In the heart of Houston - near rice University, the Texas Medical Center, Hermann Park and the University of St. Thomas - lies the world of the Houston Museum District. Petrified dinosaur bones and a giant brain, seal lions and Cezannes, Old Masters and children's masterpieces, ancient tribes and contemporary artists greet visitors. It's a place where kids, parents and grandparents can explore consciousness and outer space, honor the past and dream about the future.

AMERICAN COWBOY MUSEUM
The American Cowboy Museum focuses on Blacks, Hispanics, Native Americans, and women in western culture.1822 Almeda. 713-433-4441

THE CHILDREN'S MUSEUM OF HOUSTON
A recent addition to the museum district, The Children's Museum encourages children ages 2 to 12 to engage in hands-on projects interact with cultural and scientific exhibitions. 713-522-1138

BURKE BAKER PLANETARIUM
The 232-seat planetarium at the Houston Museum of Natural Science lets you experience the universe. 713-639-IMAX

CONTEMPORARY ARTS MUSEUM 
The Contemporary Arts Museum is a non-collecting museum which houses changing exhibits of new-direction art and modern-day masters. Shows are exhilarating, often radical. 5216 Montrose at Bissonnet. 713-526-3129

HOUSTON MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE
Founded in 1909 the Houston Museum of Natural Science has grown to become one of the most respected science museums in the country. The star attraction in the museum's permanent collection is a $6 million, world-class assembly of over 600 mineral specimens in the Sams Collection of Gems and Minerals. 713-639-IMAX

IMAX THEATER
The IMAX delivers images of extraordinary sharpness and clarity on its six-story screen. The images that spread across the 80-foot-wide screen are impressive. IMAX films tend to be much more engrossing than the local movie theater's format, so the audience feels a part of the action. The theater seats 394. Shows on the hour. 1 Hermann Circle Drive in Hermann Park. 713-639-IMAX

MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS, HOUSTON 
Founded in 1900,the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston has an encyclopedic collection of over 27,000 works of art. A new museum building, scheduled to open in the spring of 2000, promises to be a force in both the world of art and the community. 1001 Bissonnet at Main. 713-639-7300

THE MUSEUM OF HEALTH & MEDICAL SCIENCE 
The Museum of Health & Medical Science is the newest addition to the museum district and one of only three medically focused museums in the country. On Herman Drive between The Children's Museum and the Hermann Park Rose Garden. 713-521-1515

MUSEUM OF PRINTING HISTORY
Displays a collection of historical books, documents and printing equipment, including the Hyakumanto Dharani Scroll, the oldest printed piece in the world.
1324 West Clay 713-522-4652/800-448-5930

Other Museums

HOLOCAUST MUSEUM HOUSTON 
This museum maintains a permanent exhibition, Bearing Witness: A Community Remembers, and Voices," a 35-minute film of testimony by Holocaust survivors. 713-942-8000

HOUSTON FIRE MUSEUM 
Originally built in 1899 to provide fire service to Houston's South End neighborhoods, the Houston Fire Department Station # 7 was opened in 1982 as the Houston Fire Museum. The museum displays fire fighting vehicles dating from the 19th century and exhibits about the evolution of the fire fighting profession, from the days of the "bucket brigades" to today's advanced fire fighting services. 2403 Milam. 713-524-2526

HOUSTON SPORTS MUSEUM 
Exhibits on the Rockets, Comets, Oilers, and the baseball Hall of Fame are seen at the museum. Also featured is a special exhibit on Houston baseball from the beginning of the Texas League to the modern-day Astros. Finger Furniture Center. 4001 Gulf Freeway 713-221-4441

LONE STAR FLIGHT MUSEUM 
The Lone Star Flight Museum is dedicated to maintaining and flying some of the rarest and best restored period aircraft in the world. A collection of restored aircraft from the late 1930's is displayed. Home of the Texas Aviation Hall of Fame. Scholes Field Municipal Airport. 2002 Terminal Drive, Galveston. 409-740-7722

RIENZI MUSEUM 
For 45 years the Rienzi estate in River Oaks was home to Harris and Carroll Sterling Masterson, philanthropists and connoisseurs. Courtesy of its late owners and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, the public may tour this estate by reservation only, which features a stunning collection of antique European decorative arts.
713-639- 7800

TEXAS GOLF HALL OF FAME 
The golf museum is dedicated to honoring the great players of the game and various other aspects of golf. The tour is self-guided, but a guide is available to answer questions. 1800 South Millbend, The Woodlands. 281-364-7270

THE ORANGE SHOW 
This multi-level maze-like folk art monument, created in the middle of an East Houston neighborhood, is one man's tribute to the almighty orange. Open March through December. 2402 Munger St. 713-926-6368

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