Permanent Exhibitions

Permanent Collection

The Houston Museum of Natural Science is entering an exciting and transformational period. Permanent exhibit galleries are undergoing major renovations. Our collections are growing with the museum’s commitment to present the best and most important artifacts and specimens. The strategic plan includes providing guests greater access to the collections, to both the physical objects on display and in-depth scientific and historical information through enhanced virtual options.

Please allow at least two hours to visit the Permanent Exhibit Halls.


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Alfred C. Glassell, Jr. Hall

Houston businessman Alfred C. Glassell, Jr. was a well-known philanthropist, but many never knew of his devotion to large species…

Cullen Hall of Gems and Minerals

From a huge amethyst weighing more than 850 lbs to a crystallized gold cluster that is one of the most…

Everyday Fabergé

Scheduled to reopen Fall 2023 The McFerrin Fabergé Collection is presented in the state-of-the-art gallery in the Cullen Hall of…


Farish Hall of Texas Wildlife

The Farish Hall of Texas Wildlife, located on the 2nd floor, showcases the remarkably diverse biomes of our beloved Lone…

Frensley/Graham Hall of African Wildlife

The diversity of African wildlife is celebrated in the Evelyn & Herbert Frensley Hall of African Wildlife / Graham Family…

George W. Strake Hall of Malacology

The George W. Strake Hall of Malacology displays over 1,300 shell and marine specimens with a focus on ocean conservation.…


Hall of Ancient Egypt

Spanning over 10,000 square feet, the Hall of Ancient Egypt provides a glimpse into ancient Egyptian culture starting with the…

Hamman Hall of Texas Coastal Ecology

The Hamman Hall of Texas Coastal Ecology depicts the environmental characteristics of the three distinct segments of the Texas coast…

Herzstein Foucault Pendulum

The Foucault Pendulum is a visual demonstration of the Earth’s rotation. Named after Jean Bernard Leon Foucault, the French physicist…


John P. McGovern Hall of The Americas

The John P. McGovern Hall of the Americas celebrates the remarkable diversity and extraordinary accomplishments of the Indigenous peoples of…

Lester & Sue Smith Gem Vault

The Lester and Sue Smith Gem Vault completes the story begun by the world-renowned Cullen Hall of Gems and Minerals.…

Morian Cabinet of Curiosities

  Museums exist to inspire people to wonder and to facilitate creative thought. Given our curious natures and our innate…


Morian Hall of Paleontology

The Morian Hall of Paleontology is packed with prehistoric beasts, and does not have the same stagnant displays of ancient…

Vintage Texas Wildlife Dioramas

The dioramas in the Education Wing have been a regular part of the museum for several decades. When their occupied…

Welch Hall of Chemistry

Scheduled to open Summer 2023 A new and exciting chemistry hall is coming!


Wiess Energy Hall

The Wiess Energy Hall is the most technologically-advanced exhibition on the science and technology of energy anywhere in the world. Visitors…

 

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