Houston Museum District
Houston Museum District
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
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The area
Neighborhood: The Museum District
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488 within 6 miles
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
722 reviews
Excellent
531
Very good
165
Average
18
Poor
6
Terrible
2
carolmom83
Oak Point, TX18 contributions
Apr 2023 • Family
I’m from Dallas area and was incredibly surprised by the natural beauty and large collection of museums that Houston has. Thankfully we were in town during the week for spring break and our local experts let us know that the museums are free after 1pm on Thursday. This came in quite handy, although they were crowded it was soooo much to take in
Written April 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thomas V
Oakland, CA18,860 contributions
Feb 2024 • Family
World class museums can be found here, and there are several close together. If you have a lot of time and plan to visit more than one, you can park your car and walk among them. Together they form a very pretty part of town.
Written February 18, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pat E
Wellington, New Zealand111 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
Having never been to Houston this area was an unexpected treat. An incredible range of museums. We only had a day and a half to spend exploring this area. But more time was needed.
Well worth having a look. We were staying in the Downtown area and getting here was easy by tram.
Thoroughly recommended. Easy to walk the area - tho in 38C weather it was not entirely easy. 😊
Well worth having a look. We were staying in the Downtown area and getting here was easy by tram.
Thoroughly recommended. Easy to walk the area - tho in 38C weather it was not entirely easy. 😊
Written July 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hermes_NL 🇳🇱
Amsterdam, The Netherlands21,560 contributions
Apr 2019 • Business
The Houston Museum District has some 20+ museums within brisk walking distance from each other. The Museum of Natural Science without doubt is a world class museum with the renowned and expertly exhibited dinosaur fossils collection - plus much more. The Museum of Fine Arts is top notch as well, certainly currently with the big Vincent van Gogh exhibition going on. Hermann Park provides a welcome refuge to get some sunlight and fresh air in between museum visits. And Hotel Zaza is the perfect (although expensive) base location to visit everything on foot or by hotel shuttle. The Museum District itself worth a trip to Houston and takes easily 3-5 days to cover properly!
Written April 11, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gabriel H
Bellaire, TX7,176 contributions
Jun 2016 • Family
Houston is advertised as a great financial center, a great sports center, a great base for the US space program and the largest port on the Gulf Coast. While all of that is true, in my mind, Houston is also a great cultural city that competes very favorably with the other great cultural cities in the country: Chicago, San Francisco and New York. Our Houston Grand Opera, The Houston Ballet and the theater district are fabulous. IN line with that, our Museum District now brings together 19 different museums: yes, 19!. The Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of Natural History are clearly the top performers, in part because of their size and seniority and in part because of the visionary boards that lead them. However, wehave a number of other outstanding institutions on that list: the Holocaust Museum, the Health Museum, the Menil Collection, the Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens are just a few of them. While the museum district is large enough so that you need motorized transportation to cover all of it, there are conglomerates that are clearly walkable: on a nice spring or fall day, you can cover the Contemporary Arts Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Museum of Natural History, the Health Museum and the Holocaust Museum by walking from one to the next. If you have not already done so, make an effort to also visit our smaller, and less visible museums: The Yung Center, the Byzantine Fresco Chapel, the 1940 Air Terminal Museum, the Art Car Museum and others, They provide a rich menu that has something for everybody, regardless of your taste in art or your preferences. Moreover, several of these smaller museums are unique to Houston and you will find nothing of the sort anywhere else in the country
Written July 26, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
elgreco_11
Houston, Texas156 contributions
Jan 2016 • Family
Houston's Museum District keeps getting better and better. I have lived in the city for about 35 years and have seen the transformation of the museums in the district from just ok to great museums. There are many museums in the area: The Museum Of Fine Arts, The Contemporary Art Museum of Houston, The Menil Collection, The Houston Museum of Natural Science, The Health Museum, The Children's Museum of Houston, The Lawndale Art Center, The Holocaust Museum and others. On top of the regular museums there is the Houston Zoo and Hermann Park, an ever improving park that is not dissimilar to NYC's Central Park. Hermann Park by itself has several attractions like a man-made lake where you can rent your own paddle boats, a small train that takes riders around the park's grounds, a Japanese Garden, a Rose Garden, places to grill, a beautiful outdoor auditorium presenting a big array of entertainment, reflecting pools, trails, artwork, etc.
The Houston Museum of Fine Arts has a collection of more than 62,00 works of art which makes it the largest and most diverse art collection in the Southwestern United States. It is the sixth largest art museum in the country and is going through a major expansion by adding a whole new building to the complex.
