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%Begin Best Free Museums in Houston to Visit This Year - ThrillistSkip to main contentLike Thrillist on Facebook.Follow Thrillist on Instagram.Follow Thrillist on Twitter.Follow Thrillist on Snapchat.Subscribe to Thrillist on YouTube.Follow Thrillist on TikTok.SUBSCRIBEGo to NavigationHoustonTravelCheap Things To Do <h1>Houston s 11 Best Free Museums to Visit This Fall </h1> <h2>Get cultured </h2>By Adrianne Reece, and Brooke Viggiano Published on 9/14/2022 at 4:06 PM View 11 places on mapMoody Center for the Arts at Rice University Houston is home to many terrific things, but the city’s ever-expanding eye for the cultural arts has become a huge source of pride for locals. There’s such an impressive range of world-class museums that it’s easy to invest one weekend brushing up on your knowledge of medieval artifacts, then get lost in the universe of plant history on another.
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%Begin Best Free Museums in Houston to Visit This Year - ThrillistSkip to main contentLike Thrillist on Facebook.Follow Thrillist on Instagram.Follow Thrillist on Twitter.Follow Thrillist on Snapchat.Subscribe to Thrillist on YouTube.Follow Thrillist on TikTok.SUBSCRIBEGo to NavigationHoustonTravelCheap Things To Do

Houston s 11 Best Free Museums to Visit This Fall

Get cultured

By Adrianne Reece, and Brooke Viggiano Published on 9/14/2022 at 4:06 PM View 11 places on mapMoody Center for the Arts at Rice University Houston is home to many terrific things, but the city’s ever-expanding eye for the cultural arts has become a huge source of pride for locals. There’s such an impressive range of world-class museums that it’s easy to invest one weekend brushing up on your knowledge of medieval artifacts, then get lost in the universe of plant history on another.
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William Brown 4 minutes ago
Whether you’re looking to gush over some gorgeous exhibitions with your partner, kids, or friends,...
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Also always free? The Live Oak-shaded park surrounding the gallery, and the four other sleek buildin...
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Whether you’re looking to gush over some gorgeous exhibitions with your partner, kids, or friends, here are 11 free museums in Houston that you’ll constantly want to revisit throughout the fall.The Menil Collection <h2>The Menil Collection</h2>Montrose Free hours: Wed - Sun, 11 am - 7 pm<br>Notes: Over on the 30-acre Menil Campus lies one of Houston’s most prized art collections, featuring glorious exhibitions from the Byzantine and Medieval worlds, tribal cultures, antiquity, and the 20th century. A trip here is always free, which is the foundation of Menil’s core mission, but donations are suggested.
Ryan Garcia Member
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Whether you’re looking to gush over some gorgeous exhibitions with your partner, kids, or friends, here are 11 free museums in Houston that you’ll constantly want to revisit throughout the fall.The Menil Collection

The Menil Collection

Montrose Free hours: Wed - Sun, 11 am - 7 pm
Notes: Over on the 30-acre Menil Campus lies one of Houston’s most prized art collections, featuring glorious exhibitions from the Byzantine and Medieval worlds, tribal cultures, antiquity, and the 20th century. A trip here is always free, which is the foundation of Menil’s core mission, but donations are suggested.
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Nathan Chen 2 minutes ago
Also always free? The Live Oak-shaded park surrounding the gallery, and the four other sleek buildin...
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Ethan Thomas 2 minutes ago
Visit the venue and get a glimpse at the best international, national, and regional art of our time ...
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Also always free? The Live Oak-shaded park surrounding the gallery, and the four other sleek buildings perched on campus: the Cy Twombly Gallery, Dan Flavin Installation, Byzantine Fresco Chapel, and Menil Drawing Institute.Thrillist TVHistory ofThe History of the McRibContemporary Arts Museum Houston <h2>Contemporary Arts Museum Houston</h2>Museum District Free hours: Wed, Fri, and Sat, 11 am - 6 pm; Thurs, 11 am - 9 pm; and Sun, 12 to 6 pm<br>Notes: Founded in 1948, this innovative art museum is always fresh, eclectic, and free (though donations are expected).
Aria Nguyen Member
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Also always free? The Live Oak-shaded park surrounding the gallery, and the four other sleek buildings perched on campus: the Cy Twombly Gallery, Dan Flavin Installation, Byzantine Fresco Chapel, and Menil Drawing Institute.Thrillist TVHistory ofThe History of the McRibContemporary Arts Museum Houston

