Interactive and fun, museums provide you with the chance to see storied works of art and learn new facts about the world. Whether you’re visiting museums that focus on art, history, science or life itself, the institutions in Houston have something to offer for everyone. Museums are a great way to pick up conversation pieces, spend time with friends and family and dive into a world you otherwise might not have known about. Even better? Many periodically offer free admission! So the next time you’re in the mood to feel inspired, make your way over to one of the museums below.
Houston Museum of Natural Science
5555 Hermann Park Drive
Free from 6-9pm each Thursday
The Houston Museum of Natural Science was founded in 1909 and works diligently to “preserve and advance the general knowledge of natural science.” With something for the whole family to see, it’s easy to spend an entire evening wandering around the campus. Exhibits highlight various topics, including Native American culture, paleontology, seashells, satellites and more, but definitely be sure to stop at the Burke Baker Planetarium or Cockrell Butterfly Center. Depending on the day, many workshops and interactive programs are offered, where you can take charge of your learning and explore new topics that may be of interest to you. Some upcoming events include:
- June 14: Apollo & Beyond: Conquering Gravity
- June 15: Great Barrier Reef 3D
- June 20: Unseen Universe
The Houston Museum of Natural Science is the perfect way to spend your next rainy day.
The Museum of Fine Arts Houston
1001 Bissonnet St.
Free from 10am-9pm each Thursday
Known to be one of the largest cultural institutions in the southwest region, the Museum of Fine Arts was established in 1900 and has continued to increase in popularity ever since. Located in the heart of Houston’s Museum District, this museums offers a wide variety of both American and European decorative arts and paintings, gold artifacts, prints and drawings. Some of the museums current exhibitions include:
- Vincent Van Gogh: His Life in Art
- Arts of Islamic Lands: Selections from The al-Sabah Collection, Kuwait
- Spanish Colonial Painting from the Thoma Collection
If you’re wondering when to come check this gem out, we recommend Thursdays. General admission is free for everyone all day long! Even better, those 18 and under can get in for free every Saturday and Sunday if they bring their library card. Also, Bank of America cardholders get free admission the first full weekend of every month. Be sure to check it out!
The Health Museum
Free from 2-7pm each Thursday
1515 Hermann Drive
Houston’s Health Museum is located just across the street from the Museum of Natural Science. Interactive exhibits, science labs and hands-on dissections are just a few of the many options The Health Museum offers visitors. One of the main highlights is the global kitchen. This unique exhibit explores the food system from start to finish, taking you through the growing, transportation, cooking and eating processes for visitors to gain a better understanding how food is produced and enjoyed throughout the world.
The Health Museum also offers birthday parties and private events for those looking for a more exclusive experience to the museum. With the simple mission “to foster wonder and curiosity about health, medical science and the human body”, its dedicated to helping people take the necessary measures to live a longer and healthier life. For those interested in wellness-type activities, The Health Museum offers a wide variety of membership levels and benefits.
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View All Posts by Krystyna Dudka