Learning & Interpretation
- Art Is for Everyone
- Kinder Foundation Education Center
- Programs for Adults
- Programs for Families
- Programs for Educators and School Groups
- Programs for Colleges & Universities
- Programs for Visitors with Disabilities
- Join the Patron Group: Family Circle
Art Is for Everyone
The MFAH is founded on one simple belief: Art is for everyone. The mission of the learning and interpretation department is to offer programs, tours, resources, and materials that teach and engage adults, children, educators, and students in the world of art. The goal is to create experiences that embrace the importance of art and the Museum; to position art and the Museum as a meaningful part of a well-rounded life; and to work with partners who support the community through shared values and interests.
Since 1900, when the MFAH opened as an art education project in the public schools, the institution has maintained its mission of bringing art to people wherever they live, play, and learn. This commitment has established the MFAH as A Place for All People, an initiative that began in the 1990s with the support of the Wallace Foundation. Contact firstname.lastname@example.org to learn more.
Kinder Foundation Education Center
The Kinder Foundation Education Center (KFEC) is the central source of information on art for visitors of all ages at MFAH. A physical space within the MFAH campus, a hub of resources and materials, and curriculum support for educators, KFEC is the heart of the learning and interpretation department and the driving force that helps the Museum achieve its mission of being A Place for All People.
Programs for Adults
The Museum offers a wide range of lectures, guided tours, gallery talks, concerts, readings, performances, book club meetings, and symposia throughout the year. Learn more
Programs for Families
The MFAH is a place for families, featuring a variety of dynamic programs free with Museum admission. Visit the Families section for a look at all the offerings for adults and kids, including art workshops, family days, homeschool programs, drop-in gallery activities, and Glassell Junior School art classes. You'll find printable activities and handy tips for visiting, too!
Programs for Educators and School Groups
Make the Museum your classroom with a free visit to the MFAH, and expand your professional development with a selection of teacher workshops. Looking at, thinking about, and sharing ideas on art support personal growth and reinforce cognitive skills needed for success in all subject areas. Learn more about MFAH resources, activities, and workshops for teachers and students of all ages.
Programs for Colleges & Universities
Read more about our offerings college students and instructors, including guided tours, internship opportunities, and educational resources.
Programs for Visitors with Disabilities
The Museum strives to accommodate every visitor. We offer programs for blind or partially sighted visitors and those with Alzheimer's or dementia, as well as assistance for deaf or hard-of-hearing guests and those with limited mobility. Learn more about how we can assist you on your visit.
Join the Patron Group: Family Circle
The Family Circle is a group for families who want to foster a long-term appreciation of the visual arts in their children while supporting the MFAH. The museum hosts four events per year exclusively for Family Circle members: three programs that focus on the MFAH permanent collections and touring exhibitions, and one major benefit staged throughout the Museum.
Family Circle members have the opportunity to take exclusive behind-the-scenes tours designed to give children a personalized and interactive introduction to the world of art; attend seminars that share strategies for enhancing children’s visits to the Museum; and participate in other fun programs that encourage a lifelong interest in the visual arts. Annual dues: $950 (includes a Family-level membership to the MFAH)
Learning and Interpretation programs receive generous funding from the Sterling-Turner Foundation; ExxonMobil; MD Anderson Cancer Center; Occidental Petroleum; Leslie and Brad Bucher; Houston Junior Woman's Club; Mr. and Mrs. Melbern G. Glasscock; The Windgate Charitable Foundation; the Samuel H. Kress Foundation; Mr. William J. Hill; the Susan Vaughan Foundation; The Brown Foundation, Inc.; The Americana Foundation; The Joe Barnhart Foundation; The Carruth Foundation, Inc.; the CFP Foundation; Texas Commission on the Arts; Frost Bank; Mrs. Nancy Glanville Jewell; Mrs. Denise D. Monteleone; W. A. and Madeline Smith Charitable Trust; European Fine Art Foundation; Air Liquide; Mr. Scott Ensell; Mr. William J. Hill; Huneycutt Family Foundation; Mrs. Fred R. Lummis; Mary Lynn and Steve Marks; The Claire & Theodore Morse Foundation; the Strake Foundation; The Summerlee Foundation; Alice and Terry Thomas Charitable Fund; Humanities Texas; The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™; International Fine Print Dealers Association; Junior League of Houston, Inc.; Polly and Murry Bowden; James C. and Nancy R. Gordon; The Lubrizol Foundation; and Volunteer Houston.
All learning and interpretation programs at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, receive endowment income from funds provided by:
The Louise Jarrett Moran Bequest
Caroline Wiess Law
The William Randolph Hearst Foundation
The National Endowment for the Humanities
The Fondren Foundation
BMC Software, Inc.
The Wallace Foundation
The Neal Myers and Ken Black Children’s Art Fund
The Favrot Fund
Gifts in honor of Beth Schneider