John and Dominique de Menil were political refugees, having fled to America from Nazi-occupied France. The couple were great art lovers with a grand vision: they wanted to open up the art world to everyone, allowing them to interpret what we see in our own way. It is this ethos that makes their collection so singular.
Housed in the de Menil’s adopted hometown of Houston, the Menil Collection is free to visit from Wednesday to Sunday each week. The building itself was designed by Italian artist Renzo Piano. Working with Dominique de Menil herself, he created a gallery flooded with natural daylight from the wave shaped roof and floor-to-ceiling windows.
It includes works by some of the greatest artists of all time: paintings by Matisse and Picasso rub shoulders with byzantine sculpture and medieval art. The works are left to speak for themselves, with no placards to explain their meaning or guides to ‘help’ the viewer interpret what is in front of them.
There are over 16,000 pieces in the collection including photos, sculptures, paintings and other objects. Have a wander round and simply enjoy this entirely self-guided viewing experience. Relax and contemplate the piece before you, allowing yourself to be led towards your own understanding of each item.
The Menil Collection isn’t all the Foundation has to offer. The surrounding streets of downtown Houston are filled with buildings connected to the museum, recognisable by their matching tones of ‘Menil grey’.
While you’re in the area, you shouldn’t miss the collection at the Cy Twombly Gallery to see a retrospective of the artist’s work. Richmond Hall, also in the grounds, houses a series of installations by Dan Flavin. For a quiet place of reflection, spend a few minutes in the Rothko Chapel which was designed by the modernist Mark Rothko in collaboration with the renowned architect Philip Hamilton.
Each building has its own unique feel, but they are held together by the de Menil’s vision of art as central to the life of us all.
