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Best of the Museum District
The Children’s Museum of Houston
If you have little ones in tow, The Children’s Museum is a must. The museum features 14 hands-on galleries, such as EcoStation and KID-TV.
The Children’s Museum
1500 Binz, Houston, TX 77004,
(713) 522-1138.
Contemporary Arts Museum, Houston
The CAM is the place to see works by today’s leading contemporary artists. As a non-collecting museum, rotating exhibits spotlight international, national, and regional artists and trends in the visual arts.
Contemporary Arts Museum, Houston
5216 Montrose Blvd., Houston, TX 77006,
(713) 284-8250.
Holocaust Museum Houston
Through state-of-the-art exhibits and programs HMH educates visitors on the dangers of hatred and prejudice. A permanent exhibit honors Houston Holocaust survivors.
Holocaust Museum Houston
5401 Caroline St., Houston, TX 77004
(713) 942-8000.
Houston Center for Contemporary Craft
Don’t think painted angels; HCCC showcases artistry. Observe artisans-in-residence as they make beautiful and useful objects with their hands. Emphasis is on the materials fiber, metal, glass, clay, and wood.
Houston Center for Contemporary Craft
4848 Main St., Houston, TX 77002
(713) 529-4848.
Houston Museum of Natural Science
HMNS boasts the nation’s third-highest museum attendance. Blockbuster exhibits appear frequently, but for eye candy extraordinaire, tour The Lester and Sue Smith Gem Vault, a spectacular permanent display.
Houston Museum of Natural Science
One Herman Circle Dr., Houston, TX 77030
(713) 639-4629.
Lawndale Art Center
This cutting-edge art space embraces emerging Houston artists of all media. With three galleries, nearly 500 artists a year have shown their work since 1979.
Lawndale Art Center
4912 Main St., Houston, TX 77002
(713) 528-5858.
The Menil Collection
This Montrose-area landmark, designed by Renzo Piano, houses the world-famous collection of John and Dominique de Menil. Satellite galleries include Rothko Chapel, the Cy Twombly Gallery, and the Byzantine Fresco Chapel.
The Menil Collection
1515 Sul Ross, Houston, TX 77006
(713) 525-9400.
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
With 53,000 artworks from antiquity to the present, the MFAH is one of the nation’s leading art institutions and boasts one of the most comprehensive photography collections in the country.
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
1001 Bissonnet, Houston, TX 77006
(713) 639-7300.
Rice University Art Gallery
Check out Rice Gallery, if you like your art all-encompassing. Top national and international artists transform every inch of the space in mind- and vision-expanding installations.
Rice Gallery
6100 Main St., Houston, TX 77006
(713) 348-6069.
Other Notables: Unusual Art Spaces
Art Car Museum
When it comes to transforming the automobile into an object of art, Houston wrote the book. This museum displays the most elaborately constructed moving works of art in the nation.
Art Car Museum
140 Heights Blvd., Houston, TX 77007
(713) 861-5526.
Blaffer Gallery
The Blaffer Gallery, located on the University of Houston campus, may be off the beaten path, but it’s worth a visit. Curator Terrie Sultan focuses on art from the past 100 years and its cultural and social context.
Blaffer Gallery
120 Fine Arts Building, UH Campus Entrance #16, Houston, TX 77204
(713) 743-9530, www.hfac.uh.uedu/blaffer
DiverseWorks Artspace
DiverseWorks is the place for experimental art. You might be surprised and possibly shocked, but always engaged. In its 25th year, DW is known worldwide as a bleeding-edge arts space.
DiverseWorks Artspace
1117 East Fwy., Houston, TX 77002
(713) 223-8346.
Orange Show Center for Visionary Art
Houston folk artist legend Jeff McKissack loved oranges so much he created a walk-through tribute known as The Orange Show. Using bricks, tiles, fencing, and other common materials, McKissack transformed his East End property into brightly colored mosaic masterpiece of folk art.
Orange Show Center for Visionary Art
2402 Munger St., Houston, TX 77023
(713) 926-6368, www.orangeshow.org
FotoFest
This biennial photography festival brings international visitors to celebrate photography at more 120 venues citywide. FotoFest also hosts exhibitions year-round at its headquarters.
FotoFest
1113 Vine St., Houston, TX 77002
(713) 223-5522.
Museum of Printing History
Learn about the history of printed work from the ancient Mesopotamian clay tablets to the Chinese invention of movable type. Highlights include a 1450 Gutenberg press replica, Ancient papyrus fragments, and several historical newspapers.
Museum of Printing History
1324 W. Clay, Houston, TX 77019
(713) 522-4652, www.printingmuseum.org
Project Row Houses
Visionary artist and cultural leader Rick Lowe transformed a row of 22 abandoned shotgun houses in the historic Third Ward into exhibition, living, and learning spaces. African-American artist Dr. John Biggers’ work on connecting community to art inspired this nationally recognized organization.
Project Row Houses
2500 Holman, Houston, TX 77251
(713) 526-7662.
Gallery Walks
If you want to see a lot of art in one convenient area, Houston has two gallery clusters. 4411 Montrose houses the prestigious Barbara Davis Gallery (among others) exhibiting major internationally acclaimed artists in a sleek concrete building designed by Architect Peter Zweig. For some artful shopping visit Peel Gallery Shop, and enjoy a tasty snack at Tart Café on the ground level. If you are more in the mood for a stroll, head down to the Colquitt galleries in the Upper Kirby District. You’ll find New Gallery, Fleury, John Cleary, Dean Day, and Hooks-Epstein Galleries all within walking distance along Colquitt and Lake, off Kirby at Richmond.
Info: Interactive map at www.arthouston.com
