The Ten Best Houston Museums

Before you set out planning your trip to one of Houston's best museums, you'll need some background information on the Museum District itself.

Located across from the idyllic Hermann Park and Miller Outdoor Theater, the Houston Museum of Natural Science is one of the nation's most highly visited museums. Visitors can explore outer space, meet face-to-face with the world's oldest creatures, and discover the world's rarest minerals.

Located in the heart of Houston's Museum District, the Museum off Fine Arts is a cultural facility comprised of two museum buildings, two art schools, two decorative art centers and a sculpture garden.

Opened in 1996, the Holocaust Museum aims to educate the public about the Holocaust and other genocides in an effort to teach the dangers of prejudice and apathy. Guided tours are available for all visitors on Saturdays and Sundays.

The 90,000 square foot Children's Museum of Houston provides hands-on, educational fun for children from birth to age 12. Expect to spend hours perusing the venue's many permanent interactive activities as well as special events.

A member institution of the Texas Medical Center, the Health Museum provides an in-depth look, interactive look at the human body.

Visit Space Center Houston for a dramatic experience of the mystery that is outer space. Witness real life astronauts in training, feel the weight of a moon rock or land a virtual rocket at this state-of-the-art educational institution.

Commonly referred to as the "Garage Mahal", the Art Car Museum was founded in 1998 and has since become a Houston staple. Owner Ann Harithas is dedicated to promoting undiscovered artists and to increase public awareness and appreciation of the many facets of fine art.

Chartered in 1938, the purpose of the San Jacinto Museum is to "preserve and revisualize the history of early Texas". The museum's collections cover over four centuries of history with an emphasis on colonial Texas as a part of Mexico.

The Houston Fire Museum was originally Fire Station No. 7, the very fist station built under the Houston Fire Department as a fully paid entity.