Indulge in Houston's inexpensive artistic diversity
by Marjorie Cerejo
UHCLIDIAN STAFF
Houston hides interesting and inexpensive cultural treasures, and few people know about them. If you are looking for such places, here are some suggestions you cannot miss: The Menil Collection, The Rothko Chapel, Project Row Houses, The Artcar Museum and The Orange Show Foundation.
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The Menil Collection In 1987 John and Dominique de Menil established The Menil Collection to preserve and exhibit their private art collection. Located in the Montrose area Museum District, at 1515 Sul Ross, The Menil Collection exhibits approximately 15,000 paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings, photographs and rare books. The museum hours are Wednesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Admission is free. "Mrs. Menil's intention was to create an intimate environment," said Vance Muse, the Menil Collection¹s communication director. Despite the museum¹s large size, it feels cozy, like a big house, quiet with large places and natural light to contemplate art. The Menil collection is recognized by the New York Times as "one of the nation¹s most important private museums." Throughout the museum there are masterpieces by famous artists, such as Van Gogh, Salvador Dali, Joan Miro, Pablo Picasso, René Magritte, as well as art from antiquity.

The Rothko Chapel The Rothko Chapel is within walking distance from The Menil Collection. In 1971, John and Dominique de Menil founded the chapel commissioned by American artist Mark Rothko. The chapel offers hospitality to anyone who wishes to visit. The chapel also hosts religious ceremonies for all faiths. Interestingly, once you enter the chapel, on the left side sits a bench with sacred books from various religions on top of it, a warm welcome to people of all faiths. The inside of the chapel looks somber due to its cement structure; but once you get inside you feel the warmth and the immense tranquility of this space dedicated to peace and freedom. The Rothko Chapel is located at 1409 Sul Ross. It opens daily, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Top: Main entrance to The Menil Collection; Left: Reflecting pool and entrance to the Rothko Chapel

	Left: Outdoor sculpture "Bygones" by Mark di Suvero; Above: View of courtyard between The Menil Collection and the Rothko Chapel; Right: View of the "Broken Obelisk" by Barnett Newman (1967), dedicated to the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.

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