Opened in 1948, Contemporary Arts Museum Houston's goal is to present the "art of our time." Renovated in 1997, the building sports an elegant interior that is almost as appealing as the exhibits. Regional, national and international artists display their work here, and the museum can also take credit for the successful launch of several local artists' careers. The art exhibits are very diverse, exhibiting the use of various materials and subjects in a wide range of styles. The gift shop might put a significant dent in your wallet, but it is rumored to be one of the best in town.
Over the course of more than two decades, Jefferson Davis McKissack, a Houston postal worker who loved oranges, built The Orange Show one found object at a time. He dreamt it would one day become a major attraction. He died just seven months after opening its doors. Recognizing The Orange Show's importance as one of the finest examples of folk art environments in the U.S., a group of supporters formed the Orange Show Foundation to preserve the monument. They're also responsible for the internationally renowned Art Car Festival. Besides visiting The Orange Show, you can also take one of the Foundations' Eyeopener Tours.
This west-themed saloon on Guhn Road is a vibrant place to spend an eventful weekend. Here, you can enjoy various events and activities, such as karaoke nights, drag shows, and themed parties. The club is open seven days a week and has a full-service bar that serves a variety of drinks and snacks. Westwind Club is known for its friendly atmosphere and is a popular spot for socializing and meeting new people. Enjoy live country music and immerse yourself in some great music during your visit.
Within walking distance of the METRORail between the Wheeler and Hermann Hospital/Houston Zoo stops lies the highest concentration of galleries, museums, and art spaces in Houston. Besides the usual suspects - the Zoo, Fine Arts, Natural Science, Contemporary Arts, and Children's Museum - there is also the fascinating Health, Holocaust, Buffalo Soldiers National, and John C. Weather Museums to explore. Don’t miss Lawndale Art Center, Houston Center for Contemporary Craft or the Jung Center. A little farther off the beaten path (just up Montrose Boulevard on the other side of US59), are the famed Menil Collection, Rothko and Byzantine Fresco Chapels, and Houston Center for Photography. Stop for a meal at any of the fine eateries along Montrose Boulevard. Check the site for events and free times.
Does offbeat art tickle your fancy? Nestled in the heart of the museum district, Lawndale Art Center is a set of three art galleries that might be just what you are looking for. Exhibitions change frequently with many local artists featured throughout the year. Some of the exhibits and presentations are Techno, with the works of Emily Joyce, Richard Alexander, Peter Precourt, and Tresa Varner duly represented. Special events occur frequently and include informal talks about the exhibits. Annual happenings include their nationally known fundraiser celebration, The Hair Ball.