Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

At the MFAH, museum goers can view myriad artistic styles through the works of master painters and photographers. The Beck Collection showcases Impressionist, post-Impressionist, and early Modernist works from artists like Edgar Degas, Vincent van Gogh, and Henri Matisse, while the Manfred Heiting Collection features 4,000 images taken since the invention of photography. The Glassell Collection of African Gold is notable as the largest collection of its kind in an American museum.

Basic admission grants access to the permanent collection and most exhibitions, though some special exhibitions require a separate fee. The museum is also an option on the Houston CityPASS, a multi-attraction ticket that offers discounted admission to some of Houston’s most popular attractions.

• The MFAH is a must-see for art lovers and history buffs.
• Admission is free for kids under 12 years of age.
• Most public areas of the museum are wheelchair accessible, and the museum lends wheelchairs free of charge with a valid photo ID.

The MFAH is in Houston’s Museum District. Paid parking is available in garages along Binz Street or Montrose Boulevard, but an easier option would be to take a ride share or taxi to the museum campus.

The MFAH is open Tuesday to Sunday throughout the year, though Bayou Bend and Rienzi, the two museum houses, maintain separate hours. Admission is free each Thursday.

The Houston Museum District comprises 19 museums in four different walkable zones. The MFAH is in Zone 3, along with the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston and the Jung Center.

If you are one to wander museums at length, allow three to four hours to look at all the art pieces and exhibitions on display across the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. For those who prefer a brisk browse, a couple of hours should provide ample time to see the highlights.

Yes, you can take pictures in many areas of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. However, certain temporary exhibitions or specific artworks may have restrictions, so it's advisable to check the museum's guidelines or inquire at the information desk. Be aware that tripods, selfie sticks, and flash photography are not allowed.

No, outside food and drinks are not allowed in the galleries or exhibition spaces at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. However, you can enjoy refreshments at either of its two on-site cafés, at its refined French restaurant, or in the outdoor spaces on the museum grounds.

Yes. The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston is accessible to those with limited mobility. Most public areas of the museum—including the galleries, cafés, and outdoor spaces—are accessible for those in wheelchairs. There is also a gallery program for those who are blind or have limited sight.

Yes, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston is worth your time—especially if you’re an art lover (of course). The expansive galleries—which hold a total of 70,000 pieces of art—house works spanning from antiquity to modern day, and from America and across the world.

The best day to visit Museum of Fine Arts, Houston for budget-savvy travelers is Thursday, when general admission is free for everyone (and special exhibitions are available at a discounted rate). The museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.