Menil Collection Tours

Menil Collection which includes art and interior views
Menil Collection showing interior views and modern architecture
Menil Collection featuring interior views
Menil Collection which includes outdoor art
Menil Collection showing art and interior views


Works by Salvador Dali and Max Ernst sit alongside Byzantine treasures in this extraordinary private art collection.

The Menil Collection is a private collection of priceless artworks owned by wealthy local family, the de Menils. There are more than 16,000 paintings, decorative pieces, photographs, sculptures and drawings in this downtown museum.

John and Dominique de Menil were passionate about art. They began collecting in the 1940s. Works by some of the world’s greats such as Man Ray, Andy Warhol, Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso are among their collection, as well as antiquities. The museum displays a selection of some of the best works, alongside temporary exhibitions from all over the world.

After her husband’s death in 1973, Dominique de Menil worked with prize-winning Italian architect Renzo Piano (responsible for the famous Pompidou Center in Paris) to design a museum almost as incredible as the collection itself. The ceiling is a wave-shaped “leaf” with steel trusses, a design that allows the gallery to be filled with natural light. Large glass windows, timber floors and indoor gardens create a natural setting.

The de Menils believed art should be an important part of everyone’s life, not just the wealthy, and for this reason entry to the museum is free. They were also firm believers that an individual’s opinion of art shouldn’t be influenced by others, so you won’t find explanatory texts on the walls, tours or audio guides. Many will find the focus on aesthetics and quiet contemplation refreshing. Pick up a book or brochure from the museum’s bookstore if you would like to find out more about the art.

The de Menil Foundation owns several blocks of the surrounding tree-lined neighborhood, and modern sculptures dot the landscape. It’s worth checking out the Cy Twombly Gallery and Richmond Hall for interesting art exhibitions, as well as the Rothko Chapel and Byzantine Fresco Chapel Museum, built by the de Menil’s as spiritual sanctuaries.

The Menil Collection is open Wednesday through Sunday. Parking and admission are free.

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Heritage Place Houston Brookhollow
Signature Inn North Houston District
Comfort Suites Houston West at Clay Road

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Best Lodging Options Near Menil Collection

Hilton Houston Plaza/Medical Center

Hilton Houston Plaza/Medical Center

4.5 out of 5
6633 Travis St, Houston, TX
Hilton Houston Plaza/Medical Center
Hotel Saint Augustine

Hotel Saint Augustine

3.5 out of 5
4110 Loretto Drive, Houston, TX
Hotel Saint Augustine
The Whitehall Houston

The Whitehall Houston

4 out of 5
1700 Smith St, Houston, TX
The Whitehall Houston
Hotel Zaza Houston Museum District

Hotel Zaza Houston Museum District

4.5 out of 5
5701 Main Street, Houston, TX
Hotel Zaza Houston Museum District
La Colombe d'Or Hotel

La Colombe d'Or Hotel

5 out of 5
3410 Montrose Blvd, Houston, TX
La Colombe d'Or Hotel
Crowne Plaza Houston Med Ctr-Galleria Area by IHG

Crowne Plaza Houston Med Ctr-Galleria Area by IHG

3.5 out of 5
2712 Southwest Fwy, Houston, TX
Crowne Plaza Houston Med Ctr-Galleria Area by IHG
Club Quarters Hotel Downtown, Houston

Club Quarters Hotel Downtown, Houston

4 out of 5
1085 Rusk Street, Houston, TX
Club Quarters Hotel Downtown, Houston
Modern B & B

Modern B & B

3.5 out of 5
4003 Hazard St, Houston, TX
Modern B & B
Holiday Inn Houston Downtown by IHG

Holiday Inn Houston Downtown by IHG

3 out of 5
1616 Main St, Houston, TX
Holiday Inn Houston Downtown by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Menil Collection

When visiting the Menil Collection in Houston, don't miss out on the vibrant activities nearby, including theater performances, exciting sports events, and live music shows. It's also a perfect spot for a memorable date night, offering a blend of culture and entertainment that can enhance your experience. Explore the surrounding area to discover unique dining options and charming venues that complement your visit to this renowned art museum.

Shopping

The Galleria, located 4 miles away from Menil Collection, is perfect for family-friendly shopping and entertainment. River Oaks District, just 3 miles away, offers a vibrant city atmosphere. Uptown Park, also 4 miles away, combines family fun with a lively city vibe.

Recreation

At NRG Stadium, immerse yourself in the exhilarating atmosphere of live sports within 4 miles of Menil Collection. Enjoy soulful performances at the House of Blues Houston, just 2 miles away, or unwind with a round of golf at Memorial Park Municipal Golf Course, located 3 miles from the collection.

Adventure

For a thrilling experience, try iFLY Indoor Skydiving, located 8 miles from Menil Collection, where you can feel the rush of freefall in a safe environment. Alternatively, enjoy karting at K1 Speed Houston, 13 miles away, or play tennis at Memorial Park Tennis Center, just 4 miles away, both offering adventure vibes.

Nightlife

In Houston, the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts offers captivating theater performances just 2 miles from the Menil Collection. For nightlife vibes, head to Bayou Place nightclub or enjoy a romantic film at Sundance Cinema, both located 3 miles away, perfect for an entertaining evening out.

Find the best attractions near Menil Collection

When visiting the Menil Collection in Houston, Texas, immerse yourself in a rich cultural experience by exploring the Menil Museum and the serene Menil Park nearby. This area is perfect for families and those seeking a vibrant city atmosphere, with attractions that include urban parks, churches, and art museums, all contributing to a memorable trip filled with art and relaxation.

  • Rice University: Located a mile from the Menil Collection, Rice University boasts stunning architecture and picturesque green spaces. The campus offers a vibrant atmosphere, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a peaceful afternoon of reflection amidst academic excellence.
  • Houston Natural Science Museum: Just a mile away, this museum is a treasure trove of exhibits that engage visitors of all ages. From dinosaur skeletons to space exploration, it provides a captivating blend of culture and family fun, making it an enriching experience.
  • Children's Museum of Houston: Also a mile from the Menil Collection, this interactive museum is designed for young minds. With hands-on exhibits and engaging activities, it fosters creativity and curiosity, ensuring a delightful visit for families.

Best time to go to Menil Collection

Visitor numbers around Menil Collection is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Menil Collection can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Menil Collection falls in August, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Menil Collection falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January54.1°F (12.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February57.0°F (13.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
March63.9°F (17.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
April69.6°F (20.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
May76.6°F (24.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June82.8°F (28.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July84.2°F (29.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August84.9°F (29.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September80.6°F (27.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
October72.7°F (22.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
November62.8°F (17.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
December57.4°F (14.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Menil Collection

To save money during your visit to the Menil Collection in Houston, take advantage of the free entry. Consider planning your trip between November and January for lower accommodation rates, especially on Sundays, which are the cheapest days to stay. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly hotels by sorting prices and filtering for eco-certified options. Additionally, combining your hotel, flights, and activities through an Expedia package can yield further savings. Don’t forget to join Expedia's One Key membership for exclusive discounts and to earn OneKeyCash for future bookings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Menil Collection are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to March to May, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Menil Collection is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Menil Collection is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool makes it easy for you to choose your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your search results to display hotels from the lowest to highest prices, allowing you to quickly find the most affordable options. Additionally, you can refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the “Eco-certified” filter will highlight sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at the Menil Collection with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.