Top 50 best museums in Houston

Space Center Houston is a renowned science museum that functions as the official visitor center of NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. It gained recognition as a Smithsonian Affiliate museum in 2014, further solidifying its status as a significant institution in the field of space exploration and education.

The Houston Zoo, a 55-acre zoological park, is situated within Hermann Park in Houston, Texas. This expansive zoo is home to a diverse range of animals and offers a unique experience for visitors of all ages.

The Downtown Aquarium in Houston, Texas, is a unique combination of a public aquarium and restaurant, developed from two historic landmarks of the city: Fire Station No. 1 and the Central Waterworks Building. This establishment offers a unique blend of history, dining, and aquatic exploration, making it a fascinating destination for tourists.

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH), is one of the largest museums in the United States and is located in the Museum District of Houston. This makes it a significant cultural institution in the region and a notable destination for art enthusiasts visiting the city.

The 1940 Air Terminal Museum is situated in Houston, Texas, within the premises of William P. Hobby Airport. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists and aviation enthusiasts alike. The museum is a significant part of Houston's civil aviation history and offers a unique insight into the evolution of air travel.

The USS Texas was built on May 18, 1912, and was assigned for service on March 12, 1914. Today, it is preserved as a museum ship, allowing visitors to explore its historic decks and learn about its storied past. The ship offers a unique glimpse into naval history and the role it played in two world wars.

The Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens is a part of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. Located in the River Oaks community, this 14-acre facility is home to a vast collection of decorative art, paintings, and furniture. This unique museum offers a blend of art and nature, providing a unique experience for its visitors.

The Rothko Chapel, located in Houston, Texas, is a unique institution that welcomes individuals of all beliefs and religions. Founded in 1971 by John and Dominique de Menil, the chapel serves as a spiritual sanctuary and a space for meditation. It is a testament to the vision of its founders and their commitment to creating a space that fosters spiritual growth and contemplation.

The Children's Museum Houston, located in the Museum District of Houston, Texas, is a nonprofit institution that was established in 1980. The museum, designed by Robert Venturi, provides a variety of exhibits and bilingual learning programs specifically tailored for children aged 0-12. Each year, the museum serves over 1.4 million people, making it a popular destination for families.

The Holocaust Museum Houston, which opened its doors in 1996, serves as a cultural center in Houston, Texas. Its primary mission is to honor the victims of the Holocaust and to ensure that the atrocities committed by fascist regimes are not forgotten. This museum is recognized as the fourth largest Holocaust museum in the United States.

The Menil Collection is a museum situated in the Houston Museum District, in Houston, Texas. This museum is a part of a larger complex that includes multiple buildings and pavilions, each housing different parts of the extensive art collection.

The San Jacinto Monument, located in Harris County, Texas, is a towering column that stands at 172.9 meters. At the top of this monument, a 220-ton star commemorates the site of the Battle of San Jacinto, which was the decisive battle of the Texas Revolution. This monument is a significant symbol of Texas history and a testament to the state's fight for independence.

The Beer Can House, located in Rice Military, Houston, Texas, is a unique folk art house adorned with beer cans, bottles, and other beer-related items. This distinctive house stands as a testament to the creative spirit of its creator, Houstonian John Milkovisch, who spent the late 1960s transforming his home into this iconic piece of folk art.

The Saint Arnold Brewing Company, located in Houston, Texas, is a craft brewery named after Saint Arnulf of Metz, a patron saint of brewing. This establishment is not just a place to enjoy a variety of craft beers, but also a location steeped in history and tradition, making it an interesting destination for tourists.

Sam Houston Park is an urban park situated in the heart of downtown Houston, Texas. The park is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the buildings and culture of Houston's past, making it a significant historical site in the city. Visitors can explore the park and get a glimpse of Houston's rich history and heritage.

Bear Creek Pioneers Park, a 2,154-acre park, is situated in the city of Houston, Texas, specifically at 3535 War Memorial Drive. This expansive park offers a variety of outdoor activities and attractions for visitors of all ages.

