When to Get Free Admission to Houston Museums

Houston is known for its collection of diverse museums, art galleries and gardens. Many locals may not know that there are some days and times where you can get completely free admission to these top attractions. Here is a list of some of our favorite museums for the next time you’re looking for something fun to do on a budget. Many of the city’s museums are just a short drive from the AMLI’s Houston apartmentsWithout further ado, here is when you can get free admission to many Houston museums.

InstagramMade famous in the recent Jurassic World movies, Mosasaur's Hollywood depiction is a little different than its prehistoric counterpart. Mosasaur isn't actually a dinosaur, but rather biologically classified as a marine reptile. The oceanic predator is also MUCH bigger in the films. You can see their actual size in our Morian Hall of Paleontology. • • • #mosasaur #paleontology #paleontologist #fossilfact #fossils #fossil #naturalsciencemuseum #naturalscience #jurassicworld #jurassicpark

Houston Museum of Natural Science

5555 Hermann Park Drive
Free on Thursdays from 2-5pm
Get access to the Houston Museum of Natural Science permanent exhibits for free. Walk through the Hall of Ancient Egypt, Cullen Hall of Gems and Minerals, Welch Hall of Chemistry and so much more—there are 17 permanent exhibits to explore. Plan to spend at least two hours to see it all.

Instagram“It’s not only about 3-D printing or digital fabrication. It’s used as a tool to create new ways of expression.” —Joris Laarman #LaarmanMFAH #MFAH

The Museum of Fine Arts Houston

1001 Bissonnet St.
Free from 10am-9pm every Thursday
Get free general admission from open until close every Thursday. The Museum of Fine Arts is filled with impressive collections that can be enjoyed by all ages. In the evening hours, the museum hosts a free happy hour where you can drink cocktails and grab a bite at a food truck, before or after browsing the latest art exhibitions.

InstagramDid you know, in our Amazing Body exhibit, we have a beating heart that simulates a heart attack every 20 minutes! #thehealthmuseum

The Health Museum

1515 Hermann Drive
Free from 2-7pm every Thursday 
Anyone who has an interest in science or the human body should not miss this museum. Learn the inner workings of the human body with real lab experiments and demonstrations. There are also many exhibits all about health and diseases. The DeBakey Cell Lab lets you get up close with cellular biology with hands-on stations to experiment.

InstagramSay “hi” to Berani! In this photo, you can see a bit of his “mane” around his cheeks. This is typical of male tigers, and we think he looks extra handsome! 📷: Kathy 🐯

The Houston Zoo

6200 Hermann Park Drive
Free from noon to close on the first Tuesday of each month (September to May)
Get outside on a Tuesday afternoon and explore the Houston Zoo for free. There are over 6,000 animals that call the zoo home, including amphibians, mammals, birds, fish and more. See the wide variety of animals and habitats and learn about the animals of our world.

InstagramOtherworldly Texas: A Photographer's Trip to Big Bend Join HCP Lead Instructor Mark Chen on a photographer's trip to Big Bend National Park! Participants will experience rural, Southwest Texas, the chiseled Rio Grande Valley, and awe-inpsiring rock formations of the Chisos Mountains. From cowboys to cacti, this trip will teach you specific strategies to capture the West Texas landscape and immerse you in evening group critiques and editing strategies. November 3 - 7, 2018 Visit the link in our bio for more information! Photo by Adam Baker

Houston Center for Photography

1441 W. Alabama St.
Free every day
View exhibits from well known international and local photographers of the 20th and 21st centuries. Not only can you see professional work, but also emerging photography from young artists. This museum is a great place for any photography or art enthusiast to learn and find their latest inspiration.

InstagramDue to the abundance of natural light in #CyTwombly Gallery, the paintings and sculptures housed within can vary in appearance based on time of day, weather, and season. If you haven't visited in some time, we invite you to come back and, perhaps, see these works in a new light. Admission is free, always.

The Menil Collection

1533 Sul Ross St.
Free every day
Not only does the Menial Collection house fantastic art exhibits, but the museum also hosts concerts and poetry readings and has ample green space to explore. The Menil Collection has a rotating cast of special exhibitions that change throughout the year, as well as a permanent collection that’s there to stay.

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Free Admission to Many Houston Museums
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