What Exhibitions and Attractions Are Currently Available at HMNS?

Updated

The Houston Museum of Natural Science (hmns.org) currently offers a mix of permanent exhibitions, special ticketed exhibitions, and standalone attractions. Based on the museum's own listings, here is what you can see: permanent exhibitions including The World Around Us, Elemental Wonders, and Matter & Motion: Quantum Chemistry to Astrophysics; special exhibitions including Clickbait, King Tut's Tomb Discovery Experience, and the upcoming Dead Sea Scrolls: The Exhibition; and attractions such as the Burke Baker Planetarium, Giant Screen Theatre, Cockrell Butterfly Center, and George Observatory. Note that some listings carry specific dates or closing times, so confirm before you go.

Permanent Exhibitions

These are included with general admission and are open now according to the museum's site:

Exhibition Status
The World Around Us Now Open
Elemental Wonders Now Open
Matter & Motion: Quantum Chemistry to Astrophysics Now Open

General admission is listed as Adults $25, Children $16. Permanent exhibits are also free on Tuesdays from 5–8 p.m., presented by Phillips 66®.

Special Exhibitions

Special exhibitions may require separate tickets or have limited runs:

  • Clickbait — listed as a special exhibition, closing October 4.
  • King Tut's Tomb Discovery Experience — Now Open.
  • Dead Sea Scrolls: The Exhibition — listed with a November 20 date.

Because these have specific dates or closing windows, check the current schedule on hmns.org before planning around a particular one.

Attractions and Venues

Beyond the galleries, HMNS lists several dedicated attractions:

  • Burke Baker Planetarium — planetarium shows, including Black Holes.
  • Giant Screen Theatre — large-format films, including Dinosaur Discoveries, listed as Now Playing.
  • Cockrell Butterfly Center — Now Open.
  • George Observatory — open Saturdays.

Events and Programs

The museum also runs special events and ongoing programs:

  • Mixers & Elixirs — a special event series.
  • Spirits & Skeletons — Saturday, October 31, with VIP Tickets and General Admission options.
  • Education programs — field trips, family and group learning, plus Awards & Scholarships: Excellence in Science (student and teaching awards, applications due September 1, 2026).
  • Rent the Museum — available for events from birthday parties to weddings.

Practical Notes Before You Visit

  • Hours: Open Today: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (check the day you plan to visit).
  • Location: Nestled in Hermann Park; directions and parking information is provided on the site.
  • Membership: Members get 10% off in the Museum Store, and membership includes exclusive discounts and opportunities.
  • Gift shop: The Museum Store carries "Objects & Curiosities."

For the most current status of any exhibition or attraction — especially dated ones like Clickbait and the Dead Sea Scrolls exhibition — verify directly on hmns.org, since listings and closing dates can change.