George Observatory

The Houston Museum of Natural Science was founded in 1909 on the idea that science can enhance everyone’s lives. A lot can happen in 100 years, and throughout our first century, the Museum has always been growing—first from modest displays downtown to more spacious accommodations in the Houston Zoo, and then, with the opening of the Burke Baker Planetarium in 1964, to the Museum’s current location in Hermann Park. Over the years, HMNS has continued to acquire major collections, expand its permanent exhibitions, and add new venues. Today, the Houston Museum of Natural Science is an expansive, multi-story science center where millions of families, students and visitors from around the globe gather to experience the natural world through exceptional permanent galleries as well as unparalleled world premiere exhibitions that bring the earth’s wonders to Houston, many of which are organized by HMNS. The Houston Museum of Natural Science has five floors of permanent exhibits, spanning astronomy, space science, Native American culture, energy, paleontology, chemistry, geology, seashells and Texas wildlife, alongside rotating special exhibitions. HMNS also houses the Butterfly Center, the Planetarium, and the Giant Screen Theatre. Conveniently located within sight of Highway 59, the Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land offers fascinating science exhibitions sure to appeal to all ages, including exhibits on dinosaurs, physics, and a newly opened Hall of Technology. The George Observatory houses one of the largest public telescopes in the country. Enjoy the wonders of the universe with amateur astronomers as they guide you on your journey through the heavens, whether you are looking at night sky constellations, planets in our solar system or deep sky objects out in space.