Houston Museum of Natural Science

This expansive museum could take all day, especially for families. The dinosaurs, the planetarium, the gemstone and mineral hall, and the butterfly center can take an hour each to enjoy. – Catherine Parker

Location and Overview

Situated in Hermann Park and the Museum District, near the Houston Zoo, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Holocaust Museum Houston, the Houston Museum of Natural Science features more than 1.5 million objects in its permanent collection and spans more than 430,000 square feet of space. Founded in 1909, the museum's exhibit halls cover a wide range of subjects, which is why this attraction is such a popular thing to do in Houston.

Highlights

Exhibits

There are more than 450 fossils and fossil replicas in the Morian Hall of Paleontology, more than 750 mineral specimens in the Cullen Hall of Gems and Minerals, and 425 specimens representing approximately 250 species in the Farish Hall of Texas Wildlife. The museum is also home to the McFerrin Faberge Collection – the world's largest private collection of Fabergé – with more than 600 pieces. The gem vault is another draw for visitors as it hosts a variety of spectacular jewels, including one of the world's largest blue sapphires. The Hall of Ancient Egypt is another well-received exhibit that covers 4,000 years of Egyptian history.

Additional Attractions

In addition to the exhibits, the museum is also home to attractions such as the Burke Baker Planetarium and the Cockrell Butterfly Center (note that access to these attractions is not covered by the museum's general admission ticket).

Recent Reviews

Recent visitors were quick to commend the venue's extensive collection of dinosaur artifacts and well-curated displays. Other visitors enjoyed the exhibit on oil extraction within the Wiess Energy Hall. The gemstones dazzled visitors, as did the Egypt exhibit. What's more, travelers say this museum's interactive exhibits are engaging for both children and adults. A few reviewers grumbled about the high cost of parking.

Hours

The Houston Museum of Natural Science is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. On Tuesdays, it stays open until 8 p.m., when entry is free from 5 to 8 p.m. Keep in mind, other parts of the museum like the planetarium and the Wortham Giant Screen Theatre operate different hours.

Tickets

Admission to the museum's permanent exhibits costs $25 for adults and $16 for students, seniors, and kids ages 3 to 11; kids 2 and younger can enter for free. If you're hoping to save some money, you can purchase the CityPASS, which offers discounts on several of the city's top attractions.

Parking is available in the museum's on-site garage for an all-day rate of $30; limited street parking is also available. If you'd like to use public transportation, the METRORail’s red line services the Museum District from its Central Station on Main Street.

For more information, visit the museum's website.