Contemporary Arts Museum Houston

Museum District Free hours: Wed, Fri, and Sat, 11 am - 6 pm; Thurs, 11 am - 9 pm; and Sun, 12 to 6 pm
Notes: Founded in 1948, this innovative art museum is always fresh, eclectic, and free (though donations are expected).
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Visit the venue and get a glimpse at the best international, national, and regional art of our time through exhibitions, lectures, educational seminars, and fundraising events. The venue has a plethora of upcoming displays on the horizon, such as a riveting portrait piece from African artist Amoako Boafo, an architectural-inspired exhibition, and more.The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston <h2>Museum of Fine Arts Houston</h2>Museum District Free hours: Thurs, 11 am - 9 pm<br>Notes: Boasting nearly 70,000 pieces of artwork, this ravishing venue is the perfect go-to when looking to admire diverse exhibitions. It boasts Eric Barnes’ iconic The Sugar Shack painting and Michael Sachs’ visual collection, along with an impressive selection of European art.
Mia Anderson Member
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Visit the venue and get a glimpse at the best international, national, and regional art of our time through exhibitions, lectures, educational seminars, and fundraising events. The venue has a plethora of upcoming displays on the horizon, such as a riveting portrait piece from African artist Amoako Boafo, an architectural-inspired exhibition, and more.The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

Museum of Fine Arts Houston

Museum District Free hours: Thurs, 11 am - 9 pm
Notes: Boasting nearly 70,000 pieces of artwork, this ravishing venue is the perfect go-to when looking to admire diverse exhibitions. It boasts Eric Barnes’ iconic The Sugar Shack painting and Michael Sachs’ visual collection, along with an impressive selection of European art.
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Ryan Garcia 1 minutes ago
Plus, as a sweet topper, the museum charges no entrance fees on Thursdays. In addition to the free h...
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Lucas Martinez 4 minutes ago
Well not exactly, but Houston’s sprawling zoo is something of an exuberant, artistic piece… but ...
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Plus, as a sweet topper, the museum charges no entrance fees on Thursdays. In addition to the free hours, there are also other intriguing activities to do at MFAH, such as dining at their French-inspired bistro, Le Jardinier, or cruising through their stunning Cullen Sculpture Garden, which is always open to the public at no cost.Houston Zoo <h2>Houston Zoo</h2>Museum District Free hours: Free daytime admission typically falls on the first Tuesday of each month, September through May, from open to close; in January, the second Tuesday is free.<br>Notes: Is a zoo a museum?
Isaac Schmidt Member
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Plus, as a sweet topper, the museum charges no entrance fees on Thursdays. In addition to the free hours, there are also other intriguing activities to do at MFAH, such as dining at their French-inspired bistro, Le Jardinier, or cruising through their stunning Cullen Sculpture Garden, which is always open to the public at no cost.Houston Zoo

Houston Zoo

Museum District Free hours: Free daytime admission typically falls on the first Tuesday of each month, September through May, from open to close; in January, the second Tuesday is free.
Notes: Is a zoo a museum?
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Zoe Mueller 9 minutes ago
Well not exactly, but Houston’s sprawling zoo is something of an exuberant, artistic piece… but ...
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Well not exactly, but Houston’s sprawling zoo is something of an exuberant, artistic piece… but with live animals, of course. For nearly 10 decades (interestingly, the venue celebrated their 100th anniversary this past April), the Houston Zoo has committed to redefining what a zoo can be, such as sporting “beautiful and immersive habitats, compelling guest experiences, and an unyielding commitment to saving wildlife.”Houston Center for Photography <h2>Houston Center for Photography</h2>Museum District Free hours: Wed, Thurs, Sat, and Sun, 11 am - 7 pm; Fri, 11 am - 5 pm<br>Notes: Hit HCP’s free galleries (donations are always appreciated), where you’ll find some truly fine works of contemporary photography that will have you second-guessing every Insta you’ve shared of your favorite brunch cocktail and high-rise buildings.
Thomas Anderson Member
access_time 24 minutes ago
Well not exactly, but Houston’s sprawling zoo is something of an exuberant, artistic piece… but with live animals, of course. For nearly 10 decades (interestingly, the venue celebrated their 100th anniversary this past April), the Houston Zoo has committed to redefining what a zoo can be, such as sporting “beautiful and immersive habitats, compelling guest experiences, and an unyielding commitment to saving wildlife.”Houston Center for Photography

