Like many hastily thrown together tinder profiles I swipe right on say: beauty is in the eye of the beer-holder. Art is subjective. I have read many books on this point, including one that was incidentally life changing in my third (and final) year of high school, The Cheese Monkeys by Chip Kidd, back when my life could have gone in many artistic directions at NYU and beyond to EGOT but as I languished in high school theatre and was bullied enough I graduated a full year early I thought adult-me should play it safe in the corporate world which was ultimately a stupid decision having lost jobs and career momentum opportunities in the great recession and then again in the onslaught of the pandemic. Nowadays you have shows on the teevee such as Glee and High School Musical: The Musical: The Series that supportively tell gen-z kids to be themselves since they know employment prospects in the corporate world are a rather stacked deck unless your daddy, or a rich man you know from Boy Scouts that requests you call him daddy, owns the whole company. If you are a smart cookie and you read yelp reviews before you go, then you already know what you are getting into here. Many people regret coming to the installation enough that it is captured in reviews below telling you to just look at the pictures here and save yourself the trouble. While that is art "on demand" if you are one of those people, it lacks the visceral experience of walking into the installation and being slightly disappointed there in the flesh that you, yes you, put on pants that were only lightly lager-stained and left your house for this. First, the bouncer/security guard/stern man standing there gives you a longwinded spiel about what you cannot do here - anything fun. You can only take pictures from one specific spot far away from the lights so you see what those photos look like from the same boring ass angle, because taking photos from anywhere else in the building is illegal - or as the joke goes, that is just a sick bird, you mean to say unlawful. You can walk in, but not too closely. There are yuge numbers of security cameras erry where here and they are watching closely if you step even slightly out of line you will have IO guards come out with combat shotguns, pulse rifles, or worse, calculus homework they will make you do no matter how hard you cry. The lights juxtaposed against the blacked out doors/windows and bouncing off of the cement floor are just fun. It feels like it could have been a room in the Colour Factory on Kirby when that passed through town right before the pandemic started. The room at the back with the white lights arranged in art deco patterns is even more interesting to take in, like a fine wine priced above the $2.99 threshold at the local Trader Joe. The main draw of this place is basically that besides the stern man at the front with all of the rules and all of the guards with shotguns probably posted nearby given all of the rules, the lieutenant and I had the entire building to ourselves. So this was a very socially distanced afternoon since we had masks on the entire time indoors and so did the stern man at the front. Now that is a good, safe, pandemic friendly time out of the house unlike some other places such as HMNS. All the rules really harsh the mellow for making this a must see place though. There is no way to do a proper BABY SLUT (patent pending) yoga pose in front of the lights based on the rules, or whatever other kind of photo you need to take for the proper meaningless internet clout points of tomorrow on Rick Tock or whatever that appetizer is on the phones these days. We open at the close, so of course one of their many rules is no White Claws in the exhibit so beauty is NOT in the eye of the beer-holder at this installation - know before you go, yelp dot com. Know before you go. read more

This is one of the least busy joint we visited in the district. The lighting installation suddenly make you feel better. "Light therapy" comes to mind. The vastness of the space, and the reflections on the concrete floor give off a calming and optimistic feeling as if nothing in the world is wrong. I cannot imagine miss visiting this place. Highly recommend it. read more

Dan Flavin Installation at Richmond Hall - Fascinating. Light therapy. - Art Museums Near Me - Houston, Texas

This "art installation" is a fascinating misuse of space. The uninspired and unabashedly rectangular architecture of the building is an appropriate reflection of the underwhelming rows of fluorescent lights that occupy its interior. Don't deceive yourself by thinking, "there must be more to this exhibit than what I see in these Yelp and Google pictures." Perhaps the under-appreciated talent of this exhibit is that nearly all of it can be viewed by taking one step inside the front door. Once you arrive inside the front door, you will be greeted by a Menil employee (is this person being paid?! To stand guard over an empty room with neon lights?!). The employee will say things such as "Absolutely no pictures" and "please only wear your backpack over one shoulder." This provides a small thrill, like being back in third grade - when teachers recite rules at you, fully knowing that each word they utter only increases one's desire to break said rules. The most interesting part of the experience came in learning that this building was once a grocery store. An exhibit of fluorescent bananas in the center of the room could tie in this piece of history nicely. (Menil - feel free to steal this idea, free of charge) To be fair, there is a 10x10-foot square room behind the main hall that cannot be seen from the front door. This mysterious, magical room houses an insultingly simple series of white fluorescent lights - a few lined up on each wall. I promise you that my words cannot do justice to how underwhelming that room is. The "external" exhibit includes a strip of green neon lights that is irrefutably reminiscent of a strip club's facade. Perhaps, though, this exhibit has gotten the last laugh. It has now stolen approximately 12 minutes of my life (2 inside the exhibit, 10 writing this review). It will undoubtedly stash those minutes away into its infinitely large stomach. The Monster of Richmond has an insatiable appetite for people's valuable time. If you have made it this far, heed my warning - you can never get those minutes of your life back!!!! read more

