Houston Museum of Natural Science

As a VENUE: Host your event…

It’s an intimate seated dinner surrounded by the brilliance of our Gems and Minerals Collection. An elegant corporate event in our state-of-the-art Wiess Energy Hall. Or a spectacular wedding reception for several hundred people held in the shadow of towering dinosaurs. With so many opportunities for creating imaginative atmospheres, the Houston Museum of Natural Science makes every event truly unforgettable. We offer architecturally stunning and educationally rich spaces from which to choose in a complex that houses the Burke Baker Planetarium, Wortham GIANT Screen Theater, Cockrell Butterfly Center and four floors of magnificent natural science halls and exhibits. Create the ideal environment to fit any event from 20 to 5,000 guests. From sophisticated and dramatic to out-of-this-world, our distinctive venues offer beautiful settings beyond compare. Seventeen distinctive event spaces are offered:

• The Morian Hall of Paleontology: What better way to top off a party than to dine and dance with dinosaurs? Two stories tall and the length of a football field, this new hall will invite guests embark on a “Prehistoric Safari” through exhibits with 21st century interactivity. This space is perfect for adding a special touch to any holiday event, banquet, and cocktail reception.
  • Capacity for Seated Dinner: 550
  • Capacity for Cocktail Reception:  650
  • Capacity for Wedding Ceremony: 100
• Morian Overlook: Overlooking our world renowned Morian Hall of Paleontology, the Morian Overlook is a fantastic and fun space for your next corporate lunch, daytime party, or reception. In the evenings, this versatile space is included with the paleontology hall and is a unique option for a wedding ceremony, intimate cocktail reception, or lounge area. *Please note this space is only available for individual rentals during the day. During the evening, the Morian Overlook rents with the Morian Hall of Paleontology and is not available for individual rentals.
  • Capacity for Seated Dinner: 100
  • Capacity for Cocktail Reception: 150
  • Capacity for Wedding Ceremony: 150
• Wiess Energy Hall
  • Seated Dinner Capacity: 350
  • Cocktail Capacity: 520
• Cullen Hall of Gems and Minerals: This exhibit space houses over 750 of the world’s finest gem and mineral specimens, from a crystallized gold cluster to an emerald