'A Houston icon': Lynn Wyatt Theater opens to public

On Dec. 3, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner graced the opening of the Lynn Wyatt Theater opening in the Kinder Building at the Museum of Fine Arts.

Turner was among the 100 or so attendees at the grand opening gala for the Wyatt Theater. The event was Oscar-themed, with the guests walking an actual red carpet.

Turner tweeted, "Lynn Wyatt is truly a Houston icon who lights up any room and place she enters. I have enjoyed building a strong friendship over the years. On Friday evening, friends and family gathered at @MFAH for the opening of the Lynn Wyatt Theatre at the Kinder building."

Wyatt was born on July 16, 1935 in San Antonio. Wyatt made a name for herself as one of Houston's best-known philanthropists. She was honored by the French government in 1982 with admission to the Order of Arts and Letters and in the same year was named "Socialite of the Century" by Texas Monthly.

Wyatt’s lifetime of achievement also includes over 20 years of service to the French government and eight years of service to the U.S. Navy.

The new theater is the latest addition to the MFAH’s Susan and Fayez Sarofim Campus. MFAH Director Gary Tinterow said Wyatt was instrumental in establishing the museum's film department.