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All 191 Houston Attractions »

The Menil Collection

1515 Sul Ross, Houston, TX 77006
713-525-9400
As featured in 3 days in Houston and 1 other guide
Ranked #17 of 139 attractions in Houston
4.5 of 5 stars 38 Reviews
Activities: Group tours/walking tour
Fee: No
Owner description: One of the greatest private art collections in the U.S. features such surrealist works as those by Salvador Dali and Max Ernst, and offers visitors a... more » Owner description: One of the greatest private art collections in the U.S. features such surrealist works as those by Salvador Dali and Max Ernst, and offers visitors a sign-free and simply-designed environment in which to experience the art in a more personal way. The main building is accompanied by four satellite buildings. « less
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38 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
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    2
    1
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Date Rating
Houston, Texas
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 May 2012 NEW

This is my favorite museum in Houston. It respects the viewer, and does not tell you what to think, but think you will. It has one of the most amazing collections of surrealist art. One of my favorite places within the collection is a little room that displays objects that inspired the surrealists. My mind just takes flight. The modern... More

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California
Senior Contributor
39 reviews 39 reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 May 2012 NEW

It would be difficult if not impossible to improve upon what the Menil Collection has accomplished: a spectacular collection absolutely perfectly displayed. Not to be missed.

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See 5 more reviews by markmd for Houston
Albuquerque
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 May 2012 NEW

Really diverse collection of Surrealists, primitives, etc. Fantastic. And free. Really, the only thing, other than the Rothko Chapel, worth seeing in Houston. The surrounding neighborhood is charming.

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La Crosse, Wisconsin
Senior Contributor
41 reviews 41 reviews
Reviews in 18 cities Reviews in 18 cities
24 helpful votes 24 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 May 2012

About 20% of the space is dedicated to European and middle eastern items from prehisory to the Renaissance. One room has Polynesian art. There is a large permanent collection of "contemporary art" from the last 25 years. When we visited, third of the space was given over to the work of James Sera. Rooms of ceiling high panels painted black.... More

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See 2 more reviews by Donald E A for Houston
Houston, Texas
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 May 2012

The Menil Collection is a free exhibit of art that is always changing. The exhibit is so large it is in three different buildings. This is a great place to visit on hot Houston summer day, or even a rainy winter afternoon. Go soon and go often.

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See 2 more reviews by casajasso for Houston
Texas
Top Contributor
75 reviews 75 reviews
Reviews in 26 cities Reviews in 26 cities
203 helpful votes 203 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 May 2012

The Menil Collection isn't just an art museum. It's more of a quiet campus dedicated to expression and meditation. Located within a residential neighborhood next to the campus of University of St Thomas, sll of the buildings and exhibitions are free to visit as often as you want. This includes the Rothko Chapel, dedicated to peaceful meditation and perhaps the... More

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See 6 more reviews by Shutter_Bug for Houston
London
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 April 2012
1
person found this review helpful

This is a "must see" part of Houston for everybody who loves art/architecture and has got at least one hour to spare. The main gallery is the most amazing use of space and light that I have ever seen in an art collection - you will not be disappointed, even if you do not like contemporary art. As previously mentioned,... More

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See 4 more reviews by DMSBIKER for Houston
Nashville, Tennessee
Contributor
19 reviews 19 reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 April 2012

This is the most interesting museum I've ever visited. It has the feel of a normal gallery, but there are some rooms that will blow you away. The art combined with the unique space can evoke a very visceral response. A few rooms were set up with the art in such a way that I wanted to leave and wanted... More

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Houston
Senior Contributor
25 reviews 25 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 March 2012

This is a wonderful neighborhood museum that is very sophisticated but is manageable in size. Parking is convenient and free. When you visit, make sure you also take in the Rothko Chapel in the next block.

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See 23 more reviews by SeriousBiz for Houston
London, United Kingdom
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 March 2012

Just visited the Menil Collection in Houston. Fabulous building with cleverly filtered light and mesmering collection of art pieces and oceanic artefacts. Lovely gardens and outdoor public art also on display.

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See 2 more reviews by Culture-nomad for Houston

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