Houston Museum of Natural Science

Address:1 Hermann Circle Dr.
Houston, Texas
Tel: (713) 639-4600

Gaze at a sparkling world-class collection of gems and minerals or ponder the massive dinosaur skeletons and rich natural history exhibits. The biggest museum in Houston's museum district and one of the most popular in the United States, the Houston Museum of Natural Science is filled with endless natural treasures and makes a great day trip filled with education and fun.

The Houston Museum of Natural Science was established in 1909 by the Houston Museum and Scientific Society with the goal of providing a free institution of education and science for the people of Houston. Today, over two million visitors yearly tour the exhibit halls and enjoy the IMAX Theatre films. Visitors can explore the Hall of African wildlife or the Wiess Energy Hall, with displays themed around petroleum geology, and oil exploration. Kids will get a special kick out of the 1,500 butterflies in the Cockrell Butterfly Center. They'll also be sure to enjoy the Burke Baker Planetarium with its great science and astronomy shows and a projector that can simulate stars, planets, comets, nebulous objects, and other special effects. In addition, the Fondren Discovery Place on the first floor is filled with hands-on exhibits that will delight visitors of all ages.

Though the museum does not allow food or drink, there is a McDonalds in the main lobby, or you may choose to take advantage of the many excellent dining choices in the Houston area. METRO's Light Rail system is the most convenient method to get here as the "Museum District" rail stop is only three blocks from the Houston Museum of Natural Science. So put on your thinking caps and get ready for a day of natural sciency fun

The museum's exhibit halls are host to a rich and diverse array of natural trreasures and technological Marvels. The world's finest collection of display-quality gems and minerals and an awsome array of dinosaur skeletons.