The Houston Natural Science Museum is one of the most popular museums in the nation ranking fourth in most attendance amongst all museums in the nation (salvo for the Smithsonian Museums). It has one of the most impressive paleontology wings I've seen in a museum. I also like very much the permanent Egyptian exhibit.
The Holocaust Museum is done very creatively and has an imposing architecture. Personally speaking, it is somewhat depressing and sad which I think it's one part of the intention. It is also very educational albeit a place I do not get the urge to visit time-after-time.
The Contemporary Art Museum often has great exhibits but art being so subjective it may not always be for everyone. The MFA boast generally more impressive work but I've seen some very good things at the CAM.
The Children's Museum has grown quite a lot since it started and the only drawback to it is the amount of people that roam through it. This place is exactly what it says in the name, a children museum. No kids? No need to see it. The exhibits are well presented and there are many things for the little ones to do.
The Health Museum in my mind is one you could skip if you want to skip a museum within the district. Not that it's bad. It's not bad at all but this is a place that seems to be tailored-made for school field trips more than anything else. Inside, the exhibits are well presented but are mostly geared towards elementary school kids than anything else, (as far as I can recall). This museum is a member institution to the Texas Medical Center which is sort of connected to the Museum District by being at the South end of Hermann Park.
The Lawndale Art Center stands a couple of blocks from the main building of the Museum of Fine Arts. It focuses on contemporary art with a focus on regional artists.
The Houston Zoo is one of my favorite places in all of Houston. Partly because I've seen it grow form a mediocre establishment to a full-fledge zoological institution that's world-class. The best thing is how they keep improving it year by year. This zoo has been named best zoo for families by Parenting Magazine. The place has a nice atmosphere and good landscaping (although the landscaping used to be even better a few years ago). The one hint, go early as it opens or you may not be able to find a parking spot. If you show up at 10:30 or later, you can forget parking your car and you may leave in frustration. However, if you make it there a few minutes before they open (9:00 am), you'll do fine. The one thing I wish the zoo had would be a full-serve restaurant. I've seen this on other zoos around the world and I very much like the idea. The zoo has places to buy food and they are much better than what they used to be but, they could be even better.
The Houston Museum of Fine Arts has a collection of more than 62,00 works of art which makes it the largest and most diverse art collection in the Southwestern United States. It is the sixth largest art museum in the country and is going through a major expansion by adding a whole new building to the complex.
The Houston Natural Science Museum is one of the most popular museums in the nation ranking fourth in most attendance amongst all museums in the nation (salvo for the Smithsonian Museums). It has one of the most impressive paleontology wings I've seen in a museum. I also like very much the permanent Egyptian exhibit.
The Holocaust Museum is done very creatively and has an imposing architecture. Personally speaking, it is somewhat depressing and sad which I think it's one part of the intention. It is also very educational albeit a place I do not get the urge to visit time-after-time.
The Contemporary Art Museum often has great exhibits but art being so subjective it may not always be for everyone. The MFA boast generally more impressive work but I've seen some very good things at the CAM.
The Children's Museum has grown quite a lot since it started and the only drawback to it is the amount of people that roam through it. This place is exactly what it says in the name, a children museum. No kids? No need to see it. The exhibits are well presented and there are many things for the little ones to do.
The Health Museum in my mind is one you could skip if you want to skip a museum within the district. Not that it's bad. It's not bad at all but this is a place that seems to be tailored-made for school field trips more than anything else. Inside, the exhibits are well presented but are mostly geared towards elementary school kids than anything else, (as far as I can recall). This museum is a member institution to the Texas Medical Center which is sort of connected to the Museum District by being at the South end of Hermann Park.
The Lawndale Art Center stands a couple of blocks from the main building of the Museum of Fine Arts. It focuses on contemporary art with a focus on regional artists.
The Houston Zoo is one of my favorite places in all of Houston. Partly because I've seen it grow form a mediocre establishment to a full-fledge zoological institution that's world-class. The best thing is how they keep improving it year by year. This zoo has been named best zoo for families by Parenting Magazine. The place has a nice atmosphere and good landscaping (although the landscaping used to be even better a few years ago). The one hint, go early as it opens or you may not be able to find a parking spot. If you show up at 10:30 or later, you can forget parking your car and you may leave in frustration. However, if you make it there a few minutes before they open (9:00 am), you'll do fine. The one thing I wish the zoo had would be a full-serve restaurant. I've seen this on other zoos around the world and I very much like the idea. The zoo has places to buy food and they are much better than what they used to be but, they could be even better.
Written January 7, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1234texas
Seabrook, TX5,282 contributions
Jan 2021
The venues of the museum district are the crown jewels of the city. If you have not done it or have never been to Houston, allow ample time to enjoy all the area has to offer.
