Bob Franco

Review of The Menil Collection

I visit the Menil often. It has a top-notch colle...

I visit the Menil often. It has a top-notch collection of Surrealism art. The collection of art from Ernst and Magritte is world class, but there is much more in the warehouse than you'll see on display, except for special exhibitions. There is modern art from the Minimalists and other near-contemporary movements. The works by Leger are wonderful, but only a 2-3 are on display. Rauchenberg, Stella, etc are also on display. Every piece of art is a gem. Somewhere, hidden away, is a treasure trove of art that rotates in and out of display. This keeps the museum fresh. The shows that the Menil hosts vary in quality. The Magritte in 2014 was astounding. Sometimes, I don't "get" the very modern displays but I visit anyway. The Dan Flavin light display is off campus and very interesting to visit but is not the highlight of the museum. Neither is the Cy Twombly building. I'm not into scribbles much. I'm looking forward to the opening of the Drawing Institute. Overall, this museum is a gem in and outside of Houston. It would be a gem in Paris, London, NY, or Washington, i.e., anywhere. So, I'm proud that it's in Houston, so much so that I joined as a member, even though entry is free. Come join us!