Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Houston Museum of Natural Science

The Houston Museum of Natural Science (HMNS) is a prominent situated in , , , dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge and inspiring public engagement with the . Founded in , it spans 433,000 square feet across five floors and houses one of the largest collections of exhibits in the United States, attracting approximately 1.9 million visitors in 2023 alone. The museum's mission is to preserve and advance knowledge while enhancing individual delight in science through immersive educational experiences. Its permanent exhibits cover a wide array of topics, including the Morian Hall of with its extensive display of fossils and prehistoric life; the Cullen Hall of Gems and Minerals, showcasing over 750 rare crystallized specimens; the Cockrell Butterfly Center, a three-story glass enclosure housing thousands of live butterflies; and the Hall of , featuring artifacts and a recreated . Additional halls explore wildlife, resources in the Weiss Energy Hall, (seashells), African wildlife, the Welch Hall: & Motion on and physics principles (expanded and reopened in 2024), and Native American cultures. Complementing these are specialized facilities such as the Burke Baker Planetarium, opened in 1964, which offers astronomy shows and laser performances; the Wortham Giant Screen Theatre, presenting large-format films; and the , demonstrating Earth's rotation. The museum also hosts rotating special exhibitions, like the 2023 "Sharks!" display, and provides extensive educational programs, including field trips for over 315,000 students annually, science camps, and outreach initiatives. Beyond its main site, HMNS operates satellite locations: HMNS at Sugar Land, focusing on dinosaurs and technology, and the George Observatory in Brazos Bend State Park, equipped with one of the largest public telescopes in the U.S. As a nonprofit with no federal or state funding, HMNS relies on memberships (over 76,000 households in 2023), donations, and admissions to support its operations and a of more than 500 employees and volunteers. Free admission to permanent halls is offered Tuesdays from 5-8 p.m., making it accessible to diverse audiences and reinforcing its role as a key cultural and educational hub in .

History

Founding and Early Development

The Houston Museum of Natural Science traces its origins to 1909, when it was established as the Houston Museum and Scientific Society by a group of local enthusiasts seeking to create a free public institution dedicated to science education and the dissemination of knowledge. The society's initial goal was to serve as a community repository for natural history specimens, including minerals, shells, butterflies, animals, and cultural artifacts, fostering public access to scientific resources in a rapidly growing city. Early growth was marked by key acquisitions that formed the core of the museum's collections. In 1914, the city purchased a significant portion of the natural-history collection assembled by Henry Philemon Attwater, a noted British-Canadian-American naturalist and conservationist based in . This was followed in 1922 by Sigmund J. Westheimer, a businessman, who acquired and donated the remainder of Attwater's collection to the society, substantially enriching its holdings in , , and regional . During the and , the museum operated from temporary locations, including the city auditorium, the Central Library (where it remained for seven years), and the site of the Zoo, under the stewardship of curator Val Gesner, who oversaw modest exhibits and public outreach efforts. By the 1940s, the institution had expanded considerably, reaching approximately 17,000 items through additional donations, such as those from John E. T. Milsaps, a prominent Houston philanthropist and collector of ethnographic and natural history artifacts. In 1943, Robert A. Vines, a and educator, assumed the role of , later becoming in 1947 and guiding operations until 1956; under his , the museum transitioned from city park department management—spanning over three decades—to a private nonprofit corporation in 1946, enhancing its autonomy and funding prospects. Vines was succeeded briefly by an interim before Thomas E. Pulley, a malacologist and expert in bivalves, took over as in 1957, focusing on scientific rigor and collection management. A pivotal step came in 1959, when the museum secured a from the City of for a 4.5-acre site in , providing a stable foundation for future development.

Major Expansions and Milestones

In 1960, the museum was renamed the Houston Museum of Natural Science. The Burke Baker Planetarium opened in 1964, followed by the completion of the full planetarium facility and a new building in in 1969. During the 1980s, the museum added a wing for traveling exhibits in 1982. Truett Latimer assumed the role of director in 1986, later becoming president. In 1988, it became the first affiliate site for the Challenger Center, a network promoting space education. The Wortham Giant Screen Theatre opened in 1989, alongside the George Observatory at Brazos Bend State Park, which features public telescope viewings. The 1990s brought extensive renovations, with annual attendance surpassing 1 million visitors by 1990. Isaac Arnold Hall of Space Science and McDannald Hall of the American Indian were renovated in 1991. Welch Chemistry Hall debuted in 1993. In 1994, the Paleontology Hall was renovated, and the Cockrell Butterfly Center along with Brown Hall of Entomology opened. The Cullen Hall of Gems and Minerals underwent renovation in 1995, incorporating significant new acquisitions. Into the 2000s, the Burke Baker Planetarium received a major renovation in 1998. The Albert and Ethel Herzstein Hall of Special Exhibitions opened in 1999. Leadership transitioned in 2001 when Truett Latimer resigned and Rebecca A. McDonald became president; Joel A. Bartsch succeeded her in 2004 and remains in the role as of 2025. Attendance exceeded 2 million visitors annually by 2006. The Woodlands satellite location launched in 2007 but closed in 2009. An agreement for a satellite facility in Sugar Land was signed in 2008, with the site opening to the public on October 3, 2009. The 2010s marked further growth, including a major in beginning in 2010 on adjacent land, which added exhibit space and classrooms. This culminated in the opening of the 30,000-square-foot Morian Hall of in summer 2012, the largest in the museum's at that time. At the Sugar Land location, the Hall of opened in 2019, focusing on interactive displays in , energy, geology, and salt science. In 2021, the George Observatory reopened following a major renovation that included redesigned exhibits and upgrades. The Cockrell Butterfly Center underwent Phase I renovation in March 2023, enhancing its glass enclosure and pathways. In 2024, the Welch Hall was renovated and reopened as the Welch Hall: Matter & Motion on March 9, featuring interactive exhibits on and physics. Over its more than a century of operation, the museum has evolved from modest beginnings into a sprawling multi-floor complex in , complemented by satellite venues.

