All You Need to Know about the Houston Museum of Natural Science
- Background on the Houston Museum of Natural Science
- What to Expect Visiting the Houston Museum of Natural Science
- What to Do at the Houston Museum of Natural Science
- Check Out the Exhibits
- Get Enchanted at the Cockrell Butterfly Center
- Watch a Show at the Wortham Giant Screen Theater
- Explore Space at the Burke Baker Planetarium
- Get Dazzled at the James Hood’s Beautifica
- Explore the Museum After Dark
- Unwind at Mixers & Elixirs Parties
- Enroll Your Kids in Summer Camp
- Earn Scout Badges at HMNS
- Where to Stay When Visiting the Museum of Natural Science
- Hotel ZaZa Museum District
- La Colombe d'Or Hotel
- Hilton Garden Inn Houston Medical Center
- Houston Marriott Medical Center/Museum District
- Hilton Houston Plaza/Medical Center
- Where to Eat When Visiting the Museum of Natural Science
- Bo-bobs
- Miller's Cafe
- Poke in the Bowl
- The Raven Grill
- Terrace 54
If you’re a science enthusiast, history buff, and adventure seeker, come and explore the world of discovery as we unravel the mysteries of the Houston Museum of Natural Science from interactive displays to curated specimens.
This ultimate guide is your passport to a mind-boggling realm where prehistoric creatures roam, ancient artifacts whisper their tales, and the wonders of the cosmos come to life.
Let us guide you through the exhibits that take you from the depths of the ocean to the far reaches of outer space. So, grab your map, sharpen your curiosity, and embark on a journey through time and nature.
Background on the Houston Museum of Natural Science
The Houston Museum of Natural Science (HMNS) is a museum complex in Houston that houses exhibits dedicated to natural science, a planetarium, butterfly center, and a theater.
The HMNS has a rich history that spans over a century, making it a cultural landmark and a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists. The museum’s origins can be traced back to its humble beginnings in 1909.
The Houston Museum and Scientific Society wanted to build an institution that gave the people access to science and education for free. The museum gained the gem and mineral collection, its first, in 1930 while it was still located at the city auditorium.
Over the years, as the collections within grew, the location of the museum moved to the Central Library, a site at the Houston Zoo, and eventually found its way to its current location near Hermann Park in 1964.
Today, the Houston Museum of Natural Science stands as a beacon of knowledge, with a diverse range of educational and entertainment offerings that draws in over two million visitors annually.
Address: 5555 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030, United States
Phone: +1 713-639-4629
Operational Hours: Everyday – 9 am to 5 pm
Tickets Prices
- Adults – $25
- Children – $16
What to Expect Visiting the Houston Museum of Natural Science
Before anything else, if you can, try to schedule your visits to the Houston Museum of Natural Sciences on a Thursday because they offer free entrance to the museum’s permanent exhibits on those days.
Parking is also made easy by the HMNS with a parking garage that’s attached to the building proper. Parking is $30 per entry and is open from 8 am to 8 pm. On busier days, you can check the Houston Museum of Natural Science website for more details.
What to Do at the Houston Museum of Natural Science
Check Out the Exhibits
- Alfred C. Glassell, Jr. Hall: A collection of Tumbesian fish, including the legendary black marlin that Glassell caught, weighing a staggering 1,560 pounds and over 40 game fish specimens from the coast of Cabo Blanco, Peru
- Hall of Ancient Egypt: A 10,000 square-foot exhibit of artifacts from ancient Egypt including one from daily use jewelry, weapons, and tools to religious items like amulets, animal mummies, statues, and sarcophagi with human mummies.
- Lester & Sue Smith Gem Vault: A collection of unpolished gemstones from mines worldwide that were meticulously by skilled curators and jewelry designers like Ernesto Moreira, with each gemstone tells a story of its own
- Morian Cabinet of Curiosities: A display that pays homage to the first public museums built through collections of cabinets of curiosity, popular during the Renaissance and Victorian Era, showcasing intriguing objects.
- Morian Hall of Paleontology: A prehistoric safari that brings the prehistoric beasts to life, depicting them in dynamic action where you’ll witness predators hunting and prey escaping, as well as the progression of human evolution.
Get Enchanted at the Cockrell Butterfly Center
The Cockrell Butterfly Center at the Houston Museum of Natural Science houses more than butterflies. It’s composed of a rainforest conservatory with lush greenery and cascading waterfalls.
This three-story structure made with glass acts as a simulated tropical rainforest and the home to over 1,500 butterflies, carefully sourced from butterfly farms from all corners of the world. Plus it makes for a great photo when they land on you!
