The fourth largest city in the United States is not only big but also very interesting, diverse and mysterious. Here you will find many cool spots, unique buildings and historical landmarks. Learn more at houston-future.
In addition, the city of Houston is known for promoting history, culture, art and science. You will see this for yourself if you visit the Houston Museum District. This district houses around 19 local museums and galleries of various directions. They are all within walking distance from each other, so if you go to this area, it’s better to stay there for a while and visit several museums at once.
It would be wrong to say that one museum is better than another, as we all have different preferences and interests. After all, there’s no accounting for taste. Therefore, we will highlight the most visited and popular museums in Houston.
The Museum of Fine Arts
The Museum of Fine Arts is located in the heart of the Houston Museum District. It is recognized as one of the best art museums in the United States. The campus is not only a showroom but also a sculpture garden with a culturally furnished roof.
The museum’s collection includes about 70,000 works, consisting of photographs, paintings, drawings, films, sculptures and other items. They come from different parts of the world and have different ages, from antiquity to the present day.
From 2012 to 2020, the museum underwent reconstruction. As a result, a new contemporary art hall and an art school were opened. The exterior of the entire building was also improved.
The museum’s website always provides up-to-date information on ticket prices, new exhibitions, themed events, etc. It’s also important to check the schedule and take note of the days when the museum is closed or offers free admission. Admission is free for children under 12 years old.
The John P. McGovern Museum of Health and Medical Science
The Health Museum is dedicated to health, the human body and the organism. It engages locals as well as city guests to explore the topic of health and science in a very amusing way. The museum is interactive, innovative and scientific at the same time, thereby enabling people to comprehend the complex science of medicine in a simple and even playful manner.
For example, you can check your heart using a special bicycle with a skeleton. In addition, one can run in a hamster wheel (but in a human-sized version) or jump on an interesting device.
In the museum, many unusual exhibits can be found, from human organs to bones, photographs and paintings. On special days, you can even attend master classes or “mini-surgeries” (such as studying and dissecting an animal’s heart).
There is medical staff available to explain scientific and medical terms, answer health-related questions and provide first aid if needed.
The Health Museum is open every day except Monday. On a certain day of the week, the entrance is free. Children always have free admission. For more details, visit the official website that provides more information about the museum.
Space Center Houston
A true pride and famous landmark of the city is Space Center Houston. The museum is just a part of a large campus that houses the Houston Mission Control Center and NASA Center.
By visiting the Space Center, you will learn a lot of new information about space, space travel, astronaut life, rockets and life on other planets.
On the grounds of Space Center Houston, there is Rocket Park, where old rockets used by NASA in the 20th century are displayed. You can also visit Independence Plaza and see a large shuttle.
For real space science enthusiasts, a tour into the inner workings of the Space Center is offered. It’s a unique opportunity to see how astronauts train and prepare for flights, the work of flight control and more.
Another interesting event is Mission Mars. Here, you will learn everything about the red planet, including the possibility of life there, the planning of future flights to Mars, intriguing and little-known facts and the chance to witness a virtual sunset on the fourth (from the sun) planet.
The Houston Museum of Natural Science
This is Houston’s most visited museum, regardless of age, and is very diverse. The purpose of the Houston Museum of Natural Science is to engage and expand people’s knowledge of natural sciences.
The museum was founded back in 1909. During its existence, it has been frequently expanded, reconstructed and replenished with new collections and interactive things for visitors.
The large complex includes different halls. One of the most popular is the Morian Hall of Paleontology, which displays the bones and skeletons of several species of dinosaurs.
The museum also has rich collections of precious stones, rare fossils, ancient artifacts from various continents, stuffed wild animals, etc.
For a deeper understanding of the natural world, it’s worth visiting the Brown Hall of Entomology and the Cockerell Butterfly Center. Here you will find rare specimens of insects (spiders, beetles, colorful butterflies), learn about their habitats and interesting facts. The atmosphere of the halls will make you feel as if you are in the wild nature and tropical forests.
If you love space, planets and everything related to them, be sure to visit the museum’s planetarium.
One of the latest halls was opened in 2021. It is called the Hall of Ancient Egypt and is dedicated to the culture, history, fashion and art of that era, with a particular focus on mummies and all things related to them.
Contemporary Arts Museum Houston
Contemporary Arts Museum Houston was founded in 1948 and has been attracting tourists since 1972 with its unusual exterior made of stainless steel.
The museum is free of charge and is located right in the heart of the Museum District.
Visitors are welcome to take a look at regional, traditional and national art pieces from the last 50 years. The museum regularly hosts exhibitions featuring the up to date works, sculptures, paintings and photographs using digital media, interactive displays and more.
It’s nice to see that not only professional and experienced artists but also newcomers in this field are given a chance here. These works are displayed in two different halls.
The idea of this museum is to show how modern art and new trends influence our everyday lives, thinking and inspirations.
Art Car Museum
The Art Car Museum is an unusual and one-of-a-kind museum in Houston. It is especially popular among local residents because they are often involved in the implementation of the museum’s concept.
The museum presents a special collection of cars, each serving as the basis for creating an artistic masterpiece. All the cars are unique and different from each other: bright colors, patterns and drawings, different styles and various decorations. The works by Houstonians and by artists from all over the world can be found here.
Some exhibits are located outside the museum, in the middle of the city, near shops or shopping centers. The cars can be decorated for a specific holiday or event.
There is an annual parade of art cars in Housto in which local residents and city guests participate. Exhibits from the museum are also present.
