The Menil Collection Reviews

This is a place for contemporary arts. Easy parking. They change displays periodically.

My favorite museum (technically collection) in Houston. Amazing Surrealist art collection along with great Modern and Ancient/Byzantine art among other collections. Traveling exhibits keep things fresh. Just a short walk to the Cy Twombly Gallery, Rothko Chapel, and a lovely park.

One of the finest private collections on earth. And, it's free!

Great collection, especially for being a free admission collection.

Excellent surreal collection. Thoroughly enjoyed my visit today. Hope to go again!

So many different styles of art displayed from all over the world, theres something for everyone.

Snapping at guests to mind the camouflaged partition that's the exact same color of the hardwood floor in order to protect the art is a great way to get patrons to dislike a very impressive museum.

Admission is free so there is no reason not to go see the rotating exhibits of contemporary and modern art. Be sure to walk the picturesque grounds as well.

Not sure what it was , but the Lil' dude ran from it

The place is well kept be advised u cant take pictures of the art.

A small but very diverse collection in a quiet and peaceful environment. Admission is free.

Love this place! Not only is the art museum itself great displaying many types of artworks in a minimalist way, but also because of the large open areas surrounding the facility.

There is a large grassy area adjacent to the Menil that's perfect for a picnic, relaxing and reading a book, or just taking a nap. You have the option of being under the shade as there many large trees throughout, but you can also lay out in the sun if you choose to.

Peaceful place. Decent art exhibits. I'll echo others and say the security was a tad obnoxious and made the experience lack a bit. A good place to stroll around on a Sunday afternoon.

An absolute gem, FREE, wonderful art, events open to the public, and park.

Nestled in a low-noise area of the town, this destination is gorgeous and relaxing before you reach the door.

Interesting museum with two buildings in a good area. It is also free.

Beautiful grounds with an interesting building but I find the artwork lacking in-depth or interest and quite sparsely placed. I found it more interesting to talk to the I.T. personnel and look at how the building's architecture was fitted together than the artwork itself. The Fine Arts Museum is close by with a much better selection and some exhibits revolving so things change but personally I prefer the Contemporary Arts Museum across the street from that. their collection continuously changes and is far more interesting. Some find it too confusing and odd but I think it's better that I have to stretch my mind to fit someone else's point of view

This place is great. I love that it's free to the public. ! I definitely recommend meandering through the exhibits when you get a chance.

I wasn't 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 that's why I didn't give it a one star review. I have not visited the outside grounds yet.

Art patrons like these are heroes. Would that today's billionaires offered the public treasures like these.
Fabulous. Just fabulous.

The mineeko grammar installation was amazing...the museum itself is so serene..no cameras no sound..very impactful

Great collection. If you are visiting Houston, this is one place you should be sure to see.

Free museum with mostly modern and contemporary art. Their surrealism collection is especially good. Definitely worth a visit if you are from out if town.

The collection is incredible! The lighting is magical and the squeaky old floor adds nostalgia. Just be careful where you park... Re e Magritte, Pablo Picasso, Max Ernst, Andy Warhol.... And the ancient artifacts and sculptures are amazing. Highly recommend

An art musuem in Houston and FREE to boot. C'mon. Check it out and add a little culture to your life.

Incredible, FREE art museum. Incredible museum even if I had to pay to get in! The surrealism collection they have, with a temporary Salvador Dali exhibit going on currently, is so cool! Gorgeous location, picnicking in the park and then hitting up the museum made for a perfect day with my boyfriend.

We loved!! Very interesting pieces of art. Very clean and spacious building.

Such a hidden jewel with amazing pieces. So grateful there's philanthropy this great in Houston.

This building is spectacular. The art exhibit inside is lovely and world class. I usually blow through it (that's my art museum manner), so that I can go outside and enjoy this gorgeous building and the park. The large green lawns are always perfect and there are benches located around the building where you can people watch.

Speaking of people watching, if you want some good stuff, go on a Sunday and just lurk around the park across the street. The park is full up with all manner of folk. Ignore the funny smells. It's all good, man.

Great collection of rare artifact from different places and ages. Very diverse. You can find here modern art too.

Best art museum in Houston. Fantastic architecture and art, and a lovely campus. The de Menils were smart to put their museum in the middle of a quiet residential neighborhood and not on a busy street. It's free!

A few gems scattered amongst endless rooms of banal crap.

One of the best private collections of modern art and art that inspired modern art anywhere. The Rothco chapel is a meditative mecca.

Nice environment, thought provoking exhibits and 4300 year old artifacts.

Hidden jewel of Houston. You must go see all the locations and exhibits..

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 weren't 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 didn't get to visit the other buildings in the Menil Collection. We will definitely return again.

The dark art area is amazing. Just an overall beautiful place.

I LOVED every second there. So many art pieces from many eras and time. Its free too <3

A very well kept and curated space with a great collection of contemporary American artists and traditional pieces. Most permanent collection pieces are interesting. Ask before you whip your camera out, the security can be a bit brusque.

Fantastic looks at such varied works. And the guards are funny and you don't have to whisper (although most people do). Kids with careful hands are welcome!

Free museum with misc pieces of art and artwork. You will spend between 40 mins to 1 hour

Can t take pictures in the galleries but it s free ($10 suggested donation). Good way to spend some time. There s a parking lot nearby and street parking is pretty easy.

Free! Art! Lovely place, knowledge staff and a collection from around the world

5 Picasso's and numerous other top name artists Adorn this excellent venue. Highly recommended visit here and please donate

Not allowed to click pictures ... details of painting and artifacts not given properly

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!

Native Houstonians and visitors alike should definitely stop by this museum. Good selection of artwork, great location, and entry is FREE. I definitely plan to visit at least once a month. Don't forget... no pictures allowed. Make sure to support them through donations via their website or when you stop in to check out the artwork.

COVID visit here was very rejuvenating. Free sign up online. Distanced walk throughs, strict mask adherence, and a taste of normalcy with the current exhibits.

It was nice. You make a donation for your entry. You can not take pictures of most of the art. I wish they would have the more adult content separate from where the children tour. Some art is obviously politically motivated but you have to study it to notice...

Anyone who is giving strong 1 star ratings is a bit too emotional. Let s start with the easy 5-star - this museum is free providing access to contemporary masters that most other galleries would charge for. The collection also contains antiquities from around the globe, tastefully presented. It is one of the most inclusive collections I ve ever seen and is a pillar of the Houston art scene and a huge source of community. This is the must-not miss of visiting the city if you have any interest in art.

I Haven't been back to My old town houston since 95'. Use to live in the Montrose off West Gray and Crocker. Houston, You have changed into a Metroplous. A city of the future. MY MONTROSE IS BEYOND RECOGNITION BUT, THE BEST ADDITION U COULD HAVE DONE IS 'THE MENIL COLLECTION.'
I THANK U FOR SHARING AND I WILL BE BACK TOO SHARE MY EXPERIENCE WITH FAMILY. A.S.A.P. !! 03/2019.

Great place for quiet introspection and viewing an eclectic range of art. It looked like the circus was practicing quietly outside! There was Acro yoga, a lady practicing with bull whips, three or more ball and string nunchuck style performers, the list goes on...but each enjoying the space outside the museum. Kids don't usually enjoy art museums and the people watching the art are on high alert.

While it's an amazing collection of artwork from throughout history the fact that some rich family owns so much historical works and artifacts is a tragedy. That the only reason people like me are able to see such beautiful works is because some rich dude decided it would be cheaper to start a museum rather than keep the pieces in their own homes that is a tragedy artwork is for people to see and should be considered public works for the people to view and interact with