Get Ready For Some Brain Overload in Houston’s 10 Free Museums
Forget researching art, science, or historical facts when you can explore lots of museums around Houston for free! Not only will these museum visits feed your curiosity, but they also let you have a hands-on experience that brings all these aspects to life.
From different art galleries that showcase local and regional work to war remnants and soldier history, the city has access to museums with free admission.
So join me for some brain overload as these museums will offer lots of learning and exploration that certainly won’t require you to break that piggy bank!
1. The Jung Center Gallery
Media credit: @kristihainesherman
Website: https://junghouston.org/
Address: 5200 Montrose Blvd, Houston, TX 77006, United States
Contact Details: +1 713-524-8253
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM;
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM;
- Saturday: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
If you want to visit a museum that showcases interesting works of regional and local artists, then The Jung Center Gallery is for you.
You can show your support for emerging Houston talents here too. With free admission, you’re really in for a treat as they offer eight exhibitions every year.
These exhibitions revolve around psychological and philosophical themes, which reflect Jungian concepts, basically reflecting the human psyche through art.
If you want to grab an opportunity to connect with artists, you can participate in some talks and lectures, offering deeper insights into the processes behind their artworks.
If you ever need some therapeutic sessions, you can attend The Jung Center Gallery’s workshop to participate in their art therapy and personal exploration classes.
Pro tip:
If you need constant connection with The Jung Center Gallery’s educators, you can avail of their membership. You can choose from various membership types like Individual Membership, Dual Membership, and Patron Membership, depending on your requirements.
2. Houston Center for Photography
Media credit: @hcponline
Website: http://www.hcponline.org/
Address: 1441 W Alabama St, Houston, TX 77006, United States
Contact Details: +1 713-529-4755
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM;
- Friday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM;
- Saturday – Sunday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
If you want to check out images captured by emerging and known photographers, you should add the Houston Center for Photography to your must-see free museums in the city.
Here, you’ll learn to appreciate the varying genres and styles of different photographers. You’ll also get familiar with the diverse techniques used by these artists.
Houston Center for Photography also curates its exhibits. From thematic to artistic issues, they provide diverse and thought-provoking perspectives on photography.
For those interested in honing their photography skills, you can sign up for one of Houston Center for Photography’s workshops. However, if you have limited time, you can catch quick seminars or lectures by renowned photographers.
Pro tip:
House Center for Photography has an onsite bookstore where you can buy a curated selection of photography books. For photography enthusiasts, you can find unique photography books here that aren’t available in commercialized bookstores in the city.
3. Houston Center for Contemporary Craft
Media credit: @crafthouston
Website: http://www.crafthouston.org/
Address: 4848 Main St, Houston, TX 77002, United States
Contact Details: +1 713-529-4848
Operating Hours: Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
For those who want to explore their artsy side, you can visit the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft to check out exhibits that show traditional and innovative uses of various materials like ceramics, fiber, glass, metal, wood, and clay.
You can also get yourselves involved in hands-on programs for contemporary craft, allowing you to experience it first-hand. What’s great about them is that they offer various types of workshops, allowing you to try something new each month.
If you prefer a more festive visit, then you can attend the museum’s craft fairs which will allow you to directly engage with local and national artisans.
Pro tips:
- Houston Center for Contemporary Craft’s main street entrance is currently closed. If you’re bringing a car or availing a ride-sharing service, direct them to drop you off behind the building, just across the free parking lot of the museum.
- Consider becoming a member at Houston Center for Contemporary Craft so you can have access to members-only events.
4. Contemporary Arts Museum Houston
Media credit: @camhouston @houstonfreedmenstown
Website: http://www.camh.org/
Address: 5216 Montrose Blvd, Houston, TX 77006, United States
Contact Details: +1 713-284-8250
Operating Hours: Wednesday, Friday – Sunday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Since 1948, Contemporary Arts Museum Houston has been providing free museum access to those who love to see regional and international art in the city.
If you want to see contemporary art including painting, video, sculpture, and large-scale installation art, then you’re at the right place.
What’s great about the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston is that they constantly provide educational programs and events for public consumption. Because of this, they have been one of the trusted platforms and resources for aspiring artists.
You can also plan your visit by checking the schedule of events, especially if you’re in search of a specific interest or age-related program.
Pro tip:
If you want to explore opportunities that will let you collaborate on creative projects without the full-time commitment, you can check Contemporary Arts Museum Houston’s seasonal open calls such as Teen Council and Teacher Advisory Group.
5. Blaffer Art Museum
Media credit: @uhkgm_arts @blafferartmuseum
Website: https://blafferartmuseum.org/
Address: 4173 Elgin St, Houston, TX 77004, United States
Contact Details: +1 713-743-9521
Operating Hours: Tuesday – Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Saturday – Sunday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Located in the University of Houston’s main campus, Blaffer Art Museum has been offering free museum access to those who like to see contemporary art.
Aside from the fine arts students who are lucky enough to see the exhibits almost daily, the public can book a tour for free and appreciate the visual arts that shape the contemporary culture of Houston.
To fully support the cultural topics of their exhibits, Blaffer Art Museum ensures that they also come up with programs and events that are stitched to the overall theme.
