Located inside the Graphic Arts Center, the Museum of Printing History showcases numerous artifacts that include old printing equipment, antiquated writings, rare drawings and other exhibits. Guided tours are available upon request. Set aside some time to examine ancient messages. You will be glad that you did. The museum has a gift shop and also offers memberships.
The vision of philanthropists, John and Dominique de Menil, The Rothko Chapel is a block away from the extraordinary art museum, The Menil Collection. The abstract expressionist Mark Rothko created 14 immense paintings for the sacred space, and the meditative aura that resulted is the true definition of tranquility. Renowned architect, Phillip Johnson, along with Houston's own Howard Barnstone and Eugene Aubrey designed the octagonal brick structure that overlooks Barnett Newman's sculptural tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Free to all and open to people of all beliefs, the independent site made it to the official National Register of Historic Places.
This venue has two concert halls in one space. One of them is called The Ballroom, which has a capacity of 1500 and the other is The Studio, which can hold 150 people. Both have separate bars and restrooms, stages, sound, and lighting systems. The 1920's come alive in this Warehouse with leather sofas and strategically placed antique pieces. A lot of non-metered street parking is close by.
Houston is a city that offers a lot of free (and fun) attractions. This museum is located at the Police Academy on the spacious grounds of George Bush Intercontinental Airport and is a great place to spend an afternoon. Police uniforms from around the world are on display, along with a somewhat odd collection of various weapons seized from criminals. With the assistance of an officer, you can view the elaborate gun collection and see what riding in a police car is like. The police helicopter is always a big hit with people of all ages.
Have a yearning for the nautical life? Take a plunge into the deep at the Houston Downtown Aquarium. This aquarium is definitely the place to be for a fun day out. The aquarium features diverse species of aquatic life, with the Shark Voyage being the main attraction. This voyage gives visitors the opportunity to travel via train into an acrylic viewing tunnel with live sharks swimming overhead. Other attractions include the Ferris wheel, the aquatic carousel and some themed educational exhibits. If you've had your fill of the aquatic life and need some grub then take a pick from the restaurant or lounge.