Byzantine Fresco Chapel Museum
4011 Yupon, Houston, TX 77006*713-521-3990
Two 13th-century frescoes are housed in an exquisite steel-and-glass structure that approximates the size and shape of their original site, a Byzantine chapel in Cyprus. The frescoes were reassembled in Houston, after thieves had stolen them and cut them into 38 pieces.
Contemporary Arts Museum
5216 Montrose Ave, Houston, TX 77006*713-284-8250
This early 1970s stainless steel building still looks sharp, and the ever-changing exhibits keep up with, and sometimes are even ahead of, the times.
Dominique (Schlumberger) de Menil and her husband, John, commissioned architect Renzo Piano to design this beautiful building to showcase their wide-ranging art collection - considered one of the finest private collections in the United States. Modern works as well as tribal and ethnic art are featured in the rotating displays. Lots of surrealist works, especially Magrittes. Parking is available at the corner of West Alabama and Mulberry Streets.
Museum of Fine Arts
1001 Bissonnet St, Houston, TX 77005-1896*713-639-7300
Founded in 1900 and the first art museum in Texas, the MFA displays fine art from all periods. Collections include Renaissance and baroque works, impressionist and postimpressionist art and African gold. Large traveling exhibitions are featured throughout the year. Cafe on premises.
