Current Exhibitions
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Extravagant Objects: Jewelry and Objets d’Art from the Masterson Collection
ThroughFor centuries, jewelry and objets d’art have been sought after by royals, aristocrats, and the affluent to demonstrate status, wealth, power, and taste. Extravagant Objects showcases a dazzling array in an exhibition at Rienzi, the MFAH house museum for European decorative arts.
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Reflection and Enlightenment: Chinese Buddhist Gilt Bronzes from the Jane and Leopold Swergold Collection
ThroughThis installation features a selection of Chinese Buddhist gilt bronzes from the collection of Jane and Leopold Swergold.
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Peacock in the Desert: The Royal Arts of Jodhpur, India
ThroughCenturies of royal treasures from India come to the United States for the first time, in an epic presentation. Masterpieces and relics—never before seen beyond palace walls—include ceremonial regalia, paintings, jewels, furnishings, tents, weapons, and large-scale photomurals.
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Mike + Doug Starn: Big Bambú
ThroughThis immersive installation transforms the MFAH into a monumental sea of bamboo all summer. Cross the bridge that winds from the second floor, deep into the wave’s curl, and then continue on the path down to ground level.
• Be sure to read these visitor guidelines carefully before you purchase your tickets.
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Hidden Layers: Painting and Process in Europe, 1500–1800
ThroughIn celebration of the Museum’s new Sarah Campbell Blaffer Foundation Center for Conservation, this exhibition highlights recent technical findings for European paintings in the Blaffer and MFAH collections.
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A History of Photography: Selections from the Museum’s Collection
ThroughA History of Photography is a series of installations that trace the course of photography from its invention to the present day, showcasing important new acquisitions and treasured masterpieces from the MFAH collection.
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Joris Laarman Lab: Design in the Digital Age
ThroughThis exhibition showcases the cutting-edge design and innovative techniques used by renowned experimental Dutch designer Joris Laarman over the course of his career.
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Digital Worlds: New Media from the Museum’s Collection
ThroughDigital Worlds demonstrates the breadth of invention artists bring to contemporary art through digitization. The exhibition features collection favorites along with important new acquisitions.
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40 Years of Discovery: Gifts of Clint Willour
ThroughThe works of art given to the MFAH by Clint Willour over 40 years comprise a key component of the Museum’s collections. This exhibition celebrating his generosity features artists including Graciela Iturbide, Richard Misrach, Dean Ruck, Richard Gordon Stout, and Hilary Wilder.
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Contemporary Dutch Design: Selections from the Museum’s Collection
ThroughObjects from the MFAH collection highlight a range of materials, techniques, and unprecedented approaches that place Dutch designers at the forefront of the contemporary design field.
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Spanish Colonial Paintings from the Thoma Collection
ThroughThe Museum presents a selection of Spanish colonial paintings from the celebrated collection of Carl and Marilynn Thoma.
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Arts of Islamic Lands: Selections from The al-Sabah Collection, Kuwait
ThroughThe Museum’s landmark partnership with the Kuwait-based al-Sabah Collection and the cultural institution Dar al-Athar al-Islamiyyah makes possible this installation featuring some 250 objects from the 8th to 18th century that present a comprehensive spectrum of Islamic art.