter Museum of American Art in Fort Worth, and I wasnt about to leave it in a public umbrella rack for just anybody to walk out with. This was an extremely disappointing visit to what otherwise could have been a lovely afternoon.

Amazing exhibits.

DO NOT TAKE YOUR KIDS HERE! The museum is nice enough, they have some really great art and the layout is easy to peruse. BUT if you try to take your kids here you will be greeted at the front by someone asking you to basically keep your kid on a leash. You will be followed from room to room, the entire time. Each Room Guardian will stand much to close, ready to grab your child if they get to close to the art. My daughter (6) loves art and wanted to inspect the texture of the paint on a painting. She took one step towards a painting when the guard started to shout BACK! BACK! at her, then got in my wifes face and told her she needed to hold her hand for the entire rest of the museum. My daughter was visibly upset and to afraid and intimidated to enjoy the art anymore. This place is good for couples and the elderly, NOT for families.

...this amazing collection is a true hidden gem in the Rice University district of Houston......make plans to spend at least 2 hours seeing just a small portion of this multi-gallery gem; plus the terrifuc book/gift store and a wonderful sit-down bistro and bar right on their campus...a 10+++

My favorite art gallery! (:

One of my favorite museums in Texas. Great collection of arts and great curation