2.  Originally constructed in 1950, the home of
John and Dominique de Menil was the first
modernist home in Houston, Texas. Located in
the prominent River Oaks community and
designed by then-unknown architect Philip
Johnson, the home soon became an
architectural icon, and it remains a valued
historic landmark within the Houston
community.
Although the de Menil house was Johnson’s first
residential design, it became a meeting place
for prominent Houstonians from the creative,
academic, and business sectors.

3.  The home also served as a gallery, showcasing
classic pieces from a variety of periods and
disciplines.
More than five decades later, the de Menils'
former home underwent extensive renovations.
Bill Stern of Stern and Bucek Architects directed
the three-year project, launching his efforts in
2001 with a full year of research. After
developing a firm understanding of the home’s
social and architectural histories, Stern and his
associates drafted a final building plan that
yielded more drawings than the home’s
original construction.

4.  Over the next 14 months, the team worked
to restore the historic home while preserving
its character, repositioning it as a cultural
symbol for years to come.
The restored home contains many of its
original decorative features, including most
of the pieces from the Menil Collection art
gallery. Although the home is not open to
the public, it may return to its storied social
history as the site of future lectures and
receptions hosted by the Menil Collection
museum.