SPECIAL EXHIBITION

Death by Natural Causes

Thank You
Death by Natural Causes is organized by the Houston Museum of Natural Science.
Support is provided by the John P. McGovern Foundation and the Harriet and Truett Latimer Endowment Fund.
Educators! This exhibit makes an excellent field trip that covers many TEKS objectives. Learn more – and download the free curriculum – on our field trips page.

Curious? Review the FAQ Guidelines

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FAQ

Do I need a separate ticket to see this exhibit?

Death by Natural Causes requires a special exhibit ticket. A Death by Natural Causes ticket will allow you access to the Permanent Exhibit Halls.

Due to capacity and popularity, we ask that all guests adhere to their ticketed times for entry. However, once you are inside the exhibit, please feel welcome to explore as long as you would like.

Unfortunately, strollers and wagons are not allowed in the Death by Natural Causes exhibit. There is a designated stroller parking at the entrance to the exhibit.

This exhibit is not intended to be scary! On the contrary, the exhibit aims to dispel your fears.

Due to the nature of the content and the frank discussions of death in the text panels, please take care when choosing to bring children.

A variety of venomous or poisonous animals will be on display including lizards, snakes, spiders, scorpions, amphibians and more!

Yes! If you purchase a full-price Death by Natural Causes ticket, you can receive up to 50% off the price of a ticket to King Tut or Sharks! for the same day.

Guidelines

Photography

Photography and videography are allowed in the museum, but please be mindful of a few items:

  1. Flash photography is strictly prohibited in all areas, except the Cockrell Butterfly Center.
  2. Tripods and selfie sticks are not allowed.
  3. Every person entering the museum must purchase a ticket. If you are purchasing tickets for a timed-entry venue, such as the Butterfly Center, you must enter at the indicated time on your ticket.
  4. Be considerate of other patrons enjoying the museum.
Admission

Admission price includes access to all HMNS Exhibit Halls except certain Special Exhibitions and the Brown Hall of Entomology. Access to the Brown Hall of Entomology is included with admission to the Cockrell Butterfly Center.

Service Animals

Certified Service Animals are always welcome at HMNS!

Meet the Curators

Our curators’ combined expertise ranges from A to Z… from archaeology to zoology!
Nicole Temple and David Temple
Nicole Temple:
Vice President of Education, Nicole is the powerhouse behind “Sharks! The Meg, The Monsters & The Myths.” A seasoned educator and skilled curator, she transforms complex science into thrilling adventures for the 400,000+ students that HMNS receives annually.

David Temple:
As associate curator of paleontology, David leads the museum’s fossil preparation program. He oversaw the building of the fossil prep lab inside the Morian Hall of Paleontology which allows visitors to watch and interact with those working in the lab.
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