Established in 1909, the Houston Museum of Natural Science (HMNS) is home to diverse exhibits that highlight the marvels of the natural world and beyond. With more than two million visitors each year, the museum ranks just below the M. H. de Young Memorial Museum in San Francisco and New York City's Metropolitan Museum of Art and American Museum of Natural History as the best-attended non-Smithsonian museum in the country.

Visitors to HMNS can experience the Cockrell Butterfly Center, a lush, tropical rainforest habitat enclosed in a glass cone. The center features thousands of butterflies, including many emerging from their chrysalises, highlighting important aspects of species' life cycles and habits. The center also houses an impressive collection of exotic insects worldwide.

Next, visitors might check out the 10,000-square-foot Hall of Ancient Egypt, which showcases many artifacts, including mummies, ancient tomb furniture, and intricate amulets. Visitors can immerse themselves in the ancient Egyptians' mythology, religion, and daily life while marveling at well-preserved artifacts that provide invaluable insights into this era.

In the Wiess Energy Hall, visitors can explore a state-of-the-art exhibit offering an in-depth journey into the world of energy, its sources, consumption, and prospects. From traditional fossil fuels to renewable energy solutions, the hall provides a comprehensive understanding of the global energy landscape through interactive displays, multimedia presentations, and captivating visualizations.

The Morian Hall of Paleontology invites visitors on a "prehistoric safari" through an extensive collection of ancient fossils and prehistoric specimens. The collection includes dinosaur skeletons like the awe-inspiring Tyrannosaurus rex and predators captured in action as they hunt and chase. The hall's immersive displays and life-like reconstructions make it a favorite among visitors of all ages, igniting a sense of wonder about Earth's distant past.

At the Burke Baker Planetarium, immersive shows and experiences bring the cosmos to life. Drawing on state-of-the-art technology, the planetarium offers a journey through the stars, exploring distant galaxies and showcasing celestial phenomena like never before. Current and recent shows include an oceanic journey through the world's coral reefs, a trip into the fascinating world of black holes, and a laser light show set to the music of Pink Floyd.

The HMNS is also home to the Cullen Hall of Gems and Minerals, where visitors can observe more than 700 mineral specimens, including an 850-pound amethyst. The hall's collection includes a crystallized gold cluster, numerous gem-cut minerals, and priceless jewelry in the Lester and Sue Smith Gem Vault. These pieces came from natural stones cut into faceted gems designed by renowned jewelry designers like Ernesto Moreira.

History enthusiasts and art collectors should not miss the Fabergé: Royal Gifts Collection, which showcases the unique craftsmanship of the House of Fabergé. These art pieces feature intricate and opulent gifts exchanged by European royalty in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The collection includes the renowned Fabergé eggs, each a masterpiece of luxury and creativity.

For residents and travelers passing through Houston, the Houston Museum of Natural Science offers a rich opportunity for education and entertainment.