The Brown Hall of Entomology is also located in the center with a canopy level housing live species, models, and specimens. You can engage in interactive games to learn more about these creatures.
After, you can venture into the Rainforest Conservatory where the intricate relationship between insects and humans is at the forefront. You can learn about the art of beekeeping, pest control, and the option of using bugs as food!
The Community Science Garden and the 9 Natives Showcase Garden beside and behind the center garden are both pollinator-friendly ecosystems which aim to showcase the beauty and significance of pollinators.
These gardens not only provide a feast for the eyes but also play a crucial role in supporting local wildlife and ecosystems.
Watch a Show at the Wortham Giant Screen Theater
Wortham Giant Screen Theatre is a must-visit attraction for us when you’re at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. You can enjoy shows about animals, mother nature, and landscapes.
The giant HDR screen and new rocker seats make for a great viewing experience.
Considered as Houston’s first IMAX theater, it has 4K digital projection, with 3D images that reach towering heights of nearly eight stories.
To complete the sensory experience, the theater is equipped with a six-track sound system, ensuring that every roar, whisper, and musical note reverberates with clarity.
Explore Space at the Burke Baker Planetarium
Since its inauguration in 1964, the Burke Baker Planetarium has been captivating countless visitors with its astronomical wonders. You can take a journey through the cosmos as you fly through space, planets, and asteroids
Now, thanks to the cutting-edge Digistar 6 system, the world’s leading digital planetarium software and projection system, the experience is enhanced even more.
Here are some of our favorite shows:
- Cosmic Collisions – This show unveils the power of gravity in shaping the universe like how it contributed to the end of the Age of the Dinosaurs and how it plays a part in the formation of new stars.
- Expedition Reef – This show immerses you in the world under the sea complete with information on coral formation and how they support marine life, as well as some human-led activities that threaten their existence.
- The Great Planet Adventures – If you’ve ever wanted to see what it’s like where there’s low gravity, this show takes you on a journey of doing activities like extreme sports in parts of the solar system with little to no gravity.
Get Dazzled at the James Hood’s Beautifica
Beautifica is a 360-degree 3D-show experience through both real and fantastical realms. The imagery and sounds make for a great experience that feels like you’re being led into particle fields.
Created by the visionary composer James Hood in collaboration with talented immersive animators, this experience is probably one of the most amazing ones we’ve tried.
Explore the Museum After Dark
The Houston Museum of Natural Science offers several chances for people to be able to have the unique experience of being at the premises at night.
The Sleuths and Secrets is an evening of exploration through an escape room-style adventure set in the Morian Cabinet of Curiosity exhibit in a 16th-century themed mystery or at the Hall of Ancient Egypt for an adventure-filled rescue mission.
If just staying late isn’t enough for you, they also have overnight adventures where you can sleep at one of the museum’s exhibits after good food, educational activities, private showings, and keepsakes. You can also nook birthday parties and other events here.
Unwind at Mixers & Elixirs Parties
The Mixers & Elixirs Parties held after hours at the Houston Museum of Natural Science are highly anticipated events where the brightest minds can mingle, dance, and eat. Check here for event dates and information.
Enroll Your Kids in Summer Camp
The Summer Camp is designed for holistic learning with hands-on experiences and lectures from qualified teachers on topics ranging from modern science to paleontology that are open from May 30 to August 11. Register here.
Earn Scout Badges at HMNS
The HMNS Scouting Program opens doors to exciting opportunities for Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts where Scouts can participate in badge classes, field trips, and special events on Saturdays during the school year and a week-long event in the summer.
Where to Stay When Visiting the Museum of Natural Science
Hotel ZaZa Museum District
Address: 5701 Main St, Houston, TX 77005, United States
Phone: +1 713-526-1991
Pricing: $$$
If you’re looking for some luxury and artistic ambiance for your stay near the Houston Museum of Natural Science, you should consider staying at the Hotel ZaZa Museum District, a boutique hotel with a unique design and vibrant atmosphere.
Located in the heart of the Museum District, this hotel offers a one-of-a-kind experience with its stylish rooms and suites, each exquisitely decorated to reflect a different theme, from the chic and contemporary to the opulent and eclectic.
La Colombe d’Or Hotel
Address: 3410 Montrose Blvd, Houston, TX 77006, United States
Phone: +1 713-524-7999
Pricing: $$$
For a touch of European elegance right in Houston, you can stay at the La Colombe d’Or Hotel, a charming boutique hotel nestled in the heart of Houston’s Museum District. This historic gem is perfect if you like timeless architecture and curated artwork.