Written December 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Conrat
Budapest, Hungary15 contributions
Nov 2014 • Couples
It is all within walking distance, with a nice park to rest before further sightseeing. Easy access from the downtown by a tram.
Written December 9, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jean S
Austin, TX20 contributions
Feb 2014 • Family
What exactly is the houston museum district? Museums included are. Buffalo soldiers, children's museum of Houston, contemporary arts museum, Czech center museum, diverse works, the health museum, holocaust museum, Houston museum for contemporary craft, Houston photography, Houston museum of natural history, zoo, weather museum, Jung center, lawnsale art center, menial collection, museum of African American culture, the museum of fine arts, rice university and the Rothko chapel......this could take days to see them all. If u have kids go to the zoo, if you want to meditate go to Rothko chapel, rice is great and there is a Turrell skyspace that is super cool. Parking is difficult at rice so walk from museum, or it is close to zoo, just cross main street. Something for everyone in the district. cHeCK out CITYPASs to see museums u can see5 attractions and save 47 percent $$. Buy on line. Google ...Houston CITYPASs for info. Wear comfy shoes and bring a water bottle, enjoy!
Written April 23, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Great_Beer_Now
Houston, TX5,276 contributions
Aug 2013 • Family
Houston’s Museum District is a nice place to escape for some education, enchantment, good food, and fresh air. There are a total of about 19 museums in the area, with Mecom Fountain located roughly in the center.
The museums found in this district vary from art to weather to history to science and beyond. Each person will have his/her favorite and the nice thing is that most of them are located close enough to each other than you can walk from museum to museum. A few of them, like the Houston Center for Photography and Menil Collection, are located a little further away, but all are close enough together that they can be visited in reasonable time.
Some of the Museums in the Houston Museum District are certainly better than others, but all have their unique charm. One pleasant surprise for newcomers is that many of the museums have no admission fee. The larger and more popular ones, like the Museum of Fine Arts and Museum of Natural History charge fees, but several others do not. They ask for voluntary donations, but do not require an admission fee. This makes a visit to the district more than economical.
The Houston Museum District is a nice place to stroll through, learn a little more about history, art, and science, catch a bite to eat, and converse with others. It’s a great place to spend a day or two and wrap yourself in education and wonder.
The museums found in this district vary from art to weather to history to science and beyond. Each person will have his/her favorite and the nice thing is that most of them are located close enough to each other than you can walk from museum to museum. A few of them, like the Houston Center for Photography and Menil Collection, are located a little further away, but all are close enough together that they can be visited in reasonable time.
Some of the Museums in the Houston Museum District are certainly better than others, but all have their unique charm. One pleasant surprise for newcomers is that many of the museums have no admission fee. The larger and more popular ones, like the Museum of Fine Arts and Museum of Natural History charge fees, but several others do not. They ask for voluntary donations, but do not require an admission fee. This makes a visit to the district more than economical.
The Houston Museum District is a nice place to stroll through, learn a little more about history, art, and science, catch a bite to eat, and converse with others. It’s a great place to spend a day or two and wrap yourself in education and wonder.
Written October 16, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is it safe for two women to wander around the Museum District after dark? We are at the Hotel Zaza.
Written December 18, 2018
This is a pretty safe area of town but I worked near there and saw a few incidents over the years. After dark I’d take an Uber the short distance from the museum or arts district to your hotel. Good choice by the way.....
Written December 30, 2018
marcibrown52
Rosenberg, Texas
I hear there are free days to view museums. What day is it and is it the same for all museums?
Written August 23, 2018
Yes, it is Thursday for the Fine Arts, not sure about Natural History. Be aware though that's the day schoolchildren visit. Very crowded.
Written August 24, 2018
I will be going to Houston in a couple of weeks. It’s going to be 5 of us and we went a suite with two rooms. A family member told me that there is a cheap hotel in Houston that is part of the Hilton brand in downtown. Can someone please tell me the name of the hotel? I have been looking at some that are walking distance from the Minute Maid park. We are going to see a baseball game. If you have any other recommendations or know the name of the hotel please let me know. Thank you and have a wonderful day today.
Written July 30, 2018
The one you are looking for is the Hilton Americas Houston. We recently attended a conference at the Marriott Marquis Houston on Walker street and it was exceptional. They have a Texas shaped Lazy river on the roof, as well as several other pools and leisure areas.
Written August 6, 2018
Yes, I believe there are evening events on Thursdays for single adults. Check the Museum Website and also Yelp! Enjoy!
Written March 7, 2017
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