Houston Museum of Natural Science
Houston Museum of Natural Science is one of the premier science learning centers in the United States. As such, it provides a diverse collection of exhibits that will excite all age groups. The museum features permanent exhibits on earth sciences, gems, and minerals, as well as traveling exhibitions. Learn more in Houston.
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Visitors can also enjoy the Cockrell Butterfly Center, which showcases exotic butterflies and dozens of rain forest plants. This three-story glass cone is filled with tropical plants and contains thousands of live butterflies. There are several Native American artifacts to view as well.
Other highlights include the Farish Hall, which is home to more than 250 species of Texas wildlife. Extinct species are displayed here as well as current-day specimens. A passenger pigeon is displayed in the hall as well.
Visitors can also take a ride on the Geovator, which transports them to the Cretaceous Period. Also, the Wiess Energy Hall features displays related to energy development. It includes a 1/150 scale white model of an offshore drilling rig drill floor. You can also watch a 15K resolution video that describes the history of energy.
In addition to the permanent exhibits, the museum has two satellite facilities. One of the locations is located in Sugar Land, and the other is in Telfair.
Many of the exhibits contain a companion audio guide that helps visitors absorb the vast amount of information. Additionally, there are a number of other special exhibitions on display. For instance, the Egyptian exhibits are excellent.
There are also a variety of special events at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. During certain times of the year, there are guided tours of the Egyptian galleries.
Visitors can also attend a show in the Burke Baker Planetarium. On Thursdays, most of the permanent exhibit halls are free of charge.
Other major attractions are the Wortham IMAX(r) Theater and the George Observatory. These are both a short drive from the main Houston Museum of Natural Science. They are also included in the Houston CityPASS. With the pass, visitors can save 47% on admission fees to these four attractions.
Those who want to get the most out of their visit to the Houston Museum of Natural Science can purchase the CityPASS. During the nine-day pass, visitors can visit any of the attractions on their list.
The museum has several other attractions, including the Herzstein Foucault Pendulum and the Strake Hall of Malacology. Visitors can also browse the large gift shop, which has many souvenirs and Houston-made jewelry.
While it is impossible to see everything at the Houston Museum of Natural Science in just one day, visiting on a weekday afternoon is ideal. Guests can also enjoy artisan sandwiches and a variety of snacks. Several of the museum’s exhibits are interactive, allowing you to watch scientists prepare fossils.
Located near the medical center, the museum is close to both downtown Houston and Hermann Park. It is open daily until early evening. However, it is not advisable to visit on weekends. During the summer, the heat can be uncomfortable. Learn more about Attractions at the NASA johnson space center in Houston.
