Houston Museum of Natural Science
"Zoom out. What’s the big picture?Located on the edge of Hermann Park, the Houston Museum of Natural Science is one of the most-visited attractions in the Museum District. Its four stories of galleries and halls are grand, both in their scale and their offerings. What's in the permanent collection?Some highlights include the two-story Morian Hall of Paleontology, which is filled with scientific delights large and small, from massive replicas of prehistoric beasts to fossilized dinosaur poop. Meanwhile, at the three-story Cockrell Butterfly Center, which is always kept as humid as a tropical rainforest, you can squeal with delight when one of the fluttering insects lands on you. There’s also a hall of gems and minerals, a permanent Faberge exhibit, and a planetarium. And the temporary shows?Over the years, certain special exhibitions here have garnered national attention: Princess Diana, Sherlock Holmes, and Gladiators to name a few. What's the deal with the crowds?If one exhibition is crowded, just head for another—this place is that big. The museum is a popular field-trip destination, making weekdays busy at times. And the paleontology hall is a major attraction for families, as is the the brightly-colored (and interactive) energy hall. On the practical tip, how were the facilities?In a museum so vast, you'll appreciate the friendly staffers who help point you to the correct elevator bank. There are plenty of benches and vast spaces to roam. Do you have any thoughts on the guided tours?Many exhibits are part of the museum's companion audio guide, which is essential for absorbing the vast amount of information. And excellent guided tours in the Ancient Egypt exhibition, the butterfly center, and the paleontology hall are all worth the fee. What if we want to indulge in a little retail therapy? What's in the gift shop?A large gift store hosts pop-up retail shop-in-shops for each of the rotating special exhibitions. There are also great toys and Houston-made jewelry. Any advice for the time- or attention-challenged?If you're pressed for time, visit the butterfly center, the Herzstein Foucault Pendulum, and the paleontology hall. If you're lucky, at certain times, you can watch scientists and museum volunteers prepare fossils for the permanent collection." - Allison Bagley