Main Facility

Architecture and Layout

The Houston Museum of Natural Science is located in within Houston's Museum District, serving as a central hub for educational and scientific exploration. The main facility is a multi-story science center spanning five floors dedicated primarily to exhibits, designed with a simple, functional aesthetic that prioritizes immersion in themes over ornate decoration. This exhibit-focused approach is evident in features like polished concrete floors and black walls in halls such as the Paleontology Hall, which create a neutral backdrop to highlight specimens and displays. The building's layout centers on the Lillie and Roy Cullen Grand Entry Hall, providing the primary visitor entrance and facilitating access to various levels. The main level includes entry points, ticketing, and connections to the adjacent Wortham Giant Screen Theatre, while upper floors house the core exhibit halls, allowing for a logical progression through the museum's collections. Elevators and ramps ensure throughout, with a at the main entrance and elevators available in key areas like the Gift Shop and Glassell Hall to reach all levels. A notable structural feature is the integration of the Herzstein Foucault Pendulum in Herzstein Hall, a large-scale installation suspended from the ceiling that demonstrates and exemplifies the museum's commitment to interactive scientific demonstrations within its architecture. The facility underwent a major around 2010, acquiring an adjacent 1.5 acres of land to accommodate additional exhibition and educational spaces, enhancing the overall layout without altering the core simple design. Adjacent venues like the Burke Baker Planetarium and Cockrell Butterfly Center connect seamlessly to the main building, extending the visitor experience.

Permanent Exhibits

The permanent exhibits at the Houston Museum of Natural Science encompass diverse themes in , science, and culture, distributed across five floors of the main facility and covering approximately 433,000 square feet in total museum space. These displays integrate interactive components, life-sized dioramas, and hands-on activities to foster educational engagement, drawing on the museum's collections to illustrate concepts from Earth's geological past to contemporary scientific principles. In the realm of astronomy and space science, the Burke Baker Planetarium delivers immersive shows that explore cosmic phenomena, from stellar formations to , using advanced digital projections to simulate journeys through the . Complementing this, the John P. McGovern Hall of the highlights cultures across North, Central, and , featuring artifacts, multimedia presentations, and narratives on pre-Columbian history and contemporary Native voices. The Wiess Energy Hall delves into energy production and sustainability, with 30,000 square feet of exhibits including simulations of rigs and renewable technologies to demonstrate global energy dynamics. Paleontology is showcased in the Morian Hall of Paleontology, a vast space chronicling the on through fossils, original and replica skeletons of ancient creatures, and a chronological timeline tracing evolutionary milestones from prehistoric eras to human origins, enhanced by an overlook for panoramic views of the displays. The 2024 addition of Matter & Motion: Quantum Chemistry to Astrophysics introduces visitors to physics and chemistry across scales, from subatomic particles to galactic structures, through kinetic installations, interactive experiments like giant periodic tables, and hands-on challenges that illustrate motion and matter principles. enthusiasts can explore selections from the Cullen Hall of Gems and Minerals, which is currently closed for a 36-month . The George W. Strake Hall of Malacology specializes in mollusks, displaying thousands of shells and specimens that highlight in and terrestrial environments. Texas wildlife is vividly represented in the Farish Hall of Texas Wildlife, Hamman Hall of Texas Coastal , and Vintage Texas Wildlife Dioramas, which use realistic dioramas to depict native species, habitats, and ecological interactions from prairies to coastlines. The Frensley/Graham Hall of African Wildlife employs similar dioramic techniques to portray ecosystems and iconic animals like lions and elephants in their natural settings. Cultural history comes alive in the Hall of , where artifacts, sarcophagi replicas, and tomb reconstructions convey daily life, mummification processes, and pharaonic achievements from 4,000 years ago. Broader overviews appear in the Alfred C. Glassell, Jr. Hall and The World Around Us, offering introductory explorations of natural sciences through specimens and multimedia. The Morian curates an eclectic array of rare oddities, blending art and science in a whimsical showcase of natural wonders. Distinctive permanent features enhance the overall experience, such as the Cockrell Butterfly Center's three-story rainforest conservatory housing over 1,500 live butterflies and pollinators, where visitors can observe emergences and learn about conservation through guided interactions. The Herzstein swings continuously to demonstrate , providing a simple yet profound physics demonstration. The Fabergé collection, integrated as a permanent exhibit, displays jeweled eggs and imperial treasures, illustrating 19th-century Russian craftsmanship alongside scientific themes of materials and design. These elements, combined with docent-led explorations and labs, create an immersive environment spanning interactive simulations, live ecosystems, and artifact-based storytelling.

