Transformed Houston

Art world is stunned at news of Museum of Fine Arts Director Peter Marzio'sdeath

Peter Marzio, director of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
Just one highlight of his tenure, the donation of Rienzi in 1991
Alberto Giacometti's "Large Standing Womain I," 1960, stands before a granitetriangle, part of Isamu Noguchi's design for the Lillie and Hugh Roy CullenSculpture Garden, a 1986 accomplishment for Marzio.
Another Marzio contribution: the renovation of Bayou Bend in 1993
Peter Marzio, director of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
The Audrey Jones Beck Building opened to acclaim in March 2000.
Peter Marzio with Jeanie Kilroy, left, and Cornelia Long at the Septemberopening of the Lora Jean Kilroy Visitor and Education Center at Bayou Bend
Photo by Gary Fountain
Lora Jean Kilroy Visitor and Education Center
Photo by Robb Williamson
A new book detailing Houston's most prestigious collection of American art,"American Art and Philanthropy: Twenty Years of Collecting at the Museum of FineArts, Houston," arrived on bookshelves in October.
"Head with Crown", 14th-early 15th century, copper alloy, from "Dynasty andDivinity: Ife Art in Ancient Nigeria." The MFAH was proud to be the first U.S.venue for this touring exhibition.
Photo by Karin L. Willis; © National Commission for Museums and Monuments,Nigeria. Photo courtesy Museum for African Art/Fundación Marcelino Botín
Just this fall, the MFAH invited artist Cai Guo-Qiang to create a gunpowderdrawing to cover the walls of the new Arts of China Gallery.
Photo by I-Hua Lee/Courtesy Cai Studio
"Still Life with Apples and Peaches" by Paul Cézanne, part of the upcomingblockbuster exhibition, "Impressionist and Post-Impressionist Masterpieces fromthe National Gallery of Art." The MFAH is the first— and the only — venue forthe exhibition.

Peter C. Marzio, who built the Museum of Fine Arts Houston into an art world juggernaut, passed away early Friday morning after a battle with cancer. He was 67.

Many in Houston's art and business communities were stunned to hear of his death because he had kept his illness extremely private.

During his 28-year tenure as director of Houston's largest museum, it rose from 30th to the sixth largest in the nation. Marzio doubled the museum in size with the Audrey Jones Beck building, which opened in 2000, increased the permanent collection from 13,000 objects to 62,000, and magnified the endowment by eighteenfold. He added full-time curators in Renaissance and Baroque Painting (1990); Prints and Drawings (1991); Textiles and Costume (1991); American Painting and Sculpture (1993); Film and Video (1996); Asian Art (2000), Latin American Art (2001) and Islamic Art (2008).

Among the many other highlights of his tenure: the completion of the Lillie and Hugh Roy Cullen Sculpture Garden (1986); the donation of Rienzi (1991); the addition of an off-site facility (1991) that houses the Museum Archives and Department of Conservation, established in 1984 and 1996 respectively; the renovation of Bayou Bend (1993) and the opening of the Lora Jean Kilroy Visitor and Education Center (2010), and the construction of Central Administration and Glassell Junior School of Art Building (1994).

Under his guidance, the MFAH has committed to spending at least $80 million over 10 years to Latin American programs, much of which will be devoted to exhibitions displayed in a new building that will place the Latin American art collection within the global context of modernism.

He forged relationships with monied Houston art lovers. Caroline Wiess Law left the MFAH $400 million — one of the largest bequests ever to a museum — along with major artworks, Alfred Glassell Jr. donated his collection of African gold pieces; Beck left 47 Impressionist masterpieces and the museum maintains a permanent collection of Renaissance and Baroque art from the Sarah Campbell Blaffer Foundation.

Marzio also believed strongly in a world view, supporting galleries and exhibits of art from Vietnam, Afghanistan, Korea, China, India, Japan and the Middle East.

"He was a visionary in that way," said associate director of investment and finance Gwen Goffe, who was named acting director after Marzio's death. "He believed in the whole idea of using art to educate about different cultures."

MFAH lifetime trustee Rich Kinder said that Marzio will be remembered as one of the finest museum directors of this generation.

"His accomplishments at the museum were just extraordinary. He took a relatively small museum and built it into one of the best museums in America today in terms of collection and endowment," Kinder told CultureMap. "He was a rare combination of a very well educated and knowledgeable art aficionado with business sense. There are very few nonprofits in America who can balance a budget."

Kinder also thought of Marzio as a great friend for more than 25 years. "We skiied, fished and collected art together," Kinder said. "He had a dry wit. He was just a wonderful person."

MFAH trustee Frank Hevrdjes admired Marzio's ability to transform the museum from a good regional center to a world-class institution.

