PERMANENT EXHIBITION
Cullen Hall of Gems and Minerals
Please Note:
The Cullen Hall of Gems & Minerals will undergo an extensive renovation over the next 36 months. In the interim, select pieces will be displayed in The Hamill Gallery on the first floor starting October 18.
Please Note:
Admission price includes access to all HMNS Permanent 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.
Admission to the Permanent Exhibits is FREE Tuesday evenings from 5:00-8:00 p.m.
Members: HMNS Permanent Exhibits are always free!
Admission to the Permanent Exhibits is FREE Tuesday evenings from 5:00-8:00 p.m.
Members: HMNS Permanent Exhibits are always free!
Exhibition Highlights
Geological Gems
Extensive collection of gems and minerals
Behold a 2,000-pound amethyst geode and a dazzling 3,000-carat topaz crystal. These natural wonders are more than just beautiful; they tell a story of Earth’s history, pressure, and time. Come marvel at nature’s artistry in crystalline form.
Sapphire Splendor
The Siren of Serendip: A Gem’s Journey
Meet the Siren of Serendip, a 422.66-carat blue sapphire, one of the world’s finest. Discovered on the island of Ceylon, this gem once weighed 2,670 carats in its rough form. Now polished, it’s a testament to nature’s ability to create pure enchantment.
Gem Mastery
The Gem Vault: A Study in Precision and Beauty
The Lester and Sue Smith Gem Vault is where nature’s art meets human craftsmanship. Freshly extracted from mines, the best natural stones are cut into faceted gems of exact specifications. It’s a journey from the rough to the exquisite, all under the watchful eyes of our curators.
Meet the Curators
Our curators’ combined expertise ranges from A to Z… from archaeology to zoology!
Joel A. Bartsch
President, Curator Of Gems And Minerals
Joel Bartsch has been the President and CEO of the Houston Museum of Natural Science since 2004. He has doubled the museum’s membership and annual attendance, and spearheaded an $85 million capital campaign to build a 204,000 square feet addition.