Additional Facilities

Satellite Locations

The Houston Museum of Natural Science operates satellite locations to extend its educational reach into suburban areas of , offering independent admissions, events, and exhibits tailored to local communities. These branches provide accessible experiences outside the main facility in , focusing on interactive displays in natural sciences. HMNS at Sugar Land, located at 13016 University Blvd. in Sugar Land, Texas, opened on October 3, 2009, in a renovated 1939 Central State Farm Prison Building spanning 43,000 square feet. The facility emphasizes hands-on exhibits in paleontology, physics, and space science, including the Hall of Paleontology with dinosaur fossils and interactive digs, the Space Science gallery exploring astronomy and rocketry, and the Hall of Technology featuring chemistry, energy, and geology demonstrations. Admission is separate from the main museum, with tickets at $13 for adults and $10 for children, and hours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Sunday during the school year. The George Observatory, situated at 21901 FM 762 Rd. in , within Brazos Bend , opened in 1989 to promote public astronomy education. It underwent a major renovation from 2019 to 2021, reopening with upgraded facilities. It features a 36-inch Gueymard , one of the largest publicly accessible in the United States, used for guided stargazing sessions. The site hosts Saturday night public programs from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., including telescope viewings and lectures, as well as daytime field trips for schools focused on astronomy and park ; entry requires a separate Brazos Bend day pass. A short-lived satellite, the Woodlands Xploration Station, operated from March 2007 to September 7, 2009, in The Woodlands Mall, offering children's activities but closed amid challenges with mall-based operations.

Specialized Venues

The Houston Museum of Natural Science features several specialized venues integrated within or adjacent to its main facility in , offering immersive experiences that complement the museum's exhibits through films, shows, and live interactions. These spaces enhance visitor engagement with and nature by providing dedicated environments for astronomy, large-format cinema, and . The Burke Baker Planetarium, opened in 1964, serves as a dome theater dedicated to astronomy presentations, including educational films, laser light shows, and simulations of celestial phenomena. It underwent a major renovation in 1998, introducing the first full-dome system , which features a seamless dome and advanced imagery from telescopes and missions. The venue has a capacity of 200 seats and utilizes high-resolution technology, such as True8K with over 50 million pixels, to deliver panoramic views of the . The Wortham Giant Screen Theatre, originally opened in 1989 as Houston's first IMAX theater at a cost of $13 million, specializes in large-format films focused on scientific topics like , , and . It features a 60-foot by 80-foot screen, 4K digital projection, capabilities, and a six-track system, with a of approximately 394. The theater transitioned from 70mm to digital projection in 2012, allowing for enhanced immersive storytelling. The Cockrell Butterfly Center, which opened in 1994, provides a three-story glass-enclosed rainforest aviary simulating a tropical habitat, complete with a 50-foot waterfall and diverse plant life. It houses an estimated 1,500 to 2,000 live butterflies representing around 60 species sourced from global farms, allowing visitors to observe their lifecycle stages, including emergence from chrysalides. The center functions as a standalone entry point while connecting to the museum's permanent exhibits on entomology and biodiversity.

Education and Outreach

School and Youth Programs

The Houston Museum of Natural Science provides packages tailored for K-12 students, featuring themed explorations such as dinosaurs in the Morian Hall of Paleontology, ecosystems in the Cockrell Butterfly Center and wildlife halls, and in the Hall of Ancient Egypt, all aligned with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) curriculum. These programs incorporate hands-on labs, films, and interactive exhibits, with options like Early Investigations for grades K-3 and group labs for older students to encourage active participation in learning. Available onsite at the main facility, the Sugar Land branch, and the George Observatory, field trips require a minimum of 10 students and a three-week booking notice, with chaperones admitted free at a ratio of one per 10 students. Summer camps at the museum target children ages 6-12, offering multi-week sessions with hands-on activities including digs, demonstrations, physics experiments, workshops, and explorations to inspire future scientists and engineers. Led by distinguished educators, these camps emphasize , skill-building learning and are held at the main location and the Sugar Land facility, with registration opening in late 2025 for members and early 2026 for the public. The museum's Scouting Program delivers badge workshops for Scouting America (formerly ) and Girl Scouts, focusing on badges through in-person and virtual classes that align with scouting requirements. Offerings include two- to four-hour sessions for Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts ages 6-12, as well as longer journey classes and week-long summer day camps for ages up to 17, covering topics like and engineering. Programs are hosted at the main site, Sugar Land branch, and George Ranch Historical Park near the George Observatory, with special events such as overnights and badge days scheduled throughout the year. Outreach initiatives bring expertise directly to and youth groups via onsite and virtual programs, featuring hands-on encounters with real specimens and artifacts from the collections, such as bugs, fossils, and archaeological items in TEKS-aligned presentations like Bugs on Wheels and Wildlife on Wheels. Adaptable for K-12 classrooms or , these programs include options like the portable Discovery Dome and Science Start for early learners, with booking requiring four to six weeks' notice through an online form. To support aspiring young scientists, the museum administers the Evelyn S. Frensley Student Award, providing $3,000 scholarships annually to two high school juniors in the area who plan careers in science or . For the 2025 awards, eligible applicants are members of the class of 2026 enrolled during the 2024-2025 school year, submitting an online application by September 1, 2025, including transcripts, recommendation letters, a resume, and essays on career plans and a . Winners for the 2025 cycle were selected following the deadline.