"Peter's vision, knowledge, leadership and fiscal discipline were the envy not only of the museum world but of the entire business community," Hevrdjes said. "In addition to his large role in our community, Peter was a wonderful friend and a loving husband to his wife and best friend Frances. He was loved by all his employees and admired by the entire art world. We have lost an incredible man."

Marzio's untimely death reverberated throughout Houston's arts community.

"It's a huge loss," said Cecil C. Connor, Jr., longtime general manager of Houston Ballet." Peter was the leader not just of the museum but of the art world in Houston."

On the national level, the American Association of Museums also mourned Marzio's death.

“Peter was a leader in the museum field,” AAM President Ford W. Bell said in a statement. “His vision inspired legions of museum professionals. To say he will be sorely missed does not do honor to his influence and his character. His own life story was a case study on the power of art and museums, and their remarkable ability to lift spirits and enrich souls. Peter Marzio’s life did both, in ways that will keep him with us forever. ”

Marzio was a driving force behind bringing the 2011 AAM Annual Meeting and MuseumExpo to Houston and had served as chair. The meeting, which will take place May 23–26, will be dedicated to his memory.

Marzio was born on Governor’s Island, New York City. He went to Juniata College in Pennsylvania on a football scholarship, earning a bachelor of arts degree in 1965, and graduated from the University of Chicago with an master's of arts in 1966 and doctorate degree in 1969. He studied in Rome on a senior Fulbright research fellowship in 1973.

Prior to coming to Houston in 1982, Marzio was director and CEO of the Corcoran Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., and curator of Prints and chairman of the Department of Cultural History at the Smithsonian Institution.

Well known in the national art world, Marzio was president of the Association of Art Museum Directors from 1988 to 1989. He also served as chairman of the Federal Council on the Arts and Humanities from 1997-2000.

He is survived by his wife, Frances; his daughter, Sara Marzio Podsednik in Houston; his son, Steven Marzio and wife Randi in Alpharetta, Ga.; and five grandchildren.

The museum is planning a memorial service after the first of the year to honor Marzio.

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Weekend event planner

Here are the 14 best things to do in Houston this Christmas weekend

Photo courtesy of Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet

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So, Thursday is the big day, when many Houstonians will get together with family and/or friends to celebrate Christmas with presents, egg nog, and a festive meal.

But that doesn’t mean there still won’t be events popping off this weekend. Some are holiday-related (like Stages’ staging of The Twelve Dates of Christmas and the Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet going down in Sugar Land), while others are just some fun things to do (like watching some college football at NRG Stadium or attending the birthday bash of a local punk legend at Dan Electro’s).

Whatever you do, just have a holly, jolly time this weekend.

Thursday, December 25

Toro Toro presents Christmas Brunch
Embark on a brunch journey over at Toro Toro this Christmas. Executive chef Jonathan Esparza and his team have prepared an extensive, Christmas brunch buffet menu, featuring a selection of traditional holiday dishes and interactive stations. Brunch is priced at $145 per adult and $65 per child (11 and under; children 5 and under eat free). Dinner will also be served a la carte from 5:30 to 10 pm. 10 am.

Juliet Steakhouse & Fine Dining presents Holiday Buffet Feast
Juliet will be serving up a fabulous Christmas Day buffet, priced at $59 for adults and $28 for kids 12 and under (children under 5 dine free). The buffet includes carved-to-order turkey and filet mignon, plus sides such as mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, candied yams, cornbread dressing, mac and cheese, collard greens, dinner rolls, Caesar salad, and lobster bisque. Desserts include peach cobbler, sweet potato pie, and assorted cookies. Noon.

The Flat presents DJ Sun’s A James Brown Christmas Tribute
DJ Sun will be giving the gift of funk, with The Flat’s annual James Brown musical tribute. Flash Gordon Parks will also be spinning some cuts written, produced, and/or performed by the hardest-working man in show business. Special holiday cocktails will also be served, so pull up and close out Christmas night the right way: by getting funky with it! 8 pm.

Friday, December 26

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston presents Little Kid Flicks and Big Kid Flicks
A holiday season favorite at the MFAH, Kid Flicks is a compilation of fun, artful, inspired, and thought-provoking short film compilations presented in partnership with the New York International Children’s Film Festival. These award-winning short films offer a chance to explore new frontiers from around the world, across the street, and the ever-expanding boundaries of our own perspectives. Little Kid Flicks is designed for ages 5 and up. Big Kid Flicks is designed for ages 8 and up. 11:30 am and 2 pm.

Downtown Houston+ presents Movies Under the Stars: The Fighting Temptations
As part of their Movies Under the Stars series, Downtown Houston+ will present a screening of the 2003 comedy The Fighting Temptations, where our own Beyoncé Knowles-Carter stars as a talented young singer who helps a childhood friend (Cuba Gooding, Jr.) revive a struggling church choir, at Trebly Park. Visitors are encouraged to grab takeout from a surrounding restaurant and bring their own lawn blanket to enjoy the screening. 6:30 pm.