If you’re planning for some family-friendly activity, you can take the whole family with you to the Blaffer Art Museum. Here, you can explore each other’s creative potential by making art out of the museum exhibitions you just saw.
Pro tip:
For guided tours, make sure to book two weeks in advance as Blaffer Art Museum can’t accommodate urgent requests or bookings due to the high volume of clients.
6. Project Row Houses
Media credit: @projectrowhouses
Website: http://projectrowhouses.org/
Address: 2521 Holman St, Houston, TX 77004, United States
Contact Details: +1 713-526-7662
Operating Hours: Wednesday – Sunday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Compared to the other museums that are normally housed under one roof, Project Row Houses emphasizes cultural identity and community development by showcasing art programs and initiatives housed in 39 structures.
Here, you can check out restored row houses that serve as studios, community galleries, and a venue for neighborhood development.
You can also support Project Row Houses by joining their housing initiatives and art educational programs, allowing you to take part in understanding and improving the quality of life of local residents.
Pro tip:
While you can enter Project Row House for free, you can still show support by donating to support their programs. If you wish to donate more than once, you can choose recurring options at their site for your convenience.
7. Moody Center for the Arts
Media credit: @themoodyarts
Website: https://moody.rice.edu/
Address: 6100 Main Street, MS-480, Houston, TX 77005, 6100 Main MS-550, Houston, TX 77005, United States
Contact Details: +1 713-348-2787
Operating Hours: Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
The Moody Center for the Arts is a free museum for those interested in advanced contemporary art and interdisciplinary expression.
This museum serves as a venue for performances and cross-campus programs that promote the Houston arts community.
Here, you can also catch open and public discussions between practitioners, artists, and even researchers. This allows you to have a different take on every exhibition you’ll see at Moody Center for the Arts.
At Moody Center for the Arts, you can also go to three seasonal exhibitions.
You can attend Off the Wall if you want to see curated public art interventions, or maybe even see the Platform, one where artists can create an installation to reflect the architecture and study areas in the Rice campus.
Pro tip:
Consider booking your next event at The Moody Center for the Arts. The venue’s creative and modern atmosphere plus the stunning architecture and art exhibitions will surely add some sophistication to your event.
8. Lawndale Art Center
Media credit: @lawndaleartcenter
Website: http://www.lawndaleartcenter.org/
Address: 4912 Main St, Houston, TX 77002, United States
Contact Details: +1 713-528-5858
Operating Hours: Wednesday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
If you’re curious to see different artistic practices and perspectives in one museum then Lawndale Art Center is your go-to free museum.
You can check out symposiums, film screenings, readings, musical performances, and even lectures, allowing you to explore and experience art under one roof.
If you’re planning to have multiple visits to Lawndale Art Center, you’ll love that Lawndale regularly rotates its exhibit schedules, ensuring you see something new on every visit.
Meanwhile, for artists who may be seeking support and space to hone their skills, Lawndale Art Center offers residency programs that provide resources and exhibit opportunities to their enrollees.
Pro tip:
Don’t miss out on Sol Diaz’s museum exhibition if you want to explore how to express your personal narrative. You will also appreciate the depth and creative presentation of their exhibit.
9. Buffalo Soldiers National Museum
Media credit: @buffalosoldiersmuseum
Website: https://buffalosoldiersmuseum.org/
Address: 3816 Caroline St, Houston, TX 77004, United States
Contact Details: +1 713-942-8920
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday – Wednesday, Friday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM;
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
If you want to see artifacts from major military engagements like the Civil War, Indian War, Korean War, and World Wars I and II, then Buffalo Soldiers National Museum is the place to be!
Aside from seeing the war inventory, the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum honors the contributions of the African American soldiers who played significant roles in U.S. military history.
By visiting this museum, you’ll get a deeper appreciation of these soldiers’ experiences and achievements. You can also access the museum’s Technology Wall where you can see the tools and machinery used during the 19th and 20th centuries.
Pro tips:
- Free admission only happens every Thursday, so make sure to plan your trip accordingly if you don’t wish to pay the entrance fee.
- Don’t forget to bring a valid ID as Buffalo Soldiers National Museum requires it at the entrance.
10. The Health Museum
Media credit: @thehealthmuseum
Website: http://www.thehealthmuseum.org/
Address: 1515 Hermann Dr, Houston, TX 77004, United States
Contact Details: +1 713-521-1515
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM;
- Friday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM;
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
The Health Museum is a great venue for families that want to learn more about how to take good care of their bodies. With various exhibits and programs, you’ll get to learn science in a fun and rewarding way.
Here, you can engage in their interactive exhibits. You’ll be allowed to have an immersive and hands-on experience—like joining a walking tour that takes you to every part of the human body.
You can also pretend to be a scientist for a day, and wear gloves and a lab coat as you explore different biological aspects.
If you want your kids to be more engaged in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) activities, you can enroll them in summer camps hosted by The Health Museum too.
It’s worth noting, however, that free entrance only happens every Thursday from two in the afternoon until seven in the evening.
Pro tip:
If you have homeschoolers, you can take advantage of The Health Museum’s homeschool program offered every second Tuesday of the month, during the fall and spring semesters.
It’s a great opportunity for your homeschoolers to explore museum exhibits, and cell labs, and involve themselves in hands-on learning through DIY dissection activities.