Adult and Community Engagement

The Houston Museum of Natural Science offers a range of programs tailored for adults, including after-hours events under the HMNS series, offering access to exhibits for families and groups 21+, featuring hands-on activities, scavenger hunts, and sleepovers among the displays for in a social setting. These events encourage in a social setting, allowing participants to engage with scientific themes without the daytime crowds. Adult education initiatives include hands-on workshops covering topics such as , , astronomy, and , with select classes eligible for Continuing (CPE) credits for educators upon completion of a post-attendance form. Examples of workshops feature creative activities like illustrating ancient amulets or repairing artifacts, designed to spark through interactive experiences. Additionally, the museum hosts distinguished public lectures by experts on subjects ranging from ancient civilizations to modern scientific discoveries, often supported by sponsors like Apache Corporation, and behind-the-scenes tours that offer in-depth access to exhibit preparations. Travel programs extend this engagement, such as the 2025 eco-tour from September 13–20 in the , where participants explored rainforests, mountain views, and Pacific beaches with guided scientific insights into local . Community outreach efforts include the Beyond Bones podcast, a series produced by the museum that delves into exhibits, fossil preparation, and behind-the-scenes stories, available on platforms like and to reach a broader beyond physical visits. The museum also facilitates science-themed birthday parties and group events with age-appropriate activities tied to exhibits, such as or explorations, customizable for families and available at varying rates starting from $475 for non-members. Membership perks enhance community involvement, offering families unlimited free admission to permanent halls, 10% discounts on merchandise, priority access to events, and special educator discounts of 15% on membership levels to support ongoing professional development. Key events foster broader participation, including the annual GEMS (Girls Exploring Math and ) Day, such as the 2025 event on November 8, which promotes interests through interactive booths, hands-on experiments, and troop-led activities for community members. Family days and monthly $2sday lectures on the first Tuesday provide affordable opportunities for public engagement, with the latter focusing on current exhibits to educate attendees on topics like and astronomy at a low cost of $2 per ticket. These initiatives collectively build a around , extending the museum's resources to adults and families in informal, accessible ways.

Collections and Research

Key Collections

The Houston Museum of Natural Science maintains a permanent collection exceeding 1.5 million objects and specimens, accumulated since the institution's founding in 1909. These holdings encompass artifacts, scientific specimens, and cultural items that underpin the museum's exhibits, support loans to other venues, and enable scholarly investigations. The collection features an extensive array of fossils, including notable Permian-era dimetrodons from and full skeletons of dinosaurs such as Tyrannosaurus rex and , many of which are originals or composites integrated into the Morian Hall of Paleontology. This assortment highlights vertebrate and invertebrate remains spanning millions of years, with representative examples like massive skulls and trilobites illustrating evolutionary timelines. In gems and minerals, the Cullen Hall collection comprises more than 450 crystallized specimens, showcasing rare formations such as a 2,000-pound and other extraordinary minerals acquired after the hall's 2007 . These items emphasize geological diversity, from vibrant tourmalines to intricate varieties, selected for their aesthetic and scientific value. The holdings in Hall form one of the world's largest public collections of mollusks, totaling approximately 1.5 million dry specimens of seashells, land snails, and freshwater forms from global locales. Highlights include oversized gastropods and diverse bivalves, representing marine, terrestrial, and aquatic for comparative study. Cultural artifacts include ancient Egyptian mummies—both originals and high-fidelity replicas—alongside sarcophagi and tomb replicas in the Hall of , drawn from international loans and acquisitions. The John P. McGovern Hall of the preserves items from cultures, such as Native American tools, pottery, and textiles spanning pre-Columbian to historic periods across North, Central, and . Additionally, the museum stewards the McFerrin Collection of Fabergé works, the largest private assemblage worldwide, featuring several jeweled eggs and ornate objects from the Russian imperial era. Wildlife specimens encompass taxidermy dioramas depicting ecosystems in the Farish Hall, with mounted animals like black bears and bobcats in naturalistic settings; similar installations portray savannas and coastal habitats. The Cockrell Butterfly Center maintains a live collection, including thousands of and other arthropods in a conservatory. These biological assets provide foundational material for taxonomic and educational .

