Houston Museum Guide

American Cowboy Museum.
An exhibition of African-American cowboy heritage, complemented by Native American and Hispanic cowboy paraphernalia. Taylor-Stevenson Ranch, 11822 Almeda, (713) 433-4441.

The Art Car Museum.
Displays custom-decorated cars with wacky themes. 140 Heights Blvd., (713) 861-5526.

Battleship Texas.
At age 85, she is the last remaining dreadnought in the world. 3527 Battleground Rd., La Porte, (281) 479-4414.

Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens.
The 28-room mansion features an extensive decorative arts collection and 14 acres of lush gardens. One Westcott, (713) 639-7750.

Byzantine Fresco Chapel Museum.
Houses breathtaking 13th century Cypriot frescoes. 4011 Yupon, (713) 521-3990.

Children’s Museum of Houston (CMH).
Children learn through fun, hands-on exhibits, discovery garden and greenhouse covering arts, science, history and culture. 1500 Binz, (713) 522-1138.

Contemporary Arts Museum (CAM).
Diverse exhibitions of cutting-edge contemporary art in a variety of media. 5216 Montrose, (713) 284-8250.

Galveston County Historical Museum.
Learn the story of Galveston’s past. 2219 Market St., (409) 766-2340.

Galveston Railroad Museum.
Takes visitors back to the days before the automobile when the railroad ruled commerce and tourism. The Strand at 25th St., Galveston, (409) 765-5700.

George Ranch Historical Park.
Features costumed ranchers at the historical Davis Mansion complex, Oldenburg Blacksmith Shop and Cowboy Camp. 10215 F.M. 762, Richmond, (281) 343-0218.

Holocaust Museum of Houston.
Exhibits of art, photography and artifacts are combined with an education center to pay tribute to those lost to the Holocaust. 5401 Caroline, (713) 942-8000.

Houston Fire Museum.
Traces the evolution of the city’s fire departments from the turn-of-last-century to the present in an 1890s fire station. 2403 Milam at McIlhenny, (713) 524-2526.

Lone Star Flight Museum.
Salutes the dreams and disasters of the sky with restored aircraft, historical photos and documentation. 2002 Terminal Dr., Galveston International Airport, (409) 740-7722.

Menil Collection.
Features more than 15,000 works from the private collection of the late Jean and Dominique de Menil. 1515 Sul Ross, (713) 525-9400.

Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH).
A leading museum with Medieval art and works by American and European masters, as well as Asian and pre-Columbian art. The serene outdoor Cullen Sculpture Garden is nearby. 1001 Bissonnet, (713) 639-7300.

Museum of Health and Medical Science.
Featuring a tour through the enormous interior of the human body, the Amazing Body Pavilion offers interactive exhibits, science demonstrations and traveling exhibits. 1515 Hermann Dr., (713) 521-1515.

Museum of Natural Science (HMNS).
Striking displays of dinosaurs, native Texas wildlife, outer space and a fabulous collection of gems and minerals are spotlighted here. The Cockrell Butterfly Center, Burke Baker Planetarium and Wortham IMAX Theater add to the entertainment. 1 Hermann Circle Dr., Hermann Park, (713) 639-4600.

Museum of Printing History.
From early cuneiform tablets to current writings, exhibits shows how written communication has influenced the course of history. 1324 W. Clay, (713) 522-4652.

National Museum of Funeral History.
Displays of funeral service memorabilia. Features items from celebrities like the late President John F. Kennedy and singer Elvis Presley. 415 Barren Springs Dr., (281) 876-3063.

Pioneer Memorial Log House Museum.
This simple one-room structure offers a world of Texas history in the heart of the high-tech Texas Medical Center. 1510 N. McGregor Dr., (713) 522-0396.

Rothko Chapel.
This chapel displays 14 gigantic paintings by the late abstract expressionist, Mark Rothko. 1409 Sul Ross at Yupon, (713) 524-9839.

San Jacinto Monument and Museum of History.
The 575-foot limestone monument is topped with a 220-ton star, the museum in the base tells the story of the state’s fight for independence. 1 Monument Circle, La Porte, (281) 479-2421.

Texas Seaport Museum.
A tribute to maritime history and the location to purchase tickets to the tall ship Elissa or the Great Storm Theater. Pier 21 #8, Galveston, (409) 763-1877.