Online Visitor Guide
Click the here to download our online visitor guide.
Mask Policy Update
We want to thank you for your patronage and support in these challenging times.
- Due to Harris County currently being listed as a county with MEDIUM RISK, universal indoor masking is lifted for all guests and staff members.
- The CDC recommends that if you are unvaccinated or at high risk for severe illness, that you continue to wear a mask around others
- Masking is still required when in the lower level of the museum or when participating in Youth Education Programs (like camp or classes)
- People may choose to mask up at any time. People with symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19 should wear a mask.
Museums are essential to our culture, and we remain committed to our mission of providing a world-class museum experience for our neighbors in the greater Houston community and beyond.
For more information please visit our Health & Safety page.
Come here and go anywhere
When you visit the Houston Museum of Natural Science, you’re not just going to one place. You’re exploring tropical rainforests and worlds galaxies away. You’re going back in time to when dinosaurs walked the Earth and blasting forward to the future of renewable energy. With five floors of permanent halls and a steady rotation of traveling special exhibits, this Houston attraction will take you beyond our walls to experience the wonder and delight of science. Browse our resources below for information on making the most out of your visit to this must-see location in Houston.
Best Times to Visit
We think every day is a great day to visit the museum, but if you enjoy a particularly peaceful museum visit, please take note of our peak times. The museum can be quite crowded on weekends, especially during the holiday season. Every year, nearly half a million students attend field trips at the museum, which typically take place on weekday mornings. You can call 713-639-4629 to inquire about expected crowds during your intended visit. Our advance sales phone line is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Sunday.
Accessibility
Science is for everyone! That’s why we have a team devoted to making accessibility at the museum a priority. Download our Access HMNS app or contact us at accessprogramming@hmns.org for help planning your trip.
We provide handicapped access to all of our venues for our guests with disabilities. Visit the Museum Services desk for help with accommodations. Wheelchairs are available on request, subject to availability.
HMNS welcomes service animals that are trained to work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability unless the animal poses a direct threat, is not housebroken or is not under control. Emotional support/comfort/therapy animals and pets are not permitted anywhere in the building. Service animals must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered, unless these devices interfere with the service animal’s work or the individual’s disability prevents using these devices. In that case, the individual must maintain control of the animal through voice, signal, or other effective controls. Service animal relief areas are located outdoors on any of the grassy areas surrounding the Museum.
HMNS welcomes certified Professional Care Assistants and the individuals in their care. For each client that pays admission, one Professional Care Assistant receives complimentary admission. Caregiver privileges are valid only when the caregiver is accompanied by the individual in their care. Please mention this policy at the Box Office to access free admission.
Tickets
Museum tickets for our permanent exhibit halls and every venue are available online or at our box office when you visit.
Save on tickets with a museum membership! Members receive free admission to the permanent exhibit halls, plus discounts to special exhibitions, Giant Screen Theatre, Planetarium, Butterfly Center and more. See how you can save by becoming a member today.
Purchase CityPASS online for immediate, paperless delivery to your mobile device. Learn More