Research and Conservation Efforts

The Houston Museum of Natural Science conducts curator-led research across several disciplines, utilizing its extensive collections to advance scientific understanding. In , Dr. oversees studies involving fossil analysis and preparation in the museum's dedicated paleontology lab, where staff examine and conserve specimens such as skeletons to contribute to evolutionary and ecological insights. Similarly, in , Associate Tina Petway leads taxonomic research on mollusk specimens, including the documentation of over 1.5 million shells that support studies and ocean analyses. Astronomy research at the museum draws on data from the 36-inch Gueymard Research Telescope at the George , where Carolyn Sumners facilitates observations that aid in celestial mapping and public-access scientific . Conservation efforts at the museum are supported by in-house labs focused on artifact restoration, including treatments for fossils, gems, and biological specimens to prevent deterioration from environmental factors. The collections department employs climate-controlled storage, regular pest inspections, and expert handling protocols to preserve items in perpetuity. As of 2025, the Cullen Hall of Gems and Minerals is closed for a multi-year renovation, incorporating upgrades to conservation facilities for better protection of mineral specimens. Key initiatives include the Challenger Center's Expedition Center, where simulated space missions allow participants to engage in research-like activities, fostering skills in scientific inquiry and engineering. The museum facilitates specimen loans to global institutions, such as providing rare minerals to for educational exhibits and a notable specimen to the Natural History Museum in , promoting broader scholarly access to its collections. Publications emerging from these collections, particularly in , include taxonomic works like the history of the HMNS shell collection in The Nautilus and updates in Zootaxa on bivalve nomenclature, contributing to global mollusk . These activities, while not housed in a formal research institute, integrate with public exhibits to disseminate scientific findings and support advancement through university partnerships, such as with for student-led projects in science and technology.

