Houston, Texas is a city that has a rich history and diverse culture. With a population of over 2 million people, Houston is a thriving metropolis that is home to a plethora of art and cultural institutions. From museums to theaters, art galleries to music festivals, Houston offers a vibrant arts and culture scene that is unparalleled in the state of Texas. In this article, we’ll take a look at the 50 best places to visit for arts and culture in Houston.
Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston is one of the largest art museums in the United States. With over 70,000 works of art, the museum has a comprehensive collection of art from around the world, including European, African, Asian, and Latin American art.
Houston Museum of Natural Science
The Houston Museum of Natural Science is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in science and natural history. The museum has exhibits on dinosaurs, gems and minerals, space, and more.
Space Center Houston
Space Center Houston is the official visitor center for NASA’s Johnson Space Center. The center has a wide variety of exhibits and activities related to space exploration, including a replica of the Space Shuttle and a tour of NASA’s Mission Control Center.
The Menil Collection
The Menil Collection is an art museum that is dedicated to the art of the 20th century. The museum has a collection of over 17,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, and photographs.
The Houston Zoo
The Houston Zoo is home to over 6,000 animals from 900 different species. The zoo has a wide variety of exhibits, including a naturalistic rainforest habitat and a Texas wetlands exhibit.
The Children’s Museum of Houston
The Children’s Museum of Houston is a hands-on museum that is designed for children of all ages. The museum has a wide variety of exhibits and activities, including a kid-sized city and a science lab.
The Houston Symphony
The Houston Symphony is one of the oldest and most respected symphonies in the United States. The orchestra performs over 170 concerts each year, including classical, pops, and family concerts.
The Alley Theatre
The Alley Theatre is a Tony Award-winning theater that is known for its high-quality productions of classic and contemporary plays. The theater has two stages and produces over 14 productions each year.
The Wortham Theater Center
The Wortham Theater Center is a performing arts center that is home to the Houston Ballet and the Houston Grand Opera. The center has two theaters, the Brown Theater and the Cullen Theater.
The Miller Outdoor Theatre
The Miller Outdoor Theatre is an outdoor amphitheater that hosts a wide variety of performances throughout the year. The theater hosts concerts, plays, and dance performances, many of which are free to the public.
The Museum of Natural Science
The Museum of Natural Science is a science museum that has exhibits on paleontology, geology, and biology. The museum also has a planetarium and an IMAX theater.
The Contemporary Arts Museum Houston
The Contemporary Arts Museum Houston is a non-collecting museum that is dedicated to contemporary art. The museum has a variety of exhibitions and public programs, including lectures and performances.
The Asia Society Texas Center
The Asia Society Texas Center is a cultural center that is dedicated to promoting understanding and engagement between the United States and Asia. The center has a wide variety of programs and events related to Asian culture and current affairs.
The Holocaust Museum Houston
The Holocaust Museum Houston is a museum that is dedicated to educating people about the Holocaust and other genocides. The museum has exhibits on the history of the Holocaust, as well as contemporary issues related to genocide and human rights.
The Buffalo Soldiers National Museum
The Buffalo Soldiers National Museum is a museum that is dedicated to preserving the history and legacy of African American soldiers. The museum has exhibits on the Buffalo Soldiers, as well as other African American soldiers who have served in the United States military.
The Houston Center for Photography
The Houston Center for Photography is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to promoting the art of photography. The center has exhibitions, workshops, and lectures on photography.
The Art Car Museum
The Art Car Museum is a museum that is dedicated to the art of the automobile. The museum has a collection of art cars, which are cars that have been decorated and modified by artists.
The Houston Museum of African American Culture
The Houston Museum of African American Culture is a museum that is dedicated to the history and culture of African Americans. The museum has exhibits on African American art, history, and culture.
The Contemporary Arts Museum Houston
The Contemporary Arts Museum Houston is a non-collecting museum that is dedicated to contemporary art. The museum has a variety of exhibitions and public programs, including lectures and performances.
The Houston Arboretum and Nature Center
The Houston Arboretum and Nature Center is a nature preserve that is located in the heart of Houston. The preserve has trails, gardens, and exhibits on the natural history of the Houston area.
The Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park
The Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park is a public park that is known for its iconic waterwall. The park has a large grassy area for picnicking and relaxing.
The Houston Museum of Decorative Arts
The Houston Museum of Decorative Arts is a museum that is dedicated to decorative arts, including furniture, ceramics, and textiles. The museum has exhibits on decorative arts from around the world.
The Orange Show Monument
The Orange Show Monument is a folk art monument that was created by Jeff McKissack. The monument is a maze of brightly colored concrete and metal structures that are decorated with found objects.
The Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens
The Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens is a museum that is dedicated to American decorative arts and fine art. The museum is located in a historic home that is surrounded by beautiful gardens.
The Houston Museum of African American History and Culture
The Houston Museum of African American History and Culture is a museum that is dedicated to the history and culture of African Americans in the Houston area. The museum has exhibits on the civil rights movement, music, and art.
The Museum of Printing History
The Museum of Printing History is a museum that is dedicated to the history and art of printing. The museum has exhibits on printing technology, as well as a collection of antique printing presses.
The Houston Fire Museum
The Houston Fire Museum is a museum that is dedicated to the history of the Houston Fire Department. The museum has exhibits on the history of firefighting, as well as a collection of antique firefighting equipment.
The Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land
The Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land is a science museum that is located in Sugar Land, Texas. The museum has exhibits on paleontology, geology, and biology.
The Museum of American Architecture and Decorative Arts
The Museum of American Architecture and Decorative Arts is a museum that is dedicated to American architecture and decorative arts. The museum has exhibits on the architecture of different time periods and regions of the United States.
The Houston Maritime Museum
The Houston Maritime Museum is a museum that is dedicated to the history of maritime exploration and trade. The museum has exhibits on the history of the Houston Ship Channel, as well as a collection of antique ships.