The Houston Arboretum and Nature Center is a significant nature study center, arboretum, and botanical garden that spans across 155 acres. It is located in Houston, Texas, United States. This center provides an excellent opportunity for visitors to explore and learn about nature in a serene and beautiful environment.

The Lynn R. Lowrey Arboretum is a sprawling 285-acre arboretum that spans the entire Rice University campus in Houston, Texas. This vast green space is home to a diverse range of plant species and offers a tranquil escape within the bustling city.

The Contemporary Arts Museum Houston is a non-profit institution located in the Museum District of Houston, Texas. Established in 1948, the museum is committed to showcasing contemporary art to the public. It provides a platform for visual arts of the present and recent past, documenting new directions in art.

The John P. McGovern Museum of Health and Medical Science, commonly referred to as The Health Museum, is a prominent institution situated in the Museum District of Houston, Texas. This museum is a part of the Texas Medical Center and has been a significant part of the city's cultural and educational landscape since its inception.

The Byzantine Fresco Chapel is a significant part of the Menil Collection, located in Houston, Texas. It is conveniently situated near the University of St. Thomas, making it easily accessible for visitors. The chapel was known for displaying the only intact Byzantine frescoes of this size and importance in the western hemisphere from February 1997 to February 2012.

Rice University, officially known as The William Marsh Rice University, is a private institution located in Houston, Texas. It is renowned for its academic excellence and is consistently ranked among the top 20 universities in the United States. This prestigious institution offers a rich blend of history, academic achievement, and a vibrant campus life, making it an interesting destination for tourists interested in education and culture.

The Lawndale Art Center, located in Houston, Texas, is a non-profit organization dedicated to the exhibition of contemporary works of art across all media. The center primarily focuses on showcasing the work of artists from the Houston area. This provides a unique opportunity for visitors to explore the local art scene and gain insights into the creative minds of Houston's artists.

The Houston Fire Museum, also known as the Fire Museum of Houston, is a significant landmark located in the Midtown District of Houston, Texas. This location is easily accessible and offers a unique opportunity to explore the history and evolution of firefighting in the region.

The Blaffer Art Museum is a contemporary art museum situated in the Arts District of the University of Houston campus. It is a non-collecting institution, meaning it does not maintain a permanent collection but instead focuses on presenting temporary exhibitions of contemporary art.

Museum dedicated to African-American soldiers and their valor in foreign and domestic wars. The only one of its kind in the whole U.S.

The American Cowboy Museum is situated on the Taylor-Stevenson Ranch. Founded in 1988 by Mollie Taylor Stevenson Jr., the museum emphasizes the art, history, and culture of the contributions made by African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, and women to the development of the American West.

Museum dedicated to exhibits relating police, policeman and police service. Gift shop included. Admission free!

The National Museum of Funeral History, located in Houston, Texas, is a unique institution that houses a vast collection of artifacts and relics. The museum's primary aim is to educate the public and preserve the heritage of death care. This unique focus offers visitors a chance to explore a less commonly discussed aspect of human culture and history.

The Czech Center Museum Houston, also known as the Czech Cultural & Community Center, is a multifunctional cultural organization situated in the Museum District of Houston, Texas. The center is dedicated to the education and celebration of Czech and Slovakian culture, art, and history. It provides a unique opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the rich traditions and heritage of these Central European nations.

The Station Museum of Contemporary Art, located in the Third Ward of Houston, Texas, is a private institution owned and operated by James and Ann Harithas. This museum is dedicated to contemporary art and has been a part of the Houston art scene since its inception in 2001.

Museum of a society dedicated to preservation of historic buildings in Houston area. Located at the Sam Houston Park.

This place houses offices of various American architecture institutions, a gallery and lots of other stuff.

Barbara Davis, the founder of this gallery, is a well-known art personality in Houston, presenting contemporary art.