Design Council

As part of the decorative arts department, Design Council focuses on the defining role that art objects and design play in everyday life. This dynamic group meets bimonthly for lectures, visits to private collections, and behind-the-scenes exhibition tours. Design Council also supports the Museum’s growing collection of decorative arts, craft, and design. The membership year culminates with an annual vote where members select accessions from a curatorial presentation of artworks.

Past program highlights include:

  • Exclusive visit to a local home built by architect Anderson Todd for his family, which just received landmark status
  • A behind-the-scenes tour of Rice University’s Oshman Engineering Design Kitchen
  • Exclusive tour of The Glamour and Romance of Oscar de la Renta with guest curator André Leon Talley, who shared behind-the-scenes information about the exhibition and personal stories of de la Renta

For more information about Design Council, contact Ashley Powell at apowell@mfah.org or 713.639.7594. Please note that a current MFAH membership is required to join Design Council. Visit mfah.org/jointoday for information about MFAH membership levels and benefits.

Parking in the Museum’s garages is complimentary during Patron Group events! Members of Patron Groups also enjoy the discounted MFAH member rate when parking during regular Museum visits. Learn more about parking.

Levels

  • Benefactor
    $2500 FMV: $180

    Members enjoy:

    • Invitations to exclusive Design Council member programs

    Plus:

    • Two guests may attend each program
    • First priority for Design Council trips
    • Private curator consultation by appointment
    • Complimentary catalogues as determined by the program and exhibition schedule
  • Patron
    $1000 FMV: $180

    Members enjoy:

    • Invitations to exclusive Design Council member programs

    Plus:

    • One guest may attend each program
    • Second priority for Design Council trips
  • Member
    $500 FMV: $180

    Members enjoy:

    • Invitations to exclusive Design Council member programs
  • Young Member (40 and younger)
    $300 FMV: $90

    Membership for one individual.

    Members enjoy:

    • Invitations to exclusive Design Council member programs