Houston Center for Photography

Museum District Free hours: Wed, Thurs, Sat, and Sun, 11 am - 7 pm; Fri, 11 am - 5 pm
Notes: Hit HCP’s free galleries (donations are always appreciated), where you’ll find some truly fine works of contemporary photography that will have you second-guessing every Insta you’ve shared of your favorite brunch cocktail and high-rise buildings.
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David Cohen 18 minutes ago
If you experience FOMO and want to up your skills, the art venue also offers over 300 photography cl...
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Christopher Lee 3 minutes ago
Tucked away in the historic Third Ward district, which is one of the Bayou City’s oldest African A...
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If you experience FOMO and want to up your skills, the art venue also offers over 300 photography classes and workshops year-round, though you’ll have to shell out some cash for those.Moody Center for the Arts at Rice University <h2>Moody Center for the Arts</h2>Third Ward Free hours: Tues through Sat, 10 am - 5 pm<br>Dubbed as a “creative catalyst,” this Rice University-born institution is striking in its own right, donning bold geometric shapes and a sleek, contemporary design. The center serves as an experimental platform for creative thinking and original expression, with a library of exhibits and rotating installations open for free public viewing.Project Row Houses <h2>Project Row Houses</h2>Third Ward Free hours: Wed - Sun, noon to 5 pm<br>Notes: While this row of restored shotgun houses-turned-community-based art studios are totally free to check out, donating cash to help further the space’s impressive roster of projects is definitely worth the cost.
Sebastian Silva Member
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If you experience FOMO and want to up your skills, the art venue also offers over 300 photography classes and workshops year-round, though you’ll have to shell out some cash for those.Moody Center for the Arts at Rice University

Moody Center for the Arts

Third Ward Free hours: Tues through Sat, 10 am - 5 pm
Dubbed as a “creative catalyst,” this Rice University-born institution is striking in its own right, donning bold geometric shapes and a sleek, contemporary design. The center serves as an experimental platform for creative thinking and original expression, with a library of exhibits and rotating installations open for free public viewing.Project Row Houses

Project Row Houses

Third Ward Free hours: Wed - Sun, noon to 5 pm
Notes: While this row of restored shotgun houses-turned-community-based art studios are totally free to check out, donating cash to help further the space’s impressive roster of projects is definitely worth the cost.
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Ella Rodriguez 11 minutes ago
Tucked away in the historic Third Ward district, which is one of the Bayou City’s oldest African A...
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Tucked away in the historic Third Ward district, which is one of the Bayou City’s oldest African American neighborhoods, the community platform shines a spotlight on cultural identity and its impact on the urban landscape.Houston Center for Contemporary Craft <h2>Houston Center for Contemporary Craft</h2>Museum District Free hours: Tue through Sat, 10 am - 5 pm<br>Notes: There’s no better way to frolic in the city’s Museum District without visiting this unique craft space. Adorned with pieces made of clay, fiber, glass, metal, wood, and recycled materials, fawning over these items are totally free; however, purchasing said trinkets from the gift shop is the opposite. Add HCCC to your fall itinerary and get the full scoop of the creative process, see the living connection between how plant materials are grown and used in the Craft Garden, and see the Resident Artist Hall to explore its artist studios.Houston Museum of African American Culture <h2>Houston Museum of African American Culture</h2>Museum District Free hours: Thurs through Sat, 11 am - 6 pm<br>Notes: Serving as another artistic gem in the Museum District, this education-driven museum encourages visitors to explore the culture of Africans and African Americans in Houston.
Chloe Santos Moderator
access_time 32 minutes ago
Tucked away in the historic Third Ward district, which is one of the Bayou City’s oldest African American neighborhoods, the community platform shines a spotlight on cultural identity and its impact on the urban landscape.Houston Center for Contemporary Craft

Houston Center for Contemporary Craft

Museum District Free hours: Tue through Sat, 10 am - 5 pm
Notes: There’s no better way to frolic in the city’s Museum District without visiting this unique craft space. Adorned with pieces made of clay, fiber, glass, metal, wood, and recycled materials, fawning over these items are totally free; however, purchasing said trinkets from the gift shop is the opposite. Add HCCC to your fall itinerary and get the full scoop of the creative process, see the living connection between how plant materials are grown and used in the Craft Garden, and see the Resident Artist Hall to explore its artist studios.Houston Museum of African American Culture

