Since I was little girl, one of my cherished memories was visiting one of my favorite museums in Houston. To this day, I still continue to enjoy visiting this museum.
The Houston Museum of Natural Science is a natural history museum nestled in the heart of the Museum District of Houston, Texas. According to its website, it was founded in 1909 "on the idea that science can enhance everyone's lives."
The museum consists of five floors of permanent exhibitions covering astronomy, Native American culture, chemistry, energy, paleontology, geology, seashells and Texas wildlife. Special exhibitions come to the museum on a rotating basis, hence the name.
These are the exhibitions that are part of the HMNS permanent collection:
Alfred C. Glassell, Jr. Hall: this hall is a tribute to Houston businessman and philanthropist Alfred C. Glassell, Jr. What you might not know is his devotion on large species of game fish, not only for sport, but also for research and conservation as well. It consists of over 40 specimens of game fish that are found off the coast of Cabo Blanco, Peru. One standout specimen is the world record black marlin caught by Glassell in 1953, which weighed over 1,500 pounds!
Cullen Hall of Gems and Minerals: this hall consists of a dazzling collection of more than 450 mineral specimens. This ranges a giant amethyst weighing over 850 pounds to a cluster of crystallized gold that is one of the most coveted objects in the mineral world. To enhance the viewing experience, the hall is dark with the minerals and gems contained in walkaround display cases illuminated by fiberoptic lighting. You can also view the specimens at any angle to view its intricate details. This exhibition is my favorite, in my opinion, because the gems and minerals are just gorgeous to look at.
Frensley/Graham Hall of African Wildlife: this exhibition consists of dioramas reenacting Africa's seven distinct biomes (the Congo Basin and Serengeti Grassland, for example) with over 120 specimens representing approximately 70 species. These include rare and endangered species, such as the okapi, lowland gorilla and the mandrill monkey. This provides a way to interact with Africa's ecology and conservation of its distinct biomes.
George W. Strake Hall of Malacology: this hall consists of a display of over 1,300 shells and marine specimens while highlighting the importance of ocean conservation. It also explains how mollusks play an important role in the ocean's ecosystem, as well as the cultural and food uses of shells. The shells on display have a wide of colors, textures and complex patterns.
Herztein Foucault Pendulum: the pendulum is a visual and live demonstration of Earth's rotation. It is named after the French physicist who invented it, Jean Bernard Leon Foucault, and was first exhibited in 1851 at the World's Fair in Paris. For hours, the bob swings back and forth, knocking down a circle of wooden pins in the outer rim in the process. Just watching the pendulum swing is mesmerizing and people would watch for fours just to see one pin get knocked down.
Morian Hall of Paleontology: this hall is one of the most popular in the museum. It provides a journey into the prehistoric life. According to the website, the hall unleashes "the dynamic world of ancient beasts and the epic saga of human evolution." As you walk through the wall, you will follow along the timeline of events in order of the geologic periods (the Jurassic period, for example), especially when dinosaurs roamed the earth and their mass extinction. The hall also provides insight into human evolution and history at the final stages.
Wiess Energy Hall: the fourth floor of the museum is devoted to this hall, with 30,000 square feet. To summarize, it showcases the past, present and future of science of technology and energy. As soon as the elevator opens, you walk into a 21st-century oil rig (complete with soundscapes) and a giant rotating tricone drill bit. "Energy City" is an interactive 3D landscape that provides insight into Houston's diverse energy sources. There is also a fun ride called "EFX 3000" that takes you to Texas's shale and gas country. In addition, the hall also delves into the importance of renewable energy, such as wind and solar energy.
Welch Hall - Matter and Motion, or, Matter and Motion: Quantum Chemistry to Astrophysics: this hall addresses the latest developments currently being done by scientists, as well as the principles of chemistry and physics to understand today's science. It consists of interactives, such as a periodic table "dance floor," a walk-inside human brain and the "Quarks to Quasars" immersive theatre.
Farish Hall of Texas Wildlife: this hall is devoted to the diverse biomes of Texas, such as the Guadalupe Mountains, Piney Woods, Coastal Prairie and more. It consists of over 425 specimens representing approximately 250 species of birds, mammals and reptiles. They are arranged in dioramas that represent Texas's diverse habitats and illustrate the state's rich wildlife. The unique scenes change from dawn to dusk and are accompanied by specific soundscapes and lighting, giving it a realistic feel when you visit this exhibit.
Hall of Ancient Egypt: this hall is over 10,000 square feet and provides a glimpse into Ancient Egypt, its culture, importance of religion. It consists of artifacts, such as jewelry, crafts and tools, as well as vanity objects. Preserved mummies, decorated coffins, canopic jars, sarcophagi and amulets encapsulate how Egyptians strove for the afterlife.
Hamman Hall of Texas Coastal Ecology: this exhibition highlights the importance of conservation of the Texas coast and its diverse environmental characteristics. It consists of special dioramas of endangered species and their respective habitats and the exhibit is divided into different coasts in Texas.
John P. McGovern Hall of the Americas: this hall explores the rich heritage and cultures of Americas' indigenous peoples and highlights their resilience and achievements. To provide diverse perspectives and valuable guidance, the museum collaborated with a group representing different indigenous peoples across the Americas. The exhibition consists of different dioramas representing the different peoples from the Artic to South America, as well as hundreds of "belongings." This includes pottery, tools and beadwork.
Morian Cabinet of Curiosities: this exhibit provides the opportunity for visitors to arouse their sense of curiosity, hence the name "Cabinet of Curiosities." It consists of natural and manmade objects stored in cabinets with many compartments. Objects range anywhere from shells to natural specimens and even scientific instruments. In addition, there is a large globe at the center of the exhibit. Taxidermized trophies are also featured.
HMNS also houses the Cockrell Butterfly Center, the Wortham Giant Screen Theatre (formerly Wortham IMAX Theatre) and the Burke Baker Planetarium.
The Cockrell Butterfly Center opened in July of 1994, along with the Brown Hall of Entomology. One of the main features is the rainforest conservatory, a three-story glass haven with over 1,500 species of butterflies and a 50-foot waterfall. Many visitors mainly come here to watch butterflies sip nectar through flowers and flying around the center. You might even be surprised if a butterfly landed on you.
In 1964, the Burke Baker Planetarium opened in the HMNS and is named after the person who made the generous contribution. It presents space and astronomical programs to visitors on a daily basis.
Finally, there is the Wortham Giant Screen Theatre, formerly the Wortham IMAX Theatre. On an 60-foot by 80-foot screen, it produces 3D images of unrivaled size and clarity and has an enhanced six-track sound system.
HMNS has a smaller satellite museum located in Sugar Land, Texas, which opened its doors in October of 2009. Exhibits include its own hall of paleontology, Science of a Sphere animated globe, a space science exhibit and a hall of technology.
As of 2024, HMNS offers free access to all permanent exhibitions on Tuesdays from 5 to 8 p.m. Prices and times are subject to change, so be sure to check out their website for updates, and any upcoming events and/or special exhibitions.
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