Philanthropists and art patrons John and Dominique de Menil established the Menil Foundation in 1954 to foster greater public understanding and appreciation of art, architecture, culture, religion, and philosophy. In 1987, the Menil Collectionâs
main building opened to the public.
Today, the museum consists of a group of art buildings and green spaces nestled within a residential neighborhood in central Houston. The Menil remains committed to its foundersâ belief that art is essential to human experience and welcomes all visitors free of charge to its buildings and surrounding green spaces.