The late local philanthropists John and Dominique de Menil collected more than 17,000 works of painting, drawing, sculpture, archaeological artifacts and more during their lives. The modernist building, designed by Renzo Piano, houses rotating highlights from the collection – everything from 5,000-year-old antiquities to works by Kara Walker and today's art stars – plus rotating exhibitions. Don't forget to also saunter over to the Cy Twombly Gallery and the highly meditative Rothko Chapel, annexes of the collection.
You'll recognize the names in this, one of the world's most impressive private holdings: Salvador Dali, Paul Klee, Andy Warhol, René Magritte, Max Ernst.... The museum's excellent bookstore is across the street.
