Museum of Fine Arts Houston (MFAH)

Welcome to the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. I hope you find mfah.org an inspiring guide to the wonderful experiences in store for you at the Museum, and I invite you to explore all of the exceptional exhibitions, installations, and virtual programming.

The Sugar Shack, the extraordinary 1976 painting by Ernie Barnes, takes pride of place in the context of the modern and contemporary works in our permanent collection. I want to thank Bill Perkins for his generous loan to the Museum of this iconic work of art so that we can share it with our visitors.

Spanish Colonial Paintings features art from the acclaimed collection of Carl and Marilynn Thoma. The annual Eye on Houston photography exhibition, our treasured collaboration with the Houston Independent School District, celebrates the city’s diverse neighborhoods and talented students.

We have been especially pleased to introduce Houston and the world to the Nancy and Rich Kinder Building, dedicated to the first comprehensive display of the Museum’s international collections of modern and contemporary art. This beautiful facility, and the surrounding plazas, gardens, and commissions, match the growth, diversity, and dynamism of our city. The inaugural presentation Connecting Currents comprises thematic installations of art from the 1960s to 2020.

When you plan your visits, check the ever-changing calendar of events for activities throughout the Museum, including the Glassell School of Art and our two house museums: Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens and Rienzi.

We offer a number of ways to enjoy the Museum for free. For example, MFAH members receive free general admission every day, and Family-level memberships include the children in the household. Children 12 and younger are always admitted free, and on weekends all children receive free general admission when they show their card from any Texas public library. General admission is free for everyone on Thursdays, courtesy of Shell Oil Company.

For me, the Museum is a place of wonder and enlightenment, as I hope it is for you. Please visit often, and say hello when you see me in the galleries.