Explore, eat, and entertain yourselves in the Houston Museum District. Continuing our neighborhood Secret Guide roundup where we uncover the best things to do in Houston’s most exciting neighborhoods – ranging from Downtown Houston to The Woodlands, Galveston, and beyond – we’ve compiled a list of the best activities to do in the Houston Museum District.
Home to many of the city’s best museums, as well as the beloved Houston Zoo, Hermann Park, Miller Outdoor Theatre, and more, the Houston Museum District is one of the most exciting neighborhoods in Houston. Without further ado, here is our list of the best things to do in the Houston Museum District:
Best things to do in Houston Museum District
1. Visit a Museum
It’s the Museum District for a reason, people. In addition to Houston’s heavy hitting museums such as the Houston Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Museum of Natural Science, and the Children’s Museum Houston, you might not know that the area features a total of 15 museums – all unique, informative, and deserving of a visit!
Below are a list of all the museums in the Houston Museum District:
- Houston Museum of Fine Arts
- Houston Museum of Natural Science
- Children’s Museum Houston
- Contemporary Arts Museum
- Houston Museum of African American Culture
- Holocaust Museum Houston
- Jung Center of Houston
- Asia Society Texas Center
- Lawndale Art Center
- Czech Center Museum
- Houston Center for Contemporary Craft
- Houston Museum of Natural History
- DeBakey Library and Museum
- The Health Museum
- Nancy & Rich Kinder Building
2. Stroll Hermann Park
Hermann Park is one of the most beloved green spaces in Houston. Now better than ever with its new space-themed adventure area known as The Commons, Hermann Park spans 445 acres, the urban green space features numerous gardens, manicured landscapes, the McGovern lake, Japanese Garden, and more!
3. Go Wild at the Houston Zoo
When’s the last time you visited the Houston Zoo? Our beloved of the animal kingdom features not only a wild array of our favorite animal residents but additional seasonal events and activations, as well as central hangouts to cool down like the Flamingo Terrace. We’d also be remiss not to remind you of its groundbreaking somewhat new Galapagos Island exhibit!
4. Check out the Miller Outdoor Theatre
The Miller Outdoor Theatre is a Houston hub of the arts. From Shakespearean performances, to live orchestra, movie screenings, festivals, and more, Miller Outdoor Theatre is perfect for a (cheap) date, family night, or solo adventure for the artists in us all. Check out the organization’s website for coming events!
5. Explore The Glassell School of Art
Founded in 1979, The Glasell School of Arts is a part of the MFAH is housed in an archiecturally stunning building designed by the acclaimed Steven Holl. Completed in 2018, the building features a striking design characterized by its unique trapezoidal shape and elegant concrete exterior. While you might not be able to sign up for classes, admiring the building’s incredible architecture is definitely worthy of a visit to the Glassell School of Art.
6. Cullen Sculpture Garden
The Cullen Sculpture Garden is a serene showcase of contemporary and modern sculptures. Designed by the renowned sculptor Isamu Noguchi, the garden opened in 1986 and features works by prominent artists such as Henri Matisse, Joan Miró, and Ellsworth Kelly.
7. Take in the View from The PNC Roof Garden
Situated among the The Brown Foundation, Inc. Plaza up the Glassell School of Art incline is the PNC Roof Garden. The free rooftop garden features an amphitheater at its foot, and at its peak, 360-degree panoramic views of the Museum District, Medical Center, and Downtown, Houston.
Best Restaurants in the Houston Museum District
7. Le Jardinier
Widely considered to be one of the front runners for the coming Texas Michelin Guide, Le Jardinier is somewhat just what you would expect from a fine dining establishment on the grounds of the Museum of Fine Arts. Adorned in the likes of a gallery, Le Jardinier’s true artisty is demonstrated on the plate and performed on your tastebuds.
8. Lucille’s
Enjoy mouth-watering, internationally-flavored southern fare at Lucille’s in the Museum District. Head by James Beard Award Finalist Chef Chris Williams and Chef de Cuisine Khang Hoang, Lucille’s serves lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. Menu highlights include the Shrimp & Grits, Braised Oxtails, Famous Chili Biscuits, and Roasted Hen.
9. Green Seed Vegan
The vegan eatery in the Museum District is a laidback hangout that specializes in vegan paninis, wraps, and smoothies. Named on Food and Wine’s Top 20 Vegan Restaurants in the United States, GSV favorites include the Big Tex and Dirty Burque made with buckwheat patties and vegan cheese.
10. Barnaby’s Cafe
The cozy little bistro features a number of Houston-area locations. Here Houstonians can enjoy good food at reasonable prices. Its menu emulates cozy diner food with the likes of homemade mac and cheese, chicken friend steak, Luna’ meat Lasagna, Barnaby’s French Drip, and more. Breakfast is served all day on weekends with options that include Chipotle BBQ Pulled Pork & Eggs, Chicken & Waffle, and more.
Best Bars in the Houston Museum District
12. Axelrad
Enjoy an expansive selection of craft beers on tap, a neon garden, stage, and more: Axelrad is a beloved patio bar, community space, and performance venue. Axelrad features weekly events including themed DJ sets and dance parties, concerts, stand-up, movie screenings, and more.
13. Grand Prize
Grand Prize is one of the coolest dive bars in town. Whether you want to enjoy a craft beer over a game of pool, sip on a quirky cocktail while watching movies from a bygone era, or dance your pants off under the upstairs disco ball: Grand Prize is your spot.
14. Mo Better Brews
Putting the soul into vegan food, Mo Better Brews is a vegan cafe, garden, and DJ lounge. Its innovate menu features the likes of Hot Honey ‘Shrooms & Waffles, Boudain Sushi Roll, and the Boudin rice-stuff Cajun Croissant. Plus, seasonal beers, specialty cocktails, and mimosa towers if you’re trying to do brunch proper. Follow Mo Better Brews’ socials for info on upcoming shows and vinyl sessions. Live bands every Friday night.
15. UnWine
What began as a tailoring business has since evolved into a wine lovers bar, jazz hangout, and rooftop. UnWine is an atmospheric bar, kitchen, and patio that features a curated selection of wines from all over the world. Furthermore, UnWine features a selection of light bites and tapas, as well as charcuterie and vegetarian options.
See also: 15 magnificent things to do in Montrose