... Spend a day on the Menil Campus

The Menil campus offers multiple buildings of prized art collections and sprawling grounds for relaxation | Courtesy of the Menil Collection This picturesque, 30-acre slice of the neighborhood houses the prized Menil Collection. Built in 1987, the landmark art museum exhibits the collection of John and Dominique de Menil, one of the largest private art collections in the country, with approximately 17,000 pieces depicting everything from surrealism and pop art to Byzantine and African works. With the goal of making art accessible, admission is free, though donations are welcome.

Two satellite galleries, the Dan Flavin Installation at Richmond Hall and Cy Twombly Gallery, further enrich the experience. As does the Byzantine Fresco Chapel and famed Rothko Chapel; the latter of which provides a tranquil, contemplative environment for people of all faith. On the plaza outside the chapel, the Broken Obelisk monument stands in memory of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Pack a picnic and park yourself on the tree-shaded lawn, or visit Bistro Menil, where you can unwind with a glass of vino, mussels, and truffle fries. ...