The Houston Museum of Natural Science is one of Texas's premier educational attractions, drawing visitors from across the globe with its remarkable collection of permanent and rotating exhibits. Located in Hermann Park, this world-class institution offers an engaging journey through natural history, science, and human achievement. Whether you're fascinated by prehistoric creatures, ancient civilizations, or the wonders of our universe, the exhibits at the Houston Museum of Natural Science make it one of the best things to do in Houston.
A Journey Through Science and History
With over a dozen permanent exhibit halls spanning 430,000 square feet, the Houston Museum of Natural Science offers an immersive experience that educates and entertains visitors of all ages.
Is the museum worth visiting? Absolutely. Unlike many science museums that focus primarily on interactive technology, the Houston Museum of Natural Science combines traditional museum displays with cutting-edge presentation methods. The result is a balanced educational experience that appeals to science enthusiasts, casual visitors, and families alike.
Here are some of the permanent exhibit halls you won't want to miss.
Wiess Energy Hall: The Future of Energy Innovation
The Wiess Energy Hall is one of the museum's largest and most comprehensive exhibits. Spanning 30,000 square feet, this hall takes visitors on a journey through the science and technology of energy production. The exhibit features over 50 interactive displays that explore various aspects of energy, from the formation of fossil fuels to renewable energy innovations.
Highlights include the Eagle Ford Shale Experience, a ride that shrinks visitors to microscopic size and sends them through a hydraulic fracturing operation, and the Geovator, a virtual elevator that plunges deep into the earth to explore the formation of oil reservoirs. These immersive experiences make complex energy concepts accessible to visitors of all ages, making the Wiess Energy Hall a must-see exhibit for anyone interested in how we power our world.
Morian Hall of Paleontology: Walk Among Dinosaur Giants
The Morian Hall of Paleontology is one of the largest and most dynamic dinosaur exhibits in North America. This 30,000-square-foot hall showcases prehistoric life from the earliest microorganisms to the age of mammals. Rather than displaying static skeletons, many exhibits feature dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures in active poses — hunting, feeding, or fleeing from predators.
Visitors can marvel at impressive specimens, including multiple Tyrannosaurus rex skeletons, a complete Triceratops, and a 60-foot Diplodocus. The hall's unique chronological layout guides guests backward through time, starting with the most recent specimens and ending with the earliest life forms. This innovative approach helps visitors grasp the vast timeline of Earth's history and the evolution of life on our planet.
Hall of Ancient Egypt: Discover a Lost Civilization
Step into the fascinating world of pharaohs and pyramids in the Hall of Ancient Egypt. This exhibit features hundreds of artifacts that span thousands of years of Egyptian history, culture, and religion. The hall is organized around themes such as writing, religion, and daily life in ancient Egypt.
Visitors can examine intricately decorated coffins, study hieroglyphic texts, and view mummified remains that reveal ancient Egyptian burial practices. Interactive stations throughout the exhibit allow guests to learn about the mummification process, decipher hieroglyphics, and explore the architectural marvels of ancient Egypt. The museum's collection of Egyptian artifacts provides an exceptional glimpse into one of history's most fascinating civilizations.
Cullen Hall of Gems and Minerals: Nature's Sparkling Masterpieces
The Cullen Hall of Gems and Minerals houses one of the world's finest mineral collections, with over 750 crystallized mineral specimens and 450 cut gems displayed in a vault-like setting. These natural treasures appear as if suspended in darkness, with specialized lighting that enhances their natural beauty.
Visitors can marvel at extraordinary specimens, including a 2,000-pound amethyst geode, a rare black opal from Australia, and an enormous topaz crystal weighing more than 2,000 carats. The exhibit also features educational displays that explain how minerals form, how gems are cut and polished, and their significance in human culture throughout history. For those fascinated by Earth's natural treasures, this hall provides an unparalleled viewing experience.
Special Exhibits: Ever-Changing Wonders
The Houston Museum of Natural Science features rotating special exhibits that bring fresh educational experiences to repeat visitors. These temporary installations explore diverse topics from wildlife conservation to technological innovations.
Extreme Animals Alive!
Opening May 23, 2025, this family-friendly exhibit showcases remarkable adaptations that help animals survive in challenging environments. Visitors can observe live specimens and learn about the extraordinary abilities of creatures from various ecosystems. Interactive stations throughout the exhibit allow guests to test their own physical abilities against those of certain animals, providing an engaging experience that combines education with entertainment.
Audubon's Birds of America
Art and science merge in this special exhibit featuring John James Audubon's detailed illustrations from his landmark book, "The Birds of America." These meticulously rendered images provide both artistic beauty and scientific documentation of North American bird species, many of which were unknown to Europeans when Audubon created his work in the early 19th century.
Touch Tank Encounter
For a hands-on experience, visitors can explore the museum's marine touch tank. This interactive exhibit allows guests to gently handle various marine creatures while learning about ocean ecosystems from knowledgeable staff members. The touch tank encounter offers a unique opportunity to connect with marine life and better understand the importance of ocean conservation.
Visitor Tips: How To Maximize Your Experience
How much time do you need to explore the Houston Museum of Natural Science? For a complete experience, allow at least 3-4 hours, though many visitors spend a full day exploring the exhibits.
To enhance your visit:
- Arrive early on weekends to avoid crowds.
- Check the schedule for planetarium shows and special exhibits in advance.
- Wear comfortable shoes as the museum requires significant walking.
- Take advantage of guided tours offered throughout the day.
- Visit the museum's satellite location at the Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land for a less crowded experience.
The museum's central location in Hermann Park makes it easy to combine your visit with other nearby attractions, creating a full day of exploration in Houston's cultural district.
Explore More With Houston CityPASS® Tickets
Houston CityPASS® tickets give you the flexibility to visit top Houston attractions at your own pace over nine consecutive days. In addition to the Houston Museum of Natural Science, you'll also get admission to Space Center Houston, Houston Zoo, and more. Houston has a lot to see, and you'll save on seeing the best the city has to offer with CityPASS® tickets.
Houston Lodging
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Header Image Courtesy of Houston Museum of Natural Science