Improv Houston presents Marcus D. Wiley
The son of a preacher, Christian comedian (and former Texas Southern University professor) Marcus D. Wiley's charismatic style of delivery is clean, captivating, funny, and knowledgeable. He provides lots of laughter along with a guaranteed message on being a better you. Earlier this year, Wiley released his third, hour-long special Marriage Is Major Surgery (executive-produced by Houston stand-up star Ali Siddiq) on YouTube. 7:30 and 9:45 pm (7 pm Saturday).

Stages presents The Twelve Dates of Christmas
After seeing her fiance kiss another woman at the televised Thanksgiving Day Parade, Mary’s life falls apart — just in time for the holidays. Over the next year, she stumbles back into the dating world. It seems nothing can help Mary’s growing cynicism, until the charm and innocence of a five-year-old boy unexpectedly brings a new outlook on life and love. This heartwarming one-woman play offers a hilarious and modern alternative to the old standards of the holiday season. 7:30 pm (3 and 7:30 pm Saturday; 3 pm Sunday).

Saturday, December 27

Wonky Power presents Jazz & Jokes
A new night of stand-up, cocktails, and live jazz will debut inside one of Houston’s most intimate creative rooms. Jazz & Jokes brings together two of the best live experiences — laughter and live music — curated for a cozy, seated evening at Wonky Power. Featuring a rotating cast of special stand-up comedians from Houston and beyond, paired with a live jazz band setting the mood all night, this night will offer a warm, relaxed atmosphere, great drinks, and a room built for performance. 7 pm.

Kinder's Texas Bowl: Houston vs. LSU
The 2025 Kinder's Texas Bowl will feature a matchup between the Houston Cougars of the Big 12 Conference, making its 31st all-time bowl appearance, and the LSU Tigers of the Southeastern Conference. Houston enters the Texas Bowl ranked No. 21 in the College Football Playoff rankings with a 9-3 overall record, its best record since 2021. This will mark the first time the Cougars have played in the Bowl since 2007. 8:15 pm.

The Garden Theatre presents Cruel Intentions
Based on the 1999 teen flick, Cruel Intentions: The ’90s Musical pulls audiences into the manipulative world of Manhattan’s most dangerous liaisons: Sebastian Valmont and Kathryn Merteuil. Fueled by revenge and passion, the diabolically charming step-siblings place a bet on whether or not Sebastian can deflower their incoming headmaster’s daughter, Annette Hargrove. The musical features throwback hits by artists like Christina Aguilera, 'NSYNC, and Britney Spears. Through Sunday, January 11. 8 pm (2 and 8 pm Saturday; 2 pm Sunday).

Goode Co. Armadillo Palace presents Roger Creager Piano Bar
Award-winning country singer/Texas native Roger Creager will be in town to do a post-Xmas set at Goode Co. Armadillo Palace. With more than a dozen No. 1 singles on the Texas Music Chart and Entertainer of the Year honors from both CMA Texas and the Texas Music Awards, Creager brings a mix of road-tested songwriting and bold melodies. Dine on authentic Texas fare, including signature house favorites the Damn Goode Burger and the Damn Goode Margarita. 9 pm.

Sunday, December 28

Dan Electro’s presents J.R.’s Birthday Bash
Houston punk pioneer (and all-around good guy) J.R. Delgado has been a member of multiple punk, hardcore and garage rock bands. He was also the owner of the legendary rock club The Axiom in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s. This weekend, he’lll be celebrating his 70th birthday at Dan Electro’s, and he’ll be having a free throwdown everyone is invited to. Hickoids, Jane Woe, and Bastard Union will be providing the live jams, while DJ LP will be spinning music all day. 1 pm.

Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet
|Over at Smart Financial Centre in Sugar Land, Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet will highlight an international cast and Ukrainian principal artists performing at the peak of classical European ballet. Audiences will be transported by the magic of jaw-dropping acrobatics, larger-than-life puppets, and hand-crafted sets and costumes. Share the tradition of pure holiday magic and Tchaikovsky’s timeless score with friends and family of all ages. 3 pm.

Arthouse Houston presents Hedwig and the Angry Inch with John Cameron Mitchell
Arthouse Houston will present a one-night-only event of Hedwig and the Angry Inch, with star/creator John Cameron Mitchell. The 2001 indie musical classic (based on Mitchell’s off-Broadway play) follows Hedwig, an East Berliner transplant and lead singer in a band, who is chasing down his ex for stealing his songs. The screening will be accompanied by a live director's commentary by Mitchell, and followed by a live music set led by Mitchell, with band members Amber Martin and Chapman Welch. (Read CultureMap’s exclusive interview with Mitchell here.) 7:30 pm.

Photo courtesy of Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet

Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet will perform in Sugar Land this weekend.

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