1438819200


The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

Art Bite “Travel Souvenirs”

Thursday, Aug. 6, 2015

07:30 PM – 07:50 PM
US/Central

In the late 16th century, it became fashionable for young aristocrats to visit Paris, Venice, Florence—and above all, Rome—as the culmination of a classical education. Thus was born the Grand Tour, a practice that introduced people in England, Germany, Scandinavia, and also the United States to the art and culture of France and Italy for the next 300 years.

Participants in the Grand Tour were expected to return home with souvenirs and with an understanding of art and architecture formed by exposure to masterpieces. Many of these "souvenirs" are now treasured works in museum collections around the world. Guests can discover some at the MFAH on this 20-minute tour.

Image: Canaletto, The Entrance to the Grand Canal, Venice, c. 1730, oil on canvas, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, the Robert Lee Blaffer Memorial Collection, gift of Sarah Campbell Blaffer.

Related Links

Learn more here.

HOURS & ADMISSION

  • Wednesday, 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
    Thursday, 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
    Friday - Saturday, 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
    Sunday , 12:30 pm - 6:00 pm
    • Monday (Except selected holidays) | Closed.
    • Tuesday | Closed.
    • Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day | Closed.
  • Museum Admission

    ALL ACCESS tickets provide entry to Special Exhibitions and the MFAH Permanent Collections. Purchase online or drop by any admissions desk.
    • MFAH Member  FREE
    • ALL ACCESS (Adult 19+)  $24
    • ALL ACCESS (Senior 65+ with ID)  $20
    • ALL ACCESS (Youth 13–18)  $20
    • ALL ACCESS (Child 12 & Under)  FREE
    • *Thursday MFAH Permanent Collections (All Ages)  FREE
    • *Thursday ALL ACCESS (13 & Up)  $10
    On Thursday, admission to the MFAH Permanent Collections is free for all individuals, courtesy of Shell USA, Inc. Special Exhibitions require a separate, discounted ALL ACCESS ticket.

Directions & Parking

  • Beck Building

Special Offers / Dining

Paolo Fronza, from Fellini Caffè, runs this sophisticated dining operation. Enjoy an array of Italian-inspired fare with a Texas flair, a European-style coffee bar, a kids menu, and much more at the MFA Café, located on the lower level of the Beck Building.

Join the Houston Museum District

Join our mailing list for sneak peeks to upcoming events and insider information on the best museum district in the world

I'm interested in memberships