Houston Museum of African American Culture

Museum District Free hours: Thurs through Sat, 11 am - 6 pm
Notes: Serving as another artistic gem in the Museum District, this education-driven museum encourages visitors to explore the culture of Africans and African Americans in Houston.
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Isabella Johnson 29 minutes ago
While it does focus on the city itself, exhibits stretch throughout the state of Texas, to the south...
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Lily Watson 31 minutes ago
Or, join a group tour, which are self-guided and hold a maximum of 15 guests per tour.Children'...
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While it does focus on the city itself, exhibits stretch throughout the state of Texas, to the southwest and the larger African Diaspora. Strengthen your knowledge by dissecting pieces that focus on everything from Black Feminism to the Impact of Legacies.
Mia Anderson Member
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While it does focus on the city itself, exhibits stretch throughout the state of Texas, to the southwest and the larger African Diaspora. Strengthen your knowledge by dissecting pieces that focus on everything from Black Feminism to the Impact of Legacies.
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Daniel Kumar 13 minutes ago
Or, join a group tour, which are self-guided and hold a maximum of 15 guests per tour.Children'...
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Liam Wilson 12 minutes ago
Permanent exhibits are free to explore on Thursday afternoons, so you can save your hard-earned cash...
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Or, join a group tour, which are self-guided and hold a maximum of 15 guests per tour.Children&#x27;s Museum Houston <h2>Children&#x27 s Museum of Houston</h2>Museum District Free hours: Thurs, 5 pm - 8 pm<br>Notes: Bring your mini-me to see who can hit the Power Play playground harder at this imaginative children’s wonderland. Youthful minds can also crack codes in the Secret Spy Game, geek out on science experiments at the Genius Station, and hit the ropes at the Challenge Course. Also, slide through for Family Night on Thursdays when you can get in for free between 5 - 8 pm—your creative kiddo will thank you.Houston Museum of Natural Science <h2>Houston Museum of Natural Science</h2>Museum District Free hours: Thurs, 2 - 5 pm<br>Notes: Helmed as one of the city’s most popular museums, HMNS houses some pretty gnarly collections, such as the Burke Baker Planetarium, Wortham GIANT Screen Theatre, the gorgeous Cockrell Butterfly Center, and permanent exhibit areas that cover everything from astronomy and space science to paleontology and wildlife.
Joseph Kim Member
access_time 30 minutes ago
Or, join a group tour, which are self-guided and hold a maximum of 15 guests per tour.Children's Museum Houston

Children' s Museum of Houston

Museum District Free hours: Thurs, 5 pm - 8 pm
Notes: Bring your mini-me to see who can hit the Power Play playground harder at this imaginative children’s wonderland. Youthful minds can also crack codes in the Secret Spy Game, geek out on science experiments at the Genius Station, and hit the ropes at the Challenge Course. Also, slide through for Family Night on Thursdays when you can get in for free between 5 - 8 pm—your creative kiddo will thank you.Houston Museum of Natural Science

Houston Museum of Natural Science

Museum District Free hours: Thurs, 2 - 5 pm
Notes: Helmed as one of the city’s most popular museums, HMNS houses some pretty gnarly collections, such as the Burke Baker Planetarium, Wortham GIANT Screen Theatre, the gorgeous Cockrell Butterfly Center, and permanent exhibit areas that cover everything from astronomy and space science to paleontology and wildlife.
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Daniel Kumar 16 minutes ago
Permanent exhibits are free to explore on Thursday afternoons, so you can save your hard-earned cash...
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Oh, and anime… maybe a little too much. Follow her @anicaurora.

Brooke Viggiano&...
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Permanent exhibits are free to explore on Thursday afternoons, so you can save your hard-earned cash while indulging in Houston’s finest venue.Adrianne Reece is a Houston-based writer with a soft spot for all things culture, entertainment, and lifestyle. When not writing about the city, she’s probably in a three-hour scrolling binge on Twitter obsessing over streetwear and neutral mood boards.
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Permanent exhibits are free to explore on Thursday afternoons, so you can save your hard-earned cash while indulging in Houston’s finest venue.Adrianne Reece is a Houston-based writer with a soft spot for all things culture, entertainment, and lifestyle. When not writing about the city, she’s probably in a three-hour scrolling binge on Twitter obsessing over streetwear and neutral mood boards.
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Oh, and anime… maybe a little too much. Follow her @anicaurora.

Brooke Viggiano&...
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Best Free Museums in Houston to Visit This Year - ThrillistSkip to main contentLike Thrillist on Fac...
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Oh, and anime… maybe a little too much. Follow her&nbsp;@anicaurora.<br /> <br /> Brooke Viggiano&nbsp;is a Houston-based writer who is highly considering moving to the ‘burbs right now. Convince her to stay in the city (or not) on IG&nbsp;@brookiefafa&nbsp;or on Twitter&nbsp;@brookeviggiano.By signing up, I agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy.
Hannah Kim Member
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Oh, and anime… maybe a little too much. Follow her @anicaurora.

Brooke Viggiano is a Houston-based writer who is highly considering moving to the ‘burbs right now. Convince her to stay in the city (or not) on IG @brookiefafa or on Twitter @brookeviggiano.By signing up, I agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy.
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