City’s History in Brief in Houston, Texas, United States
1. The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
Explore over 65,000 works spanning 6,000 years of art from around the world.
- Global Art Collection: Features pieces from diverse cultures and time periods
- Architectural Beauty: Two distinctive buildings displaying Bayou Land and Audrey Jones Beck Buildings
- Educational Programs: Offers educational resources for visitors of all ages
2. Space Center Houston
The official visitor center of NASA's Johnson Space Center.
- NASA History and Innovation: Showcases spacecraft, astronaut training facilities, and interactive exhibits
- Moon Rock Exhibit: One of only a handful of places worldwide where you can see actual moon rocks
- Starship Gallery: Features the historic Apollo 17 command module, America's last manned moon landing
3. Buffalo Bayou Park
260 acres of parkland along Buffalo Bayou, featuring historical sites and recreational activities.
- Historic Sabine Pass Battleground: Site of the Battle of Sabine Pass during the Civil War
- Sarofim Campus: Houses The Menil Collection and Rothko Chapel, both major art destinations
- Park Activities: Offers jogging trails, picnic areas, and a dog park
4. San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site
Commemorates the decisive battle for Texas independence in 1836.
- Historical Monument: Features the San Jacinto Monument, one of the tallest war monuments in the U.S.
- Battlefield Tour: Guided tours available to explore the battlefield and museum
- Annual Observance: Hosts a special observance on San Jacinto Day, April 21st
5. The Heritage Society at Sam Houston Park
Preserves and interprets the history of Greater Houston through its homes, collections, and exhibits.
- Historic Homes: Includes eight restored 19th-century homes showcasing different aspects of life in early Houston
- Period Room Exhibits: Features rooms set up as they would have been during the late 1800s and early 1900s
- Educational Programs: Offers educational resources for visitors of all ages
6. The Battle of San Jacinto State Historic Site Museum
Commemorates the decisive battle for Texas independence in 1836.
- Battle Artifacts: Displays artifacts related to the battle and its participants
- Interactive Exhibits: Provides interactive experiences, such as a replica of the San Jacinto Battleground
- Battlefield Tour: Guided tours available to explore the battlefield and museum
7. Texas Holocaust and Remembrance Museum
Educates visitors about the Holocaust through artifacts, testimonies, and interactive exhibits.
- Permanent Exhibition: Features a chronological account of the Holocaust, from pre-war life to liberation
- Survivor Testimonies: Includes firsthand accounts from survivors and liberators
- Educational Programs: Offers educational resources for visitors of all ages
8. The Menil Collection
A unique museum presenting European and American art from the 13th century to the present.
- Private Art Gallery: Established by collectors John and Dominique de Menil
- Architectural Design: The Renzo Piano-designed building complements the art collection
- Permanent Collection: Features works by artists such as Matisse, Picasso, and van Gogh
9. The Rothko Chapel
A non-denominational chapel containing paintings by Mark Rothko.
- Artistic Spirituality: Designed to encourage contemplation and meditation
- Mark Rothko's Work: Features fourteen murals by Mark Rothko, completed in 1964
- Programming and Events: Hosts a variety of events, from concerts to lectures, exploring spirituality and art
10. The Houston Museum of Natural Science
Explores the natural world through exhibits on dinosaurs, minerals, fossils, and more.
- Permanent Exhibitions: Includes a hall of paleontology, a space science hall, and a mineralogical and geological hall
- Special Exhibits: Features rotating exhibitions on various topics related to natural history
- Butterfly Center: A tropical butterfly center with hundreds of live butterflies and a hummingbird aviary
11. The Houston Holocaust Museum
Educates visitors about the Holocaust through artifacts, testimonies, and interactive exhibits.
- Permanent Exhibition: Features a chronological account of the Holocaust, from pre-war life to liberation
- Survivor Testimonies: Includes firsthand accounts from survivors and liberators
- Educational Programs: Offers educational resources for visitors of all ages
12. The Houston Museum District
A concentration of museums, galleries, and performance venues in the heart of Houston.
- Cultural Diversity: Showcases a variety of cultures, from African American to modern art
- Architectural Beauty: Features numerous architecturally significant buildings
- Community Events: Hosts community events, such as outdoor concerts and art walks
13. The Houston Zoo
A large zoo in the heart of Houston featuring a wide variety of animals.
- Animal Diversity: Includes over 6,000 animals representing more than 900 species
- Zoo Habitats: Features realistic habitats for each animal species
- Conservation Efforts: Supports conservation efforts through breeding programs and research projects
14. The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
An annual event featuring livestock shows, rodeos, concerts, and other entertainment.
- Cultural Celebration: Celebrates the cowboy culture and agricultural heritage of Texas
- Livestock Shows: Showcases livestock competitions, including cattle, goats, sheep, swine, and horses
- Rodeo Events: Includes bull riding, barrel racing, and other rodeo events
15. The Wortham Theater Center
A multi-venue performing arts center in the heart of Houston.
- Artistic Diversity: Hosts a variety of performances, from ballet to Broadway
- Architectural Beauty: Features two theaters, designed by architect César Pelli
- Educational Programs: Offers educational resources for visitors of all ages