The Menil Collection, established by John and Dominique de Menil in 1954, is a central hub of art and culture in Houston. Nestled within a residential neighborhood, it comprises five art buildings and green spaces, embodying the founders' belief in the transformative power of art. The 2024 lineup offers a journey through modern and contemporary art, celebrating the past and future in a tapestry of exhibitions. Free for all, it invites visitors to engage with art in a personal, meaningful way.
Winter-Spring 2024 Exhibition Schedule
Janet Sobel: All-Over (February 23–August 11, 2024)
Explore the groundbreaking work of Janet Sobel at The Menil Collection, where her 1940s abstract paintings are showcased. This exhibition, "Janet Sobel: All-Over," reunites Sobel's pioneering "all-over" abstraction paintings for the first time in sixty years.
Featuring about thirty paintings and drawings, it reflects on Sobel's short but influential career in Abstract Expressionism. The exhibition includes major loans from renowned museums, revealing Sobel's experimental techniques and her impact on modern abstraction. This presentation honors Sobel's legacy and reintroduces her to the forefront of art history.
Ruth Asawa Through Line (March 22–July 21, 2024)
"Ruth Asawa Through Line," opening at the Menil Drawing Institute on March 22, 2024, is the first exhibition focusing on Asawa's lifetime of drawing. Co-organized with the Whitney Museum and Asawa's estate, it showcases her expansive practice, featuring drawings, collages, watercolors, and more. The exhibition reveals how drawing was foundational in Asawa’s creative journey, echoing her cultural background and artistic training. It's a comprehensive exploration of Asawa's techniques, themes, and the profound influence she had on visual language.
Abstraction after Modernism: Recent Acquisitions (April 26–August 25, 2024)
The Main Building hosts a groundbreaking presentation that traces the evolution of abstraction beyond the era of Newman and Rothko. This exhibition embodies the Menil founders' vision of art's potential to transform perception and reality.
Engaging with Art: Public Programs and Events
The Menil Collection's public programs offer a vibrant array of activities:
- Curator Talks: Gain insights from experts on artists like Nestor Topchy.
- Film Screenings: Delve deeper into the artistic narrative with thought-provoking films.
- Artist Conversations and Concerts: Engage with creators and experience art in motion.
These events are not just about viewing art; they are about experiencing, discussing, and living it.
Plan Your Visit
Located at 1533 Sul Ross St., Houston, TX, The Menil Collection operates Wednesday through Sunday from 11 am to 7 pm, with free admission for all. It's more than a museum; it's a gateway to the wonders of art.
Come, be part of this artistic odyssey! For a detailed look at the exhibitions and full event schedule, visit The Menil Collection's official website.