Museum of Fine Arts
Houston, TX
Tel: (713)-639-7300
Make an early start to this wonderful museum because there is so much to take in. Marvel to the works of the masters, and then take in the sculptures from many cultures. The splendid decorative arts collection houses many examples of textiles and costumes. Throughout the year visitors can enjoy a variety of lectures that explain the various exhibits and collections in depth. The Museum also presents a fine series of films each year.
Menil Collection
1515 Sul Ross
Houston, TX
Tel:(713)-525-9400
The museum was established in 1987 by John and Dominique de Menil as a showpiece for their fine art collection, an eclectic mix including tribal cultures and the Byzantine era, Warhol and Matisse. In addition to the permanent collection, special exhibits are staged every year. Also at this location are the Cy Twombly Gallery, the Byzantine Fresco Chapel and the Rothko Chapel. Complete your visit by dropping by the bookstore for souvenirs of this fine museum.
Holocaust Museum
5401 Caroline
Houston, TX
Tel:(713)-789-9898
A recent construction, the Holocaust Museum presents a stirring visual and audio account of the Jewish Holocaust. Through the stories of various people who survived this horrendous period, visitors will be touched, changed and educated by their experiences.
Grand 1894 Opera House
Wortham Center
Texas Avenue,
Houston, TX
Tel: (713)-546-0200
This non-profit institution, known as the 'Official Opera House of Texas', brings locals and visitors alike a wonderful selection of artists. From dancing to singing to comedy and more, the Opera House has entertained millions throughout its long life. A staple of the community, "the Grand" features educational programs; it can also be reserved for special occasions such as conventions and weddings, providing a unique location. Houstongrandopera.org
Houston Symphony
Jones Hall
615 Louisiana
Houston,TX
Tel: (713)-227-2787
The 3,000-seat Jones Hall is home to the Houston Symphony. Founded in 1913, the Symphony is always busy, whether at home or on tour or recording. Jones Hall allows the symphony to perform at its ideal acoustic levels thanks to a moveable ceiling that can be adjusted for each performance.
Houston Ballet
Wortham Center
500 Texas Ave.,
Houston, TX
Tel: (713)-523-6300
Tickets (713)-227-2787
The Houston Ballet, an internationally renowned company, offers over 100 performances a year, most notably its annual performance of the "Nutcracker". The season runs from September to June.
Space Center Houston
1601 NASA Road 1
Houston, TX
Tel: (281)-244-2100
The Space Center is the visitors' center for the NASA Johnson Space Center. Here visitors enjoy exhibits ranging from the history of manned space flight to the future exploration of space. A tram will take you off to see working areas, shuttle payload bays (used in practice) and a Saturn rocket. The Kids' Space Place is a fun, interactive hands-on area especially for children ages 3-11. Here they can touch moon rocks and view a full-scale model of the space shuttle. An IMAX theatre provides thrills for all ages.
Sesquicentennial Park
510 Preston
Houston, TX
Tel: (713)-250-3666
A wonderful city park presenting works of various artists, sculptors, architects and over 1,000 local school children. The Park features seven stainless steel columns measuring 70 feet each. The columns reflect the city's foundations of technology, energy, medicine, manufacturing and more. When lit at night from within, the display is magnificent. Located on the banks of the Buffalo Bayou, the park was built in 1986 to commemorate the 150th birthday of Houston. It is a serene and popular area for visitors to stroll and enjoy. A three-story pavilion, surrounded by relaxing waterfalls, makes the area even more attractive. Bikers and walkers alike will enjoy the many trails winding throughout the park.
Market Square Historic District
Main Street area
Houston, TX
Tel: (713)-656-1912
This park area is filled with many old buildings and the Heritage Homes Tours are a wonderful way to spend a morning or afternoon. Spanning an area of 28 blocks, the Bagby/Walker area houses these lovely homes. The oldest commercial structure in Houston is the Kennedy Bakery located at 813 Congress Ave. Another building of note is the Rice Hotel, located at Main and Texas, where President John F. Kennedy spent a portion of his last night. Entered on the National Register of Historic places in 1986, this area was the original downtown of Houston. In addition to the homes and buildings, visitors can enjoy the numerous restaurants and clubs.
The Alley Theatre
Tel: (713)-228-9341 for tickets
(713)-228-8421 box office
This gem of a theatre has been a popular Houston landmark for over 50 years. The Alley started life quite literally in an alley and has much to offer. The Alley boldly experiments with a large variety of productions for diverse audiences. "Pay-what-you-can" nights open the theatre to all. Young playwrights can submit their works to the theatre and many educational and community outreach programs are available. College students apply for internships here to further their experience in the field. The Alley also uses Spanish and sign language translators. If you'd like a look behind the scenes, a backstage tour can be arranged. This truly is a theatre with open arms!