References

  1. [1]
    About The Houston Museum of Natural Science
    The Houston Museum of Natural Science was founded in 1909 on the idea that science can enhance everyone's lives. A lot can happen in 100 years, ...
  2. [2]
    Houston Museum of Natural Science
    Houston Museum of Natural Science · Hours. Mon–Sun 9a–5p (Summer hours Mon-Sun 9a-6p) · Admission. Free admission to the permanent exhibit halls on Tuesdays 5p–8p.Missing: attendance | Show results with:attendance
  3. [3]
    [PDF] 2023 ANNUAL REPORT - Houston Museum of Natural Science
    As the fourth-most visited museum in the country, we continue to produce world-class special exhibitions; prioritize the engagement of an ever-growing ...
  4. [4]
    [PDF] 2019QUICK FACTS AND MUSEUM PROFILE
    Founded in 1909, the Houston Museum of Natural. Science (HMNS) has been a powerful force for science education in Houston for more than a century. It began as a ...
  5. [5]
    Houston Museum of Natural Science | Things To Do in Houston, TX
    The Houston Museum of Natural Science, one of the most heavily attended museums in the US, features the Wortham Giant Screen Theatre, Burke Baker Planetarium, ...
  6. [6]
    History of the Houston Museum of Natural Science
    Mar 21, 2017 · ... collection assembled by Henry Philemon Attwater, and in 1922 the remainder of the collection was bought by Sigmund J. Westheimer and given ...
  7. [7]
    Attwater, Henry Philemon - Texas State Historical Association
    During the 1920s he sold his collection to the Witte Museum in San Antonio, and after his death his papers were deposited in the Houston Public Library.
  8. [8]
    https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/attwater-henry-philemon
  9. [9]
    Our Team - HMNS - Houston Museum of Natural Science
    Special Exhibitions · Permanent Exhibitions · Cockrell Butterfly Center · Burke Baker Planetarium · Giant Screen Theatre · Exhibitions. HMNS Exhibitions.Missing: 2010-2025 | Show results with:2010-2025
  10. [10]
    Houston Museum of Natural Sciences at Sugar Land
    The Houston Museum of Natural Science (HMNS) at Sugar Land opened to the public on October 3, 2009. Housed in the former Central State Prison Farm, the building ...
  11. [11]
    [PDF] 2010Annual Report - City of Houston
    Completed Hermann Park Plaza Restaurant. •. Bidding of Hermann Park Bike Bridge. •. Began Construction on Houston Museum of Natural Science expansion. •. Began ...
  12. [12]
    Check out the new Hall of Technology at HMNS Sugar Land
    Dec 9, 2019 · We recently opened a brand new Hall of Technology at the Houston Museum of Natural Science - Sugar Land. Take a look inside this new ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  13. [13]
    Houston Museum of Natural Science
    At Houston Museum of Natural Science, visitors gather to experience the natural world through galleries and exhibitions.Hours & AdmissionPlan a VisitMembershipExhibitsHMNS Events
  14. [14]
    Houston Museum of Natural Science Expansion - What We Build
    The expansion includes a five-level structure with a basement, 20 classrooms, a Paleontology Hall, and space for traveling exhibits, with a total of 189,000 SF.
  15. [15]
    [PDF] visitor'sguide - Houston Museum of Natural Science
    The Houston Museum of Natural Science has something for everyone —Come Here and Go Anywhere. 1. MORIAN HALL OF PALEONTOLOGY ... FOUCAULT PENDULUM. HERZSTEIN HALL.
  16. [16]
    Accessibility - Houston Museum of Natural Science
    There is a wheelchair ramp outside the main entrance of the museum. If you ... HMNS has elevators in our Gift Shop and Glassell Hall with access to the ...
  17. [17]
    Herzstein Foucault Pendulum - Houston Museum of Natural Science
    The Foucault Pendulum is a visual demonstration of the Earth's rotation. Named after Jean Bernard Leon Foucault, the French physicist who invented it.
  18. [18]
    Burke Baker Planetarium - Houston Museum of Natural Science
    Opened in 1964, the Burke Baker Planetarium has presented astronomical programs to millions of visitors. Fly through the universe, experience the vastness ...
  19. [19]
    John P. McGovern Hall of the Americas - HMNS
    Open Today: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm. Plan a Visit ; Adults $25, Children $16, Members $0. Includes Permanent Exhibitions. See Admission ; Located in Level 3. See ...
  20. [20]
    Wiess Energy Hall - HMNS - Houston Museum of Natural Science
    Encompassing 30000 square feet, the vast collection of dynamic exhibits transports visitors onto a 21st-century offshore drilling rig.
  21. [21]
    Morian Hall of Paleontology - Houston Museum of Natural Science
    A prehistoric safari through time unleashing the dynamic world of ancient beasts and the epic saga of human evolution.Missing: facts | Show results with:facts
  22. [22]
    Matter & Motion: Quantum Chemistry to Astrophysics
    ### Summary of "Matter & Motion" Exhibit
  23. [23]
    Cullen Hall of Gems and Minerals - HMNS
    Discover more than 450 beautifully crystallized mineral specimens, including some of the world's most rare and beautiful examples.Missing: facts | Show results with:facts
  24. [24]
    Hall of Ancient Egypt - Houston Museum of Natural Science
    ### Summary of Hall of Ancient Egypt Exhibit
  25. [25]
    https://www.houstonchronicle.com/lifestyle/article/new-matter-motion-exhibit-hm-ultimate-science-18756382.php
  26. [26]
    Cockrell Butterfly Center
    ### Summary of Cockrell Butterfly Center Exhibit
  27. [27]
    Houston Museum of Natural Science | Sugar Land
    Offering fascinating science exhibitions sure to appeal to all ages, Sugar Land expands the embrace of the HMNS family!Plan a Visit · Exhibits · Events · Host an EventMissing: facts | Show results with:facts<|control11|><|separator|>
  28. [28]
    George Observatory - Houston Museum of Natural Science
    The George Observatory is open to the public for stargazing on Saturday nights. We also offer daytime visits, Friday night visits & more.Exhibits · Saturday Stargazing · Plan a Visit · Starry Night: A VIP Experience
  29. [29]
    Directions & Parking - HMNS at Sugar Land
    HMNS at Sugar Land (281) 313-2277 13016 University Blvd Sugar Land, TX 77479 Get Directions HMNS (713) 639-4629 5555 Hermann Park Dr Houston
  30. [30]
    Two museums in Woodlands mall set to close - Chron
    Aug 3, 2009 · The Woodlands Xploration Station, operated by the Houston Museum of Natural Science, and The Woodlands Children Museum will close their doors on Sept. 7 and ...
