Museum of Fine Arts Houston
1001 Bissonette St
Houston
Tracing its beginnings to an Art League to encourage art history and appreciation in the public school system in 1900, the Museum of Fine Arts of Houston opened its door in 1924 becoming the first art museum in Texas. The core collection at that time was 25 paintings than had been donated along with several other pieces. In the 1930's Ima Hogg made significant donations to the collection and today it consists of more than 50,000 pieces, covering six continents and dating from antiquities to present.
The Museum of Fine Art includes Bayou Bend and Rienzi both of which display their works in a house setting. The Museum itself is in two buildings the Law and the Beck Buildings. They are connected by an underground tunnel that is itself a work of art. It changes color every eight minutes and is quite amazing to watch. We enter into the Law Building and then passed to the Beck Building. There are information desks in both buildings to help you with maps and any questions that you might have, no audio tour however. In the Beck Building you will find the very extensive gift store and also Café Express. You can spend the whole day in the Museum and never have to leave. Families are encouraged to visit and strollers are allowed in the galleries.
The collection is extensive and includes everything from Asian Art to modern photography. The Old Masters European Collection was not on display when we were there but if it had been there would have been a Rembrandt for Joe to enjoy. We did get to see the Impressionists however and they were fine enough to please even the most finicky connoisseur.
Menil Collection
1515 Sul Ross
Would that I could say that I enjoy modern art but I have to admit it leaves me cold. Given that, it is hard for me to say that I loved the Menil. I will admit that there were displays that kept my interest and the building itself is beautiful and interesting to walk around. It isn’t all modern art either there is Inuit art and objects from Oceania, Medieval and Byzantine treasure and of course the Picasso, Salvador Dali, Andy Warhol and Jackson Pollock among many others. There are a lot of Rothko’s too so if you are a fan this will be nirvana.
Rothko Chapel
1515 Sul Ross
I have to admit that on one or maybe even more than one level I just don’t get this. It is a room with large black canvases covering the wall. Is it quiet, well yes, is it chapel-like well not to me and I have trouble calling canvases painted plain black art but it is all in the eye of the beholder. You can sit here on benches that form a circle in the middle of the room and contemplate what ever you want to contemplate. I was bored in two minutes. However out side there is a very interesting sculpture and it too has seats around the reflecting pond where you can sit in quiet reflection .
Byzantine Chapel
4011 Yupon
This was a big disappointment to us. It is closed during the week in the winter so when we arrived the door was locked and we didn’t get to see anything but the exterior which frankly wasn’t worth the visit. So when planning a visit make surer to check for their opening hours.