The Houston Museum of Natural Science (HMNS) is a science museum located in Houston, Texas. It was founded in 1909 and is one of the most visited museums in the United States.
The museum's collection includes over 2 million specimens and artifacts from a variety of disciplines including astronomy, geology, paleontology, and biology. It has a number of permanent exhibits including the Morian Hall of Paleontology, the Wiess Energy Hall, the Cullen Hall of Gems and Minerals, and the Burke Baker Planetarium.
The Morian Hall of Paleontology features one of the world's largest displays of dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures. The exhibit includes more than 60 skeletal mounts, including a Tyrannosaurus Rex, Triceratops, and Stegosaurus. The Wiess Energy Hall explores the history of energy from ancient times to the present day and showcases a variety of energy sources, including coal, oil, and natural gas.
The Cullen Hall of Gems and Minerals is home to one of the most extensive gem and mineral collections in the world, featuring rare and exquisite specimens from all over the globe. The Burke Baker Planetarium offers visitors an immersive experience of the night sky, with a 360-degree view of the stars and planets.
In addition to its permanent exhibits, the Houston Museum of Natural Science also hosts a variety of special exhibitions throughout the year. The museum also offers educational programs and events for visitors of all ages, including lectures, workshops, and summer camps.