Photo Essay: Friends in Right Places

Houston is probably not the first destination that springs to mind when one thinks of art tourism.

When a dear friend relocated to Houston, I went to visit, and was pleasantly surprised. The Museum District is located close to Montrose and Herman Park, and is easily accessed from Downtown or Rice Village. Several world class museums are located within walking distance of each other, and the best part is admission to many is free!

The Contemporary Arts Museum is a non-profit housed in an unmistakable steel building. Exhibitions veer towards the avant garde.

Opposite the street, the landmark Museum of Fine Arts houses a stunning installation by perceptual light artist JamesTurrell. The MFA commissioned Isamu Noguchi to create the Cullen Sculpture Garden which opened nearby in 1986.

John and Dominique de Menil’s private art collection is on view at the Menil, which includes spaces devoted to Dan Flavin and Cy Twombly. For me, visiting the Menil has always been akin to undertaking a pilgrimage to a temple of conceptual art.

The Rothko Chapel (with several large Rothko canvases) is another must-see. The ever changing light creates a unique experience each visit.

My friend Kamal and her husband Vivek recently bought a home blocks away from the Museum District, and in close proximity to the future Asia Society building (to be built by Yoshio Taniguchi of MoMa fame).

I can hardly wait to visit!