  31. [31]
    Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land - PGAL
    PGAL performed an extensive renovation to modify the building's design and integrate all areas. The three-foot, brick, mortar, and steel bar-reinforced ...
  32. [32]
    Exhibits - Houston Museum of Natural Science | Sugar Land
    Houston Museum of Natural Science | Sugar Land offers fascinating science exhibitions sure to appeal to all ages.
  33. [33]
    Sugar Land Celebrates Ten Years | BEYONDbones
    Oct 4, 2019 · HMNS Sugar Land opened in 2009 in a former prison, is in the fourth oldest building, has over 100,000 visitors yearly, and is a neighborhood ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  34. [34]
    Visit HMNS at Sugar Land Houston Museum of Natural Science
    Conveniently located within sight of Highway 59, the Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land offers fascinating science exhibitions.Events · Host an Event · Calendar · AccessibilityMissing: Technology 2025
  35. [35]
    Visit - George Observatory - Houston Museum of Natural Science
    Located in Brazos Bend State Park and requires a Day Pass to get to the Observatory. Purchase Brazos Park Day Pass · Park in Nature Center Parking Lot · Become ...
  36. [36]
    George Observatory Location - Support : HMNS Help
    May 7, 2023 · The address for the George Observatory is 21901 FM 762, Needville TX 77461. The observatory is located inside of Brazos Bend State Park.
  37. [37]
    Museum of Natural History Houston: Exploring the Wonders of the ...
    Sep 12, 2025 · Accessibility: HMNS is fully accessible for visitors with disabilities, offering ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms. Wheelchairs are ...
  38. [38]
    Burke Baker Planetarium shoots for the sky with $1.2 million redo
    Dec 20, 1998 · The 35-year-old Planetarium reopened Dec. 11 after being closed for the three-month renovation. Installation of the new system only took a ...
  39. [39]
    Planetarium Offers Panoramic View of Space
    Dec 10, 1998 · New planetarium shows will envelop the visitors in a wrap-around panorama of earth and space images, some taken by astronauts and telescopes, ...
  40. [40]
    [PDF] Summer 2021 - Evans & Sutherland
    May 25, 2021 · The. Burke Baker Planetarium is the world's first True8K™ system, with over 50 million unique pixels on the dome. The imagery is kept perfect ...Missing: capacity | Show results with:capacity
  41. [41]
    Rent the Museum - HMNS - Houston Museum of Natural Science
    The expansive exhibition of 30,000 square feet is almost the size of a football field and has room for more than one configuration for a singular event.
  42. [42]
    In 2019 our Wortham Giant Screen Theatre turns 30 years old ...
    Jan 9, 2019 · Our Wortham Giant Screen Theatre turns 30 years old. Opened in September 1989 to much fanfare and costing $13 million, it was Houston's first IMAX screen.Missing: capacity size
  43. [43]
    Giant Screen Theatre - HMNS - Houston Museum of Natural Science
    The Wortham Giant Screen Theatre features 4K digital projection, 3D images, a 60’ x 80’ screen, and a six-track sound system. Shows include 'Call of the ...Missing: capacity | Show results with:capacity
  44. [44]
    Houston Museum of Natural Science - Tatinta
    ... Henry Philemon Attwater and the collection donated by John Milsaps who later built the collection. the museum's precious gem and mineral collection. The ...
  45. [45]
    Houston Museum of Natural Science Facts for Kids
    Oct 17, 2025 · Its first collections were gathered between 1914 and 1930. These included a nature collection from Henry Philemon Attwater. A gift from John ...
  46. [46]
    Wortham Giant Screen Theatre at Houston Museum of Natural Science
    The Wortham Giant Screen Theatre, located in the Houston Museum of Natural Science, has a 373-seat capacity and a 60’ X 80’ screen, suitable for events.Missing: size | Show results with:size
  47. [47]
    FAQ - Houston Museum of Natural Science
    Are there any hands-on programs for students? Explore science, nature, and history in our Science Labs which feature specimens, artifacts, and laboratory ...
  48. [48]
    Being Natural: Nancy Greig | BEYONDbones
    Oct 11, 2015 · The Cockrell Butterfly Center has a plant that's about to make a big stink! Her name is Meg, named after the prehistoric Megalodon shark ...
  49. [49]
    Cockrell Butterfly Center: A place to see 1,500 butterflies
    The three-story glass structure containing a 50-foot waterfall houses anywhere from 1,500 to 2,000 individual butterflies from 60 different species at any given ...
  50. [50]
    Field Trips - HMNS - Houston Museum of Natural Science
    HMNS Exhibitions. Spectacular Collections & Scientific Delights. View ... Welch Hall of Matter and Motion · Wiess Energy Hall · Wildlife Halls. Field Trip ...
  51. [51]
    Summer Camp - HMNS - Houston Museum of Natural Science
    Geared for kids ages 6-12, Summer Camps at HMNS use fun, hands-on learning and distinguished teachers to inspire the next generation of engineers and scientists ...
  52. [52]
    Scouts - HMNS - Houston Museum of Natural Science
    The HMNS Scouting Program offers badge classes for Scouting America and Girl Scouts, as well as enrichment field trips and events at HMNS facilities.Summer Classes · Calendar of Events · School Year Classes · Resources
  53. [53]
    Outreach Programs at Houston Museum of Natural Science
    The Outreach Programs offer a way to learn from museum experts, featuring encounters with specimens and artifacts from our collections.
  54. [54]
    Awards & Scholarships - HMNS - Houston Museum of Natural Science
    The Evelyn S. Frensley Student Award is given annually in the amount of $3,000 to two high school juniors (for the 2025 awards, class of 2026 are eligible) in ...
  55. [55]
    Host an Event at the Houston Museum of Natural Science
    HMNS After Dark ... Have you ever wondered what really happens after dark or overnight at the museum? Find out what happens at the museum after the sun goes down!
  56. [56]
    HMNS After Dark - Houston Museum of Natural Science
    Join us at the Houston Museum of Natural Science for our annual GEMS (Girls Exploring Math and Science) Overnight on November 7, 2025! The GEMS overnight is for ...
  57. [57]
    Hands-On Classes for Adults - Houston Museum of Natural Science
    Learn how you can earn CPE credit for attending adult education classes. ... HMNS After Dark · Rent the Museum. Calendar. Calendar · Upcoming Events · Member ...