Weird waste of time. When we walked in, we were immediately greeted by an employee who told us not to take photos. The exhibit is quiet, awkward, and the staff keeps an eye on you to make sure you don't take your phone out. You think there's more but the second room is just white lights. The light installations should be part of a larger museum as they don't warrant their own building. read more

No pictures, no videos and no fun. They follow you around like you stole something and I couldn't even carry my diaper bag on both shoulders. This isn't the Louvre Museum....not really sure why they behave in this manner but I won't be coming back here or to any Menil property. read more

I'm not a big art fan, but I totally enjoyed this space. I was at the Menil museum's main collection and saw a pamphlet that mentioned this installation. I went here in the middle of the day on a Thursday and the place was empty except for the guy working (volunteering?) at the front desk. I felt like I had been transported into the movie Xanadu (http://cineleet.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/panpacific.jpg) with all the neon lights. I hadn't heard of Dan Flavin before but have since learned that he has larger installation pieces in Marfa, Texas. The room is huge, with neon lights down both sides of the room. There are black lights as well, and when we inquired why, the guy working there told us how they bring out the color of the neon lights. The whole thing is pretty cool. Then you go to the back room where there are only white neon lights making shapes that look like skyscrapers or rocket ships. My cousin and I both liked the installation, but we also got caught up in the minutia of things like the length of the crazy tall fluorescent bulbs in the back room and the order of the colors. This installation isn't for everyone, but it's pretty cool to me! FREE admission. Open Wednesday - Sunday. read more

I decided to visit the Dan Flavin Installation after seeing it featured on the 365ThingsInHouston site. I was actually surprised I had not been here before. I have visited the Menil Collection many times before but somehow missed the Flavin Installation. If you plan on visiting the Menil Collection this is a little separate from the Rothko Chapel... which is why I missed it the first time. This was my first Dan Flavin installation to visit and I would definitely be interested in seeing other work he has done. I found the use of the fluorescent lights in the main room to be so beautiful. There is a small separate room towards the back. I wasn't blown away by those as much as the ones in the main room probably because my eye is naturally drawn to color. There is not much to the installation just the main room and the smaller space in the back. I would say this is a great place to visit if you want to find something new to do in Houston! I came on a Sunday afternoon and walked around the area since it was a lovely day out. I wouldn't visit the installation just by itself make sure to stop by The Menil Collection as well! TIPS: DON'T TAKE PICTURES! I made the mistake of not asking before taking pictures and was scolded by the gentleman that was working. read more

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This is one of my favorite exhibits in Houston, but it's VERY simple. But it's free! This installation features the main warehouse exhibit of multi colored lights, and a small back room exhibits of white lights. It's very simplistic but still stunning, in my opinion. You're not allowed to take pictures of the exhibit (sooo shhh about mine, it's was too cool and I couldn't resist). I suggest spending more than 15 minutes in here and really taking it in. read more

Dan Flavin Installation at Richmond Hall - Art Museums Near Me - Houston, Texas

I love the lights, but even though I know it is a minimalistic installation, there is way to much empty space that should be used with sculptures or paintings or something. Still, I recommend everybody to go see it. read more

So this exhibit is another part of the Menil Collection. It is at Richmond Hall which is just down the street from the main building. This was almost as lame as the Cy Twombly Gallery. It literally is just a bunch of neon lights lined up in different shapes. The space for it is cool but really?! I understand Art is subjective. But how can someone think these exhibits are amazing? At least both were FREE. read more

Everything that could be said about this place has already been said. It's neat for a few minutes, but that's about it. It really is disappointing that pictures aren't allowed.. I spent maybe 5 seconds taking some quick shots on my phone and then a security guard rushed out from the back area. She must have been watching the cameras. Save yourself the trip and just view the pictures posted on here, it'll be the same experience anyways. read more

We actually really enjoyed this installation. Beautiful lights and a quaint atmosphere. There were no photos allowed but obviously we snuck photos anyway lol read more

Dan Flavin Installation at Richmond Hall - Light installation - Art Museums Near Me - Houston, Texas

I was unimpressed,this huge space with colored flourescent lights on the the walls, they could have put other displays in the center of the room. Thankfully the place is free and has it's own lot but not worth going to, on it's own. I can see it as a rental space for events and that as lighting and a conversation piece. The rear room/display of white flourescents lights were so so too. read more

