Inside the MFAH

The Story of Azaleas at Bayou Bend August 29, 2016

Ima Hogg and Bayou Bend had an important, early role in encouraging the popularity of Houston’s most iconic flower.

MFAH Films Keeps the Light Alive August 2, 2016

Ralph Kaethner has served as a projectionist at the MFAH for more than three decades. The Dying of the Light, a documentary we’re screening August 14 and 18, focuses on the displacement of 35mm by digital cinema. I spoke with Ralph about these changes.

Invisible Forces: Mounting with Magnets July 28, 2016

We paper conservators at the MFAH have been experimenting with using rare-earth magnets to help us display works of art. Using strong, rare-earth magnets opens up new possibilities for exhibiting works on paper.

Roots, Roasting, and Robust Coffee July 7, 2016

The MFA Café is making a boldstatement with high-quality coffee offerings prepared in the high-tech Victoria Arduino. Who, you may be wondering, is that? It’s not a who—it’s a legendary brand of espresso machines created in Italy, and one of these shiny, shimmering devices lives behind the counter at the MFA Café. The café menu presents 17 types of drinks at the full-service coffee bar, and …

The Art of Kusama Returns to Houston July 3, 2016

Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama (born 1929) moved to New York in 1957, quickly emerging as one of the foremost artists of her generation. She developed an artistic practice that uniquely spanned painting, drawing, sculpture, performance, installation, poetry, and fashion. An important member of the male-dominated New York avant-garde of the 1960s, Kusama influenced many of her well-known Pop Art and …

A “Mad Career” to Preserve and Share America’s Past at Bayou Bend June 30, 2016

March 5, 2016, marked the 50th anniversary of Bayou Bend’s opening to the public. We’re celebrating throughout the year with blog posts offering behind-the-scenes perspectives on this cultural and historical Houston treasure.Each year, on the 4th of July, all of America celebrates the historic events of 1776. As Houston’s home for America’s treasures, Bayou Bend goes all out to commemorate …

The Glassell School of Art Mural Project: It’s Personal June 23, 2016

Thirty-two students from the A+ Unlimited Potential (A+UP) middle school recently took on the challenge of a colorful, larger-than-life collaboration: a mural for the Museum’s Cullen Sculpture Garden. This public art project is now on display as part of the wall that frames the construction of the new Glassell School of Art. The mural features students’ personalized paintings that are pieced …

Following the Road to “Aferim!” June 1, 2016

The films we show at the Museum give audiences the opportunity to see movies on the big screen, and we work with many film distributors who share that goal.

Meet the Chef: Marlies Wasterval May 26, 2016

The MFA Café celebrates the art of eating well, with exciting changes to the menu—from the new weekend brunch to added dishes that emphasize local, fresh ingredients—and to the kitchen. New executive chef Marlies Wasterval is hard at work serving up Italian fare with a Texas flair. A native Houstonian, Wasterval joins the Museum after crafting impeccable dishes all over the world, most recently …

Making a Dream a Reality at Bayou Bend May 20, 2016

March 5, 2016, marked the 50th anniversary of Bayou Bend’s opening to the public. We’re celebrating throughout the year with monthly blog posts offering behind-the-scenes perspectives on this cultural and historical Houston treasure.On May 9, 2008, hundreds of people gathered on a warm, sunny morning under a huge white tent on an empty expanse of land at the corner of Memorial Drive and …