  58. [58]
    Distinguished Lectures - HMNS - Houston Museum of Natural Science
    HMNS brings you from the world's foremost experts like Kara Cooney, Zahi Hawass and Kathy Reichs along with HMNS curators and scientists.Missing: public days
  59. [59]
    Costa Rica Tour 2025 - HMNS - Houston Museum of Natural Science
    Tour the beautiful northwestern province of Guanacaste and discover the lush rainforests, mountain views, and white-sand beaches.
  60. [60]
    Beyond Bones | Podcast on Spotify
    Fossil Preparation, "From the Grave to the Cradle". In this episode of the HMNS Beyond Bones Podcast, we discuss and show you how a fossil comes out of the ...Missing: community | Show results with:community
  61. [61]
    Birthdays & Parties - HMNS - Houston Museum of Natural Science
    Curated party themes that inspire and excite; Engaging, age-appropriate ... $800Family Members & Up. $1,200Discoverer Members & Up. Non-Members. $475. $675.Missing: perks | Show results with:perks
  62. [62]
    Membership - HMNS - Houston Museum of Natural Science
    Unlimited, free admission to permanent exhibit halls ... Discounted admission at the Cockrell Butterfly Center, Burke Baker Planetarium, and Wortham Giant Screen ...<|separator|>
  63. [63]
    $$2sday Lectures at HMNS Get Visitors Psyched for Science
    Oct 15, 2024 · The monthly $2sday lectures every first Tuesday of the month allow visitors to learn about the Houston Museum of Natural Science's exhibits ...
  64. [64]
    HMNS Events - Houston Museum of Natural Science
    To pre-register for free permanent exhibit hall entry, please click the link below. 2025 Event dates: Saturday, April 26, 2025: 8:00 am – 10:00 am; Saturday, ...
  65. [65]
    Houston Museum of Natural Science (HMNS)
    Houston Museum of Natural Science ... The collection is comprised of marine, freshwater, and land mollusks. Entomology collection: 500,000 specimens ( ...
  66. [66]
    HMNS - Hall of Paleontology | GeologyVirtualTrips
    FIELD TRIP STOP – A WORLD-CLASS COLLECTION OF INVERTEBRATE AND VERTEBRATE FOSSILS (PARTICULARLY DINOSAURS). LOCATION: The Houston Museum of Natural Science ...
  67. [67]
    HMNS Hall of Minerals | GeologyVirtualTrips
    The Cullen Hall of Gems and Minerals has on display over 450 unique extraordinary specimens of minerals as found in their natural state.
  68. [68]
    Houston Museum of Natural Science Malacology Collection (HMNS)
    Sep 28, 2023 · Houston Museum of Natural Science Malacology Collection ... Current holdings for the HMNS Malacology collection are approximately 1.5 million dry ...
  69. [69]
    Social Distancing with Sea Shells and HMNS Collections
    Apr 28, 2020 · This collection contains over 34,000 specimens of land, freshwater and marine species. During this period of the museum being closed, the ...
  70. [70]
    Fabergé: Eggs and Timeless Treasures - HMNS
    Explore the Artistry and Innovation of Carl Fabergé and His Skilled Workmasters in this Premier Exhibition at the Houston Museum of Natural Science.
  71. [71]
    Fabergé Eggs: Easter Eggs Fit for a King (literally) - Beyond Bones
    Apr 19, 2019 · The Houston Museum of Natural Science is lucky to house the McFerrin Fabergé Collection, which includes a number of the famous eggs. Today, in ...
  72. [72]
    Farish Hall of Texas Wildlife - Houston Museum of Natural Science
    The Farish Hall of Texas Wildlife at the Houston Museum of Natural Science presents the diverse biomes of the Lone Star State.
  73. [73]
    LIVE from the paleontology lab in the Houston Museum of Natural ...
    Sep 19, 2024 · Comments ; LIVE Paleo AMA! HMNS - Houston Museum of Natural Science · 2.2K views ; The Perfect Mystery of "Wyrex", the Bobtailed Tyrannosaurus Rex.
  74. [74]
    [PDF] George Observatory - Texas Parks and Wildlife
    The George Observatory is located in. Brazos Bend State Park about 45 miles southwest of Houston. It is about two miles inside the state park. There is a.
  75. [75]
    Conservators – Collections' Heroes | BEYONDbones
    Jun 16, 2009 · The conservation work shows just enough so that museum staff can see how to handle the object properly. There are also many times when damage ...
  76. [76]
    Museum Collections - HMNS - Houston Museum of Natural Science
    Museums are committed to caring for their collections in perpetuity. Proper care involves preservation, maintenance, and conservation.
  77. [77]
    Houston Museum of Natural Science, Carlos Museum to partner up
    Apr 1, 2013 · The HMNS will support object treatment and conservation in the Carlos Museum's Parsons Conservation Lab and will link to the Carlos' work in ...
  78. [78]
    Museum announcement 🗣️ Starting today, the Cullen Hall of ...
    Jan 6, 2025 · Museum announcement: Starting today, the Cullen Hall of Gems & Minerals will be closed until January 13, 2025.
  79. [79]
    Expedition Center - HMNS - Houston Museum of Natural Science
    A visit to the Expedition Center is a learning experience that engages students, transforming them into scientists, engineers or researchers on a simulated ...
  80. [80]
    Mineral Exhibit - Lamar University
    Aug 11, 2025 · The exhibit has 88 pieces on loan from the Houston Museum, including quartz, calcite, citrine, amethyst, sulfur, gypsum and pyrite.
  81. [81]
    Natural History Museum - X
    Apr 24, 2025 · ... specimen is considered to be one of the finest mineral treasures in the world! Currently on loan from the Houston Museum of Natural Science ...
  82. [82]
    [PDF] Putting U.S. mollusk collections on the map
    History of the malacology collection at the Houston Museum of Natural. Science, Houston, Texas. The Nautilus 139 (3): 249–260. Ponder, W. F., D. R. Lindberg, ...
  83. [83]
    A taxonomic update for "Seashells of Southern Florida - Bivalves ...
    Oct 18, 2025 · Our 2007 book publication "Seashells of Southern Florida-Bivalves" reported on 379 nominal extant bivalve species in the Florida Keys.
  84. [84]
    Rice and Houston Museum of Natural Science Team Up for STEM
    Apr 18, 2019 · In addition, the museum invites student groups to present projects relating to science, technology, engineering and math. The students create ...
  85. [85]
    The BRAIN Center Meets with HMNS to Foster Future Collaboration
    The BRAIN Center recently held a promising meeting with representatives from the Houston Museum of Natural Science (HMNS) to explore potential avenues for ...