Expansive science complex featuring permanent exhibits on paleontology, astronomy, chemistry, and wildlife alongside a planetarium, butterfly center, and giant screen theater.
General Information
Friday to Sunday: 9am to 6pm
Free Tuesdays: 5pm to 8pm (last entry 7:30pm)
Last entry 30 minutes before closing
Children (3–11): $16
Seniors (62+): $16
Military (with ID): $16
Infants (2 and under): Free
Members: Free
Free admission Tuesdays 5pm–8pm (permanent exhibits only)
How to Get There
Take US-59 South, exit Main Street, turn left on Hermann Drive, and follow signs to the museum entrance near Hermann Park.
Overview
The Houston Museum of Natural Science (HMNS) is one of the most visited museums in the country, with permanent halls covering paleontology, gems and minerals, chemistry, wildlife, and ancient civilizations in the heart of the Museum District.
Founded in 1909, HMNS pairs its halls with the Burke Baker Planetarium and the Wortham Giant Screen Theatre, plus rotating special exhibitions that bring in everything from ancient Egyptian artifacts to space science — enough to fill a full day of exploring.
Notable Highlights
Morian Hall of Paleontology
Towering dinosaur skeletons anchor one of the museum's most popular halls.
Cullen Hall of Gems and Minerals
Dazzling gem and mineral specimens gathered from around the world.
Burke Baker Planetarium & Wortham Giant Screen Theatre
Separately ticketed shows that pair well with a day spent exploring the halls.
Cockrell Butterfly Center
A glass rainforest conservatory filled with free-flying butterflies, housed within the museum.
This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for the Houston Museum of Natural Science, which are released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.
