How to Spend the Perfect Day Touring Houston’s Museums

January 19th, 2019
Photo Courtesy of Menil Collection Instagram

Houston is known for many things (the fourth best grocery retailer in the country, some of the best food, the Houston Rodeo, our Medical Center, etc.), but the diversity and plethora of museums tops our list as one of our favorite things about the city.

Within mere miles from The Susanne you’ll find the Houston Museum District, which boasts the tag line something new, every day. Less than three miles from our Museum District apartments, the popular Museum District is made up of four walkable zones showcasing 19 museums, all within a 1.5-mile radius. Being so close to so many museums is one of our top-sellers, making an art-filled weekend only a few miles (or steps) away.

A few of our favorites in the Museum District:

One of our personal favorites is The Menil Collection, which is in our backyard! Less than five minutes by foot and open Wednesday – Sunday from 11a – 7p, it’s one of Houston’s most well known museums. And did we mention it’s free? “Considered one of the most important privately assembled collections of the twentieth century, The Menil Collection houses approximately 17000 paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings, photographs, and rare books.” (-- Via houmuse.org)

We love the fact it’s free and so close, but we also love the bookstore and Bistro Menil. Spend one of Houston’s bright, sunshine-filled days at the museum taking in all the collections and exhibits and then head across the street for a fun picnic. There’s no better way to spend a Houston afternoon than exploring the museums or a picnic lunch outside (pro tip: snag a few bites at the Montrose H-E-B on your walk over, and you’ll be considered a Houston local in no time!).

“My wife and I recently moved into The Susanne and found this luxury apartment complex the perfect abode for us. Its proximity to the H-E-B supermarket, the Houston Watercolor Association, the Menil Museum and St Thomas University makes one feel like they are living in a small and quaint village.” – FB Review

Also within walking distance from The Susanne is the Rothko Chapel, just .5 miles away. Located at 3900 Yupon (at Sul Ross) and open daily from 10a – 6p, the Rothko Chapel offers free admission and an incredibly unique Houston experience.

According to their website, “The Rothko Chapel grounds are a welcoming, calming green space. The grounds act as an extension of the Chapel itself, making them an ideal place to reflect on your experience of the Chapel and the Broken Obelisk, or simply have a moment of solitude and escape from the outside world.” It’s dog friendly and equipped with bike racks to help you enjoy a perfect Houston afternoon mere minutes from The Susanne.

The Houston Museum of Natural Science, located 2.5 miles from our Montrose apartments is another one of Houston’s most popular museums. Open Monday – Sunday from 9a - 5p, adult tickets are $25, but if you want to check out the permanent exhibits for FREE, you’re in luck! The permanent exhibits are free every Thursday afternoon from 2 – 5p where you can roam the Serengeti, walk with dinosaurs and more.

“The Houston Museum of Natural Science houses the Burke Baker Planetarium, Wortham Giant Screen Theatre, Cockrell Butterfly Center, and over a dozen permanent exhibit areas that examine astronomy, space, science, Native Americans, paleontology, energy, chemistry, gems and minerals, seashells, Texas wildlife, and more. In addition, the museum frequently presents traveling exhibitions on a variety of topics.” -- (Via houmuse.org)

Within walking distance from the Houston Museum of Natural Science you’ll also find the Houston Zoo, Children’s Museum of Houston, Moody Center for the Arts and The Health Museum, so it’s easy to make a family-friendly day of it.

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH), is another popular attraction for visitors and locals alike, and only 1.5 miles from The Susanne. If you’re not a member of MFAH (members get in free for general admission), the typical cost for an adult is $15, but once again, Thursdays are FREE. If you have a college or military ID, you’ll also receive a discount. Not only are the exhibits out of this world, but it’s the perfect spot for early risers and night owls, open daily from 6a – 11p.

“The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, is among the 10 largest art museums in the United States, with an encyclopedic collection of more than 65,000 works of art. The main campus comprises the Audrey Jones Beck Building; the Caroline Wiess Law Building; the Lillie and Hugh Roy Cullen Sculpture Garden; the Glassell School of Art; The Brown Foundation, Inc. Plaza; and the BBVA Compass Roof Garden. The MFAH has two cafés, a repertory cinema, two libraries, and two nearby house museums for decorative arts: Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens, and Rienzi.” (-- Via houmuse.org)

Explore all the different museums and current exhibits here to help plan your day. If you’re into art and culture and want more ideas, be sure to check out these articles and itineraries from Visit Houston.

Houston museums and beyond, don’t miss our updated Houston event calendar to stay-up-to-date on nearby events. Schedule a tour today by visiting our first-class Montrose luxury apartments at 3833 Dunlavy. You’ll find we offer convenience and walkability throughout Houston’s Museum District paired with five-star service, grand amenities and more. Or call one of our friendly leasing agents at 713.528.3300 to secure your new Houston home today.