Each room and suite is a nest of comfort, offering a serene retreat after a day of exploring the Houston Museum of Natural Science. The warm hospitality, wide dining options, and a peaceful atmosphere makes this hotel one of our favorites to stay at.
Hilton Garden Inn Houston Medical Center
Address: 6840 Almeda Rd, Houston, TX 77030, United States
Phone: +1 346-433-8200
Pricing: $$$
Convenience meets comfort at Hilton Garden Inn Houston Medical Center, an ideal choice if you’re looking for a hotel near the Houston Museum of Natural Science.
Located in the renowned Texas Medical Center, this hotel offers easy access to both the museum and the surrounding attractions.
You can unwind in spacious rooms and enjoy modern amenities, including a 24-hour fitness center and an outdoor pool.
Houston Marriott Medical Center/Museum District
Address: 6580 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77030, United States
Phone: +1 713-796-0080
Pricing: $$$
Situated in the heart of the Texas Medical Center, this hotel offers proximity to the Houston Museum of Natural Science, making it an excellent choice for visitors.
You can relax in one of their comfortable rooms or take advantage of the on-site dining options after a day of museum exploration.
With its contemporary style and extensive amenities, Houston Marriott Medical Center/Museum District is one of our go-to’s when planning a visit to the museum.
Hilton Houston Plaza/Medical Center
Address: 6633 Travis St, Houston, TX 77030, United States
Phone: +1 713-313-4000
Pricing: $$$
Located a few blocks away from Rice University and a short drive away from the Houston Museum of Natural Science, this hotel is on our top lists for places to stay when we’re in the area.
Their rooms are modern and well-equipped with everything you’ll need, and what they don’t have, the very friendly staff will get for you. The selling point is definitely the rooftop pool and bar complete with city views.
Where to Eat When Visiting the Museum of Natural Science
Bo-bobs
Address: 5203 Almeda Rd, Houston, TX 77004, United States
Phone: +1 231-719-7469
Pricing: $
When hunger strikes after exploring the Houston Museum of Natural Science, you can head to Bo-bobs, a counter-serve restaurant that specializes in soul food classics.
This unpretentious eatery is perfect for a relaxed and casual environment where you can taste dishes like gumbo and other Southern favorites.
The menu at Bo-bobs showcases the rich flavors and comforting aromas of soul food, that leave us satisfied everytime we go.
Miller’s Cafe
Address: 6560 Fannin St #110, Houston, TX 77030, United States
Phone: +1 713-791-1717
Pricing: $
If you have a taste for old-fashioned goodness, you can make your way to Miller’s Cafe, a burger joint with a Texas roadhouse vibe. you’ll be greeted by walls adorned with Americana decor and juicy burgers made with quality ingredients.
Miller’s Cafe captures the essence of traditional American comfort food, providing a hearty and satisfying dining experience for visitors of the Houston Museum of Natural Science.
Poke in the Bowl
Address: 6611 Main St, Houston, TX 77030, United States
Phone: +1 832-767-3592
Pricing: $$
When you’re in the mood for something light and refreshing, Poke in a Bowl is the perfect spot. This relaxed eatery specializes in Hawaiian poke bowls, allowing you to customize your meal with an extensive selection of mix-ins and toppings.
Whether you prefer marinated seafood, fresh vegetables, or flavorful sauces,
Poke in a Bowl has it all. Take a break from museum exploration and treat yourself to a delightful bowl of goodness at this vibrant establishment.
The Raven Grill
Address: 1916 Bissonnet St, Houston, TX 77005, United States
Phone: +1 713-521-2027
Pricing: $$
The Raven Grill beckons visitors with its eclectic comfort food and mesquite-grilled meats. This spot captures the hearts of locals (including us!) with its inviting ambiance and wide menu.
You’ll find dishes that showcase a fusion of flavors, from classic comfort food to creative culinary takes. The Raven Grill offers a memorable dining experience and a place to unwind after enjoying yourself at the Houston Museum of Natural Science.
Terrace 54
Address: 1709 Dryden Rd, Houston, TX 77030, United States
Phone: +1 713-730-2404
Pricing: $$$
For a truly elevated dining experience near the Houston Museum of Natural Science, you don’t have to look further than Terrace 54. This elegant eatery boasts a seasonal local menu that features farm-to-table dishes, using the freshest ingredients available.
With a focus on culinary craftsmanship, Terrace 54 offers a delightful fusion of flavors, accompanied by a carefully curated wine list and craft cocktails. It’s perfect for people who want a sophisticated atmosphere while enjoying top-quality food.
