Beyond Bones

Just like all of our exhibits, there’s plenty to see. But a better question might be, “What is there to DO in Body Carnival?” This special exhibit is packed with lots of fun, interactive stations that give each visitor just a little bit of a challenge! When you walk through the exhibit’s entrance, your vision, […]

Everyone knows cute animals basically run the Internet. But what’s the best of the best when it comes to Internet cuteness? I hereby put forth that pandas are the epitome of Internet animal cuteness, and should reign with their ever-powerful cuteness over the masses from a bamboo throne … which would have to be replaced […]

Editor’s note: This blog post is a summation of “New Species of Scotophilus (Chiroptera: Vespertiliondae) from Sub-Saharan Africa,” written by HMNS Curator of Vertebrate Zoology Daniel M. Brooks and John W. Bickham, and published as a monograph in the Occasional Papers of the Museum at Texas Tech University. Sub-Saharan Africa is a hotbed of biological diversity. A […]

As you make your way through the halls of HMNS, you might notice that many of the walls are adorned with shiny plaques and engravings recognizing the generosity of our numerous supporters. These names include individuals, private foundations, corporations and others that provide significant financial support to the Museum. Just outside the Wiess Energy Hall […]

This month, Mars is in the southwest at dusk this month. Mars continues to fade a little each night as Earth continues to leave it farther behind. Still, Mars rivals the brightest stars we see at night. Saturn is also in the southwest at dusk. This month and next, Mars approaches Saturn more and more.  Venus remains in […]

Just like clockwork, another year has rolled around and you find yourself in that same old dilemma: what to do for your child’s birthday? What should be a joyous time for you and your family becomes stressful and agonizing: the decisions, the planning, the cleaning!  So be a Party Smarty and let the Houston Museum of […]

What do America, Bulgari, Cher (and Houston) have in common? Well, since you asked: BULGARI launched an AMERICA-inspired collection of jewelry in the 1970s called “Stars and Stripes” — which was modeled by CHER. And pieces from that line are in HOUSTON for Bulgari: 130 Years of Masterpieces, now showing at HMNS! I’ve been geeking […]

I grew up in the 1950s and 1960s reading books about the dinosaur “orthodoxy.” According to this traditional view, the dinos died out at the end of the Cretaceous because their beloved swamps dried up and the air became too cool. But the new conditions were perfect for us quick-thinking Mammalia, so we took over, along […]

Editor’s note: Today’s post was written by Monica L. McHam, a volunteer docent here at the Museum. “Wow, I didn’t recognize you with clothes on!” I stopped short and spun around to see my friend and fellow docent, Carl Driever, standing there with an impish grin plastered across his face. Carl continued, “I only meant […]

Think Brazil is all Carnival and beaches? Think again. Here are three things you probably didn’t know about Brazil: MERCHANTS NAMED IT, NOT COLONIAL POWERS When Portugal started to colonize Brazil, they named it Terra de Santa Cruz (Land of the Holy Cross) in their official manuscripts. However, as sailors and merchants began to exploit […]