On the heels of the closing run of Frida Kahlo: The Making of an Icon, the Museum of Fine Arts Houston is set to host the U.S. debut of the renowned Berggruen collection. Going on display this May, the exhibit offers a deep dive into the European avant-garde curated by the legendary German dealer Heinz Berggruen.
Picasso–Klee–Matisse: Masterpieces from the Museum Berggruen goes on display at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston on Wednesday, May 20, 2026.
This exhibition showcases over 95 pieces – including watercolors, illustrations, paintings, and sculptures – that Berggruen acquired directly from the artists, offering a special insight into the art collector who would become his own biggest client.
“Highlighting the careers of Pablo Picasso and Paul Klee, as well as Henri Matisse’s signature cut-outs, Alberto Giacometti’s haunting sculptures, and the works of Georges Braque and Paul Cezanne, this exhibition explores the relationship of famed gallerist and collector Heinz Berggruen with the artistic community of postwar Paris and beyond.”
As far as the gallery layout goes, the exhibition will offer a running thread showcasing the creative evolution of Picasso and Klee, paired with Matisse’s late-career cut-outs and Giacometti’s skeletal bronzes.
“Heinz Berggruen represented an ideal of art-world sophistication—an adventurous spirit, a sensitivity to beauty, and an openness to new
discoveries while cultivating knowledge and appreciation of the history of human creativity”, said Gary Tinterow, director of MFAH.
“All of these qualities are present in the marvelous works of art selected for his collection by Mr. Berggruen, who knew and understood each of these artists so well.”
Throughout the exhibition’s run, MFAH will host a number of live events including “Conversations with the Director” on May 20, a lecture by art historian, Pepe Karmel, on “Picasso in the Berggruen Collection: Between Form and Desire” on June 4, and Drop-In Tours.
Picasso–Klee–Matisse: Masterpieces from the Museum Berggruen will be on display at Level 1 of MFAH’s Beck Building from May 20 through September 13, 2026.