Dan Flavin Installation at Richmond Hall - Art Museums Near Me - Houston, Texas

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I love light and color, but the fact that this structure sits on high dollar real estate, and my tax dollars pay to cool and light this enormous building that no one visits irritates me. If you've seen it in photographs, you've seen all there is to see. At least it's free. read more

Dan Flavin Installation at Richmond Hall - Art Museums Near Me - Houston, Texas

This has got to be a huge practical joke, right? The Flavin Installation is without a doubt the lamest, most pointlessly expensive "art" I have ever encountered. And I have been to many an installation and seen many a dud. We went in here a couple years back during a Menil trip, and as we came in we met the incredibly bored security guard who looked at us as if to say, welcome to my nightmare. We looked out at the huge empty concrete room, with a few not very strategically placed colored lights stuck on the walls in boring order. I looked at the guard. "Is the art in the back room?" He looked at me like Bukowski when he realizes that the bars are all closed and he forgot to get a bottle to take home. "No, this is it." He seemed almost ashamed to say it, and I immediately felt for him. He has to endure the laughter and scorn of the (admittedly and understandably very few) folks who venture in here, as if he was responsible for this colossal waste of space and energy. We did go into the back room, where Flavin displayed his staggering depth and range of vision by employing not colored tubes but, gasp, oh the genius, white ones! Also, alas, not organized in any unique or attractive way. It all felt like some sneaky dude had showed up with a few lights one day, stuck them on the wall in an hour, collected his check for a quarter million from some oil-rich Houston dowager with a poodle who was told that this guy Flavin is the latest hot thing in the Art World, and hightailed it out of there to cash the check before the world saw what he'd done. Then again, perhaps I am a heathen who has no clue what Art is. Could be, despite many weeks of delight in the Prado, Louvre, MOMA, etc etc. But having just spent four hours in the Menil and finding much to my liking, not just representational art but some interesting modern pieces as well, I was open-minded and ready to be a fan o' Flavin. But seeing as this is only the second review here, perhaps there aren't too many fans of Flavin in Houston. And rightfully so. This stuff may or may not be pretentious, a rip-off, a massive prank/statement on the hollowness of the big-money art scenes where something is Art if you can get a rich sucker to pay for it. But it is definitely booooring. And a huge waste of space and electricity. About the only positive thing I can say about The Flavin Inhalation is that it's a nice dark, cool space on a hot day. And that's it. Oh yeah, clean washrooms too. I finally couldn't help myself. Standing in the middle of the empty room that someone had probably spent well over a million bucks building and heating and cooling over the years, I started laughing. The missus tried to stop me, but I couldn't help it. This was like a New Yorker cartoon come to life, with someone saying, "Trust me, it's Art. It has to be. It cost a fortune." And while cracking up, I looked out the corner of my eye at the guard, a little sad for him and afraid of demeaning his existence in this post-modern talent vacuum. But not to worry. He suddenly cracked a wry grin. I walked over to him and said, "It's a joke, right?" He smiled a smile born of many highballs. "It's whatever you want it to be." "Well, I want it to be interesting, arresting, informative, thought-provoking, envelope-pushing. But it's still just boring and pointless." The guard smiled. "You wouldn't be the first to feel that way." Then he went back to meditating on the blank wall and I thought, maybe he's the real work of art here, and the lights are just to illuminate his existential angst in the midst of the chaotic modern world. The mind grasps at straws when confronted by the genius that is The Flavin. Hmm, maybe that's the point. Yes, modern art can make us question life and its meaning, but so can a trip to the corner store. I want some aesthetic wonder along with my questions, and the only wonder I left with from this most useless of all museums is how long it took for Flavin to cash the check and get the hell out of Dodge. I wish I'd been at the opening of this turkey. Did anyone have the guts, champagne glass in hand, to say, "This Emperor is most thoroughly naked?" Or did they all just nod in thoughtful poses, fingers to lips, and pretend that they too understood the Genius of Flavin? And of course the very best irony here is that Costanza's favorite (fake) poet is Flavin. Preeecisely. Made me wonder if Larry David hadn't wandered in here one day. I can't wait to bring somebody here and build it up as the Greatest Museum In The World, just to see their face when they realize, this is it? I heartily recommend this prank; just try not to crack up in the first ten minutes while they tell you what it means. Maybe Flavin's mom just wouldn't buy him a Lite Brite set. If you need a laugh about how utterly ridiculous the modern art scene can be, this is your place. But if you want to experience something artistically satisfying, stick to the Menil. read more

