The Hit List: 5 Spots to Art Out

1. The first Holocaust Museum Houston’s (5401 Caroline St., 713.942.8000) first Spanish/English bilingual exhibit, Bittersweet Harvest: The Bracero Program, 1942-1964, opens Dec. 9. The Bracero Program, the largest guest worker program in U.S. history, brought millions of Mexican nationals north and resulted in long-term political and economic impacts. The exhibition tells the story of these migrants through photographs, artifacts and an introductory film component.

2. The city’s largest fine art institution, the Museum of Fine Arts (1001 Bissonnet St., 713.639.7300), presents an impressive retrospective on French impressionist Edgar Degas, known for his ballerina paintings. It’s the largest survey in 30 years and closes Jan. 16. Don’t miss curtain call.

3. In January, Barbara Attwell presents paintings and felted sculptures—largely insured by animals and nature—at the Jung Center (5200 Montrose Blvd., 713.524.8253). Swing by Jan. 7 for her opening reception at 5pm. The center also offers regular lectures on spirituality, philosophy and other topics. See the website for listings of what’s going on during your visit.

4. H-Town’s newest French restaurant, Cafe Azur (4315 Montrose Blvd., 713.524.0070) offers a great break from sightseeing. After viewing Degas, indulge your taste buds with artistically plated French cuisine and a bottle of Champagne or rosé. In between cold fronts, the patio makes for a very romantic spot.

5. In addition to Picasso: The Line, an exhibit with dozens of sketches by the Spanish cubist, The Menil Collection (1533 Sul Ross St. 713.525.9400), also presents a rare, unfinished film series by pop artist Andy Warhol. Sunset, a meditative piece of, well, sunsets, screens Wed.-Sun. at 6pm. The museum’s bistro across the street is the perfect place to stop for an end-of-day drink or a bite to eat. Or spread a blanket in the park under one of the massive oak trees.