The Menil Collection Bookstore, a fixture in Houston’s Montrose neighborhood, has initiated a closure of its current location to facilitate a comprehensive renovation and expansion project. According to museum officials, the construction is expected to continue through 2027.
To mitigate the impact of this long-term closure, the bookstore will operate out of a temporary location nearby, ensuring continued access to literature and art resources for visitors. The renovation plans include practical upgrades, such as the installation of a new public bathroom, addressing a long-standing infrastructure need for campus guests. Coinciding with the announcement, the retailer has introduced new branded merchandise, including Menil baseball caps.
The Menil Collection is renowned for its unique campus design, which intersperses gallery buildings with residential bungalows. The bookstore has historically occupied one of these gray bungalows on Sul Ross Street, contributing to the accessible, neighborhood-centric atmosphere envisioned by founders John and Dominique de Menil.
However, the three-year construction timeline presents potential challenges. Critics and frequent visitors have noted that such a prolonged closure could disrupt the tranquil environment that characterizes the 30-acre campus. Additionally, as with many development projects in Montrose, there is underlying concern regarding how an expansion will interact with the existing architecture. Skeptics argue that significantly altering the footprint or aesthetic of the original bungalow structure risks eroding the subtle, domestic scale that distinguishes the Menil from more institutional museum complexes.
