The public is invited to celebrate the opening of the much-anticipated Menil Drawing Institute, a building dedicated to the acquisition, exhibition, study, conservation, and storage of modern and contemporary drawings.
Join us for the public ribbon-cutting at 10 a.m. and spend the day at the Menil with live music, art-making activities, food trucks, and more. Plus, see the inaugural exhibition, The Condition of Being Here: Drawings by Jasper Johns. As always, admission is free.
Want to see the Menil Drawing Institute before it opens to the public? Become a member or renew your membership today to guarantee an invitation to the Menil Drawing Institute Member Celebration. Menil memberships also make great gifts for friends and family.
Schedule of events
10 a.m. Remarks and ribbon cutting
10:30 a.m. Mariachi Luna Llena performance
11 a.m. Short introduction to Michael Heizer’s sculptures Rift and Dissipate with Brad Epley, Chief Conservator
11 a.m.–3 p.m. Explore the Flash Drive, Houston Center for Photography’s mobile education unit and camera obscura—an early optical device that allowed scientists, artists, and architects to observe and record images of their environments. Plus, create blue and white designs through the historical photographic technique of cyanotype using found objects and the light of the sun.
11:30 a.m. Short introduction to the Menil Drawing Institute building with Melissa McDonnell Luján, Director of Operations
11:45 a.m. Short introduction to Ellsworth Kelly’s Menil Curve with Kelly Montana, Assistant Curator, Menil Drawing Institute
12 p.m. Short introduction to Michael Heizer’s sculptures Rift and Dissipate with Brad Epley, Chief Conservator
12 p.m. Da Camera of Houston Woody Witt Jazz Trio performance
12–1:30 p.m. Kids and Architecture Sketching Class with AIA Houston and Architecture Center Houston
Participants will join local architects as they explore the Menil neighborhood. Individual architects will work with participants in small groups to share their personal sketching styles, techniques and tips. Recommended for kids age 10+. Adults welcome. Class limited to 35 participants.
12:45 p.m. Short introduction to Ellsworth Kelly’s Menil Curve with Kelly Montana, Assistant Curator, Menil Drawing Institute
1 p.m. FERRARA jazz performance
1:30 p.m. Short introduction to the Menil Drawing Institute building with Melissa McDonnell Luján, Director of Operations
2:45 p.m. Wild Moccasins performance
Participating food trucks:
Moon Rooster Tacos & Hot Dogs
SweetRide! Houston
Parking is limited. We strongly encourage you to use public transit, taxis, or ride sharing services. The Menil is located along Metro Bus Route 25 – Richmond. For taxi and ride share, please use 1500 Branard Street, Houston, Texas 77006, as a drop off and pickup point. If you must drive, please park in the main museum parking lot on West Alabama Street. Streets in the neighborhood may be blocked off for this event, so please be mindful of signage. A bike share station is located at the corner of West Alabama and Mulberry Streets. Bike racks are located near the West Alabama parking lot behind the Menil Bookstore.
Schedule of events subject to change.
