Houston Museum of Natural Science
A visit to the Houston Museum of Natural Science offers students, families, and visitors the opportunity to experience the wonders and delights of science—by exploring tropical rainforests and worlds galaxies away, traveling back in time to when dinosaurs walked the earth, and blasting forward to the future of renewable energy. HMNS’s main campus in the Museum District features five floors of permanent halls and a steady rotation of traveling special exhibits.
Location
5555 Hermann Park Drive
Houston, Texas 77030
Phone
Hours
Mon–Sun 9a–5p (Summer hours Mon-Sun 9a-6p)
Tue 9a–8p
Please visit hmns.org/visit/hours-admission/ as hours may periodically change throughout the year.
Admission
Free admission to the permanent exhibit halls on Tuesdays 5p–8p (6p-8p during the summer)
Please visit hmns.org/visit/hours-admission/ for more information, as free admission dates and hours may periodically change throughout the year.
Campus Size
HMNS measures 433,000 square feet and provides over 2 million annual services each year, with over 500,000 of them to children.
Free parking
Limited free parking spots in front of HMNS on Caroline Street.
Limited free handicap reserved parking spots along Hermann Park Drive.
Paid parking
Parking in the garage priced per entry/exit. Members pay $10 and non-members pay $30.
Parking can be paid for at the Box Office, Museum Store, or one of the kiosks. Please pay before exiting the garage.
The garage is open from 8a–8p daily. Check with the HMNS Box Office or Advance Sales phone line 713.639.4629 for event parking with extended hours.
Street parking
Free 3-hour parking lot at McGovern Centennial Gardens (Lot C).
Free 3-hour parking lot directly off the traffic circle, by the statue of Sam Houston (Lot A).
Free daily parking near the Houston Zoo (Lots D, E, F, G, and H).
Learn more at:
hmns.org/visit/directions-parking/.
Accessibility
HMNS offers specialized resources to support experiences for visitors with disabilities and their peers and families. Before coming to the museum, download and review HMNS’s tips, guides, planners, and other resources to make your visit more enjoyable.
Learn more at hmns.org/visit/accessibility/.
Dining
Periodic Table: Bistro-style concept adjacent to the Cockrell Butterfly Center that serves artisan sandwiches, crisp salads, espresso-based coffees, and a wide variety of snacks, sweets, breakfast items, and more.
Elements Grill: Features traditional grill favorites such as burgers, fries, hot dogs, and chicken tenders.
Both locations offer vegetarian options.
Learn more at:
hmns.org/visit/dining/.
Retail
Private event/tours
HMNS offers a range of spaces and opportunities for events large and small—corporate gatherings, birthday partings, weddings, and more.
For more information about your special event, please visit hmns.org/visit/host-an-event/rent-the-museum/, or contact us at specialevents@hmns.org or 713.639.4749.