Celebrity Blogger Marissa Yu - Reasons to Visit The Menil Collection
Five Reasons to Visit The Menil Collection
Jim Love
The Jack, 1971
Steel & Paint
When I was an intern architect at my first job in Houston, I was introduced to The Menil Collection campus by a colleague who took me there during a lunch break. Located in a quiet Montrose area next to the University of St Tomas, the campus is made up of several buildings and a park, and holds the immense art collection of John de Menil and his wife, Schlumberger heiress, Dominque de Menil.
I fell in love with the place on that first visit and is my favorite place to go in Houston whenever I need inspiration. Here are five reasons why:
1.The architecture of The Menil buildings including the Renzo Piano-designed Main Building, the Cy Twombly Gallery, and the Drawing Institute all respect the scale and materiality of the surrounding residential neighborhood. Each are unique modern masterpieces and serve as perfect backdrops to the art, both inside and outside.
2. The permanent art collection includes many of my favorite modern and contemporary pieces that I love to come back and visit like old friends. These are complemented by seasonal exhibits and installations, both at the Main Building and at the Drawing Institute. There is always something new to see at The Menil!
3. The Rothko Chapel is a meditative place featuring 14 murals by Mark Rothko. The pure geometry of the interior space combined with the powerful black pieces allows one to silence the inner noise and heal the spirit regardless of whether one is religious or not.
4. The Menil Park is a neighborhood treasure and home to gracious old trees with wide canopies and branches that bend low to the ground. It is so great to see the many different ways Houstonians use the park including picnics, meditation, sketching, and even intimate wedding ceremonies.
5. Bistro Menil is always the perfect way to start or end your visit to the Menil campus. Chef Greg Anderson developed the American and Euro-inspired menu in a casual contemporary atmosphere with patio and indoor dining. The food is simply delicious whether it’s chicken artichoke crepes and mimosas for brunch or delicate pastries at high tea.
Since that memorable lunch break more than 30 years ago, I have brought family, friends and coworkers to The Menil. In the midst of one’s busy and hectic life, I’ve found it to be one of the best ways to stop for a minute and reach out to the beauty around us. And that’s actually the best reason to visit The Menil!