Houston Museum of Natural Science

The Houston Museum of Natural Science is a major natural history museum in Houston’s Museum District, with extensive permanent collections and public science programming. The institution serves as a regional center for paleontology, mineralogy, and educational exhibits.

Exhibits include large dinosaur mounts and fossil displays in the Morian Hall of Paleontology, a tropical butterfly conservatory in the Cockrell Butterfly Center, mineral and gem collections, and an on-site planetarium and giant-screen theater. The museum offers hands-on exhibits, temporary traveling exhibitions, and educational programs for families and schools.

The museum traces its origins to the early 20th century as local scientific and natural history organizations coalesced; over time it expanded into the current multi-building complex in the Museum District. Significant recent investments have focused on gallery renovation and expanded exhibition space.

The museum is located on the eastern edge of Houston’s Museum District, bordering Hermann Park and within walking distance of other cultural institutions and downtown Houston.

• Location and program: Located in Houston's Museum District adjacent to Hermann Park, the museum combines permanent science galleries with rotating special exhibitions and film programming.

What to See #

• Cockrell Butterfly Center: The Cockrell Butterfly Center is a three-story glass-enclosed tropical conservatory housing live butterflies and native tropical plants, combined with interpretive displays on lifecycles and habitats.
• Planetarium and theatre: The Burke Baker Planetarium and the Wortham Giant Screen Theatre provide astronomy shows and large-format films as part of the museum's public programming.
• Paleontology hall: The Morian Hall of Paleontology features mounted dinosaur skeletons and fossils and is a focal point for the museum's natural history exhibits.