A room full of colorful lights! Fun to visit if you have not seen it yet. Worth checking out, in my opinion! Admission is free and there is a private parking for your convenience, so why not? read more

Dan Flavin Installation at Richmond Hall - Art Museums Near Me - Houston, Texas

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I don't get it, but okay. Art is left to the beauty of the beholder. Concept: take an old grocery store (with parking inside the loop), add lots of coloured fluorescent lights and add air conditioning: VIOLA! ART! Maybe I missed something. Yes, its pretty. But such a HUGE space inside the loop with actual parking. But for lights? Dan Flavin -- interesting concept, but really? *shrug* read more

This is only a few blocks from the Menil Collection so I'd say check it out if you have time to spare. The space is freaking huge, almost a waste of space with only a light display. The colorful lights did catch my eye, but it's a shame they don't allow photography. read more

Dan Flavin Installation at Richmond Hall - Wasn't supposed to take this photo.. - Art Museums Near Me - Houston, Texas

I like to discover things and places in my hometown that I can show off to visitors - this is NOT one of those places. Having decided to have an Art Day, I'm gratified that this place was my first stop - that way, the only way was up in terms of experiences. The nondescript building faces busy Richmond Avenue - and its primary distinguishing feature is a neon green fluorescent edging along the top around the full building. When you walk in, it is a clear shot into the art space which consists of nothing but fluorescent tubing in four colors along the wall. There is a back room that is sparsely made up of white fluorescent bulbs. No tables, no chairs, nothing else but bulbs and bare concrete. The bored-looking docent told me that the building was originally a grocery store before conversion in 1997. That's 17 years of this ridiculous art space. I think I'd find it more interesting as a grocery store posing as modern art. I told the docent that I did not envy his "prison sentence" of having to spend the full day (opens at 11 AM, closes at 7 PM) here. He quickly corrected me that he was only there for 1 hour since he was relieving the main docent. We both mentally pitied the main docent. I was lucky in that I could leave after 5 minutes. But, if you don't talk to the docent, you can be done in 3 minutes. I'd advise skipping this place and heading to the nearby Menil Collection for some real art. Free admission but you'll pay with a disappointed soul. read more

I finally got to go here the other day as part of a sculpture class. I have always wanted to go since it was next to my ex's place, but he was allergic to being cultured. At first I was completely unimpressed. Yay, another light installation with a ton of fluorescent bulbs! A ton of lights lining the walls of a giant room. Sure it was colorful, but seriously? Then I ended up in a discussion of the piece. Context is really what makes this piece work. If you go be sure to pick up the pamphlet giving the history and description of the piece. It really does change your view. I'm the freak who's always looking up in buildings so be sure to look up at the skylight in the main room. The entire building is the piece, and you can't forget details like that. This isn't my favorite light installation, but it's definitely worth checking out if you're at the Menil, or just need a place to reflect (the Rothko is really good for that too). read more

The space is pretty large. Large enough to have a few sculptures yet they only have one. The museum assistant told us they had two Flavins, the rainbow one (once you enter) and another towards the back; yet, they recently removed it and placed it inside the actual museum. All their is to see is the different colored lights and two empty galleries towards the back. I've been lucky enough to experience a Dan Flavin show before, so I guess I might have been expecting a little more. P.S. I can totally see this place been utilized for a cute/ artsy wedding reception! read more

This is one of the most beautiful hidden gems in Houston. At first, sure, it just looks like lights along the wall, but move slightly to left or right, and they'll start to reflect off of each other different ways. Different colors will come to the fore. It is beautiful and meditative. It also won't take very long--sometimes I stop in for a moment when I'm having a bad day, and it's calming and lovely and that's all I need. You can do that, of course, because it's free. Come see it. It's pretty. read more

So not worth it. Came to enjoy a simple day. The only staff member there was extremely rude. We wanted to take a simple causal photo, and he ran up to us a shut it down - I understand organisations and establishments have no-photography rules, but for a place that has its photos blasted over the web, you'd think they'd be more lenient. On top of that, he didn't even shut us down, he followed us around until we left. Guess the lights pose a danger to us and it was a matter of National Security that we must never take a photo. Ha. If you're ever in the area, it's worth being awed for the first few moments. Then, leave and never come back. read more

Ok, came here without any idea of what to expect except for obviously the lights. Ha. Yes I've seen the photos from this exhibit. I have to admit thinking "eh, lights... ok?" But I was attracted by the bright colors. Walked in expecting a to be moving in and out in record time. Wrong. Stayed over half an hour, wished they weren't closing for the evening as I would have stayed longer. I recommend walk around, sitting on the floor, etc so you enjoy a different view with each vantage point. Also come at different times as it's totally different when visiting say mid July at noon versus mid January at early evening read more

