Tucked away in the 20-acre Sam Houston Park downtown, you will find an impressive bit of Texas history. Visit the Heritage Society Museum & Tour, which features historical records, then take the outdoor tour of noble buildings restored to their original glory. Pathways lead to an assortment of prestigious homes in Greek and Victorian styles. The 1868 Victorian-style Pilot House also happens to be the site of the city's first indoor kitchen. All the homes on the tour are unique in structure and furnishings. There is also a quaint church built in 1891 by German farmers.
The Houston Museum of Natural Science offers a wide variety of exhibits that are worthy of a full day's outing. The three-level live butterfly exhibit will fascinate visitors of any age, as will the dinosaur exhibit in the Morian Hall of Paleontology. The Wiess Energy Hall and the Hall of Gems and Minerals are also worth a visit. You can also catch an interesting IMAX show at Wortham Giant Screen Theatre and spend the night stargazing at the George Observatory.
Ever since the Apollo flights, Houston has been synonymous with space travel. Space Center Houston, of NASA's Johnson Space Center, allows visitors to study and understand the making of space history. Enter the five-story plaza which features a full-size shuttle mock-up, complete with a flight deck. By far, the most popular highlight for adults is the tram tour that takes you to various buildings throughout the Space Center. You will be able to have a seat in the viewing room of the original Mission Control room and stroll past full-size mock-ups of the original Apollo rockets. When you need a break from all the activity, The Food Lab is on hand to fix you right up.
Bayou Bend is the former home of Ima Hogg, a famous philanthropist. Visitors can wander through 15 acres (6.1 hectares) of woodlands and formal gardens, or check out the house that contains various works of decorative art. This art represents the American style from colonial to mid-19th Century. The house is a lovely lifestyle museum of that century which offers a look at beautiful period furniture and paintings, along with artifacts such as silverware, ceramics, and other memorabilia. The sprawling gardens are ideal for a leisurely stroll.
The classic Art Deco building, designed by Joseph Finger in the 1930s and completed in 1940, served as Houston's Municipal Airport until 1954. The recent restoration of the building is stunning with its attention to detail. The Deco chandelier hanging from the two-story atrium and the original marble floors will transport you to a bygone era. Go every third Saturday for Wings & Wheels plane and car show. Buy a raffle ticket to win a vintage plane and support the museum's continued restoration efforts.
Blaffer Art Museum was founded in 1973 to honor the late Sarah Campbell Blaffer. It offers educational programs and exhibits for both University of Houston students and the public. Showings in the gallery change regularly, and many periods of history have been exhibited over the years. The emphasis is on contemporary art of the past century. Previous exhibits have focused on German Expressionism, Vienna Moderne, 20th-century illustrations, and many others.
Lilibeth André Art & Design features a well-curated collection of paintings. Owned, managed and created by artists Lilibeth Andre, the gallery features some of her most precious works, along with a selection of works by other local artists. Specialists in classical and modern forms of art, the gallery takes you through an enriching walk through the aesthetic world.
Hiram Butler Gallery is one of the major art spaces in the city of Houston. Home to a splendid collection of modern works of art, the gallery features some of the most iconic works by renowned artists. From canvas and oil paintings, to sculptures, ceramics and abstract installations, this gallery encompasses all aspects of contemporary art. The center also hosts a number of themed exhibitions, workshops and other events.
Tucked away in the 20-acre Sam Houston Park downtown, you will find an impressive bit of Texas history. Visit the Heritage Society Museum & Tour, which features historical records, then take the outdoor tour of noble buildings restored to their original glory. Pathways lead to an assortment of prestigious homes in Greek and Victorian styles. The 1868 Victorian-style Pilot House also happens to be the site of the city's first indoor kitchen. All the homes on the tour are unique in structure and furnishings. There is also a quaint church built in 1891 by German farmers.
Historic Wunderlich Farm and Klein, Texas Museum was established in 1981 and is currently functioning as a museum and is available for small events, markets, and festivals. The museum has various relics and documents from the World War and the Civil War on display. They also have photographs and other collectibles which portray the rich history of the area. The museum and farmhouse are mainly available for school tours throughout the week and is open to regular visitors on the last Saturday of the month from 10a to 3p.
Lone Star Flight Museum, as the name suggests is a museum with an epic collection of vintage warplanes that has served the American air force for many years. From small chartered airplanes to advanced military warplanes and helicopters are exhibited at the Lone Star Flight Museum attracting flight enthusiasts from across the city. Special history lessons and briefings are given at Lone Star Flight Museum for enlightening the patrons regarding history of the airplanes in this museum.
An interesting museum preserving the nuances of the Slavic cultures, Czech Center Museum has a plethora of exhibits on display. Bohemia glass, authentic clothing items of the Slavic people, a stunning collection of crystals, and an extensive library are all part of this non-profit museum. Dedicated towards educating locals as well as visitors about the rich heritage and cultural dynamics of the Silesian, Bohemiam and other East European ethnic groups, Czech Center Museum is a must-visit for history aficionados.