I should start by pointing out that I'm a huge fan of Flavin's work, though until recently I hadn't been fortunate enough to see it in person. So I was thrilled by the recent chance to see his Menil installation, while on a trip to Houston. Obviously art is entirely subjective... and modern, minimalist work such as Flavin's will always have its detractors: those who believe it's lazy, or uninteresting, or "art for art's sake." Then there are those, like me, who see it as something entirely different: accessible, unpretentious, composed of simple elements and media available to anyone. To me, the most appealing thing about Flavin's work is the way it brings together art and architecture in an immersive, minimalist way. I just love it. But the best thing about Flavin's work is the range of emotions it stirs. I find it interesting that some people would complain that visiting the Menil installation is a waste of time, then spend even more time writing about it on Yelp. I mean, come on: it's art, you don't have to like it or to get it, but why take the time to bash it? Anyway, this installation is a real treasure and something every Houstonian should take time to visit. It's a little free-of-charge jewel that only takes a few minutes to appreciate. You may not like it -- you may hate it -- but at least you'll have been exposed to a form of art that you hadn't known about before. And maybe you'll end up loving it, like me. read more

This place was super cool. If you're familiar with his artwork and/or love modern installation art than this is a good place to check out. The outside of the building looks rundown and like no one or nothing is inside but the inside is really a sight to see. You can't take any pictures inside but it's really cool to see the interior of this building with all the lights! read more

Free, pretty simple. It's just a big room with lights but it's nice to walk around in. About a 6 min walk from Menil!

A complete and utter waste of space. The guard follows you around as if you are going to... what? Take a photo? Bust one of the lights? You can spend three minutes in this nondescript former grocery store and still feel as if you wasted 180 seconds of your life. An aesthetically uninteresting dump. Three people were working here on a Saturday afternoon - that's three grown Americans subjecting themselves to Flavin's pretentious take on purgatory. read more

Dan Flavin what can you say it is what it is. I was expecting several small pieces but instead got a large installation. which is fine but that's about it kinda of a in and out thing. In my opinion waste of a large space. read more

The Flavin room is awesome. Too many reviewers seem to be expecting too much. The room is home to two installations, one of colored fluorescent lights, one of pure white lights. The installation is cavernous, empty, silent, and warm. It is not often one is able to literally walk inside art. Leave your expectations outside, and enjoy it for what it is. read more

Don't waste your precious little artsy fartsy time. This has got to be one of the most disappointing exhibits I've been to too date. Bravo! to the administration for ruining the Dan Flavin legacy. I seriously can't fathom an organization let alone a BUSINESS operating like such. Who in the hell came up with a no photo policy for an led light installation. LED lights and white walls people! & it's FREE! what else could I possibly want to do with lights other than take pictures? I mean I can't lick them, I can't touch them, damn sure don't wanna eat umm, I can't wand them nothing. So what in the hell would I want to do with them other than LOOK! Take a picture duh! & to add insult to injury I had my friend call before hand and ask their hours, rules etc and the rep said "pictures are ok you just can't touch anything" So not only are they giving out incorrect info to patrons but once you arrive an obnoxious person on staff will literally run you down like a rent a cop as if you're trying to steal the damn Mona Lisa. Whoever runs this place (and I mean the head honcho not the idiot getting minimum wage to be a jerk ) needs to consider new employment and new policies and procedures should be enforced asap. Dan Flavin is probably rolling in his grave. read more

The guard wouldn't let me take a picture of the light bulbs. Seriously? This installation is nothing more than a roller rink without skates. A waste of time, even for free. read more

Yes this is a huge empty building filled with colored and florescent lights, yes it is a colossal waste of space, and yes it is uninspired and boring, but that is what I love about it. Here is a huge space, in a expensive part of town that is just wasted. I absolutely love it. I love that people hate it. I love that it is a huge waste of time and space and its free! I love that they don't rent it out for anything or try to make money from it in the slightest way. At the very least you have to admit that Flavin is a genius... for turning "banging Mama Menil" into his own permanent ego stroke. I used to live across the street from the Flavin Installation and I would camp out there, I mean people are coming for a exhibition... why not do performance art in the Flavin? The guard, who is truly priceless and does give you that "please shoot me" look, would probably let you bar-b-q a goat in there so have fun. I like to get right at eye level and right next to the lights and run in one direction, it really has that cheesy movie, time traveling effect. My brother believes the real art is hidden in the designs on the floor, check it out and be amazed. As Don King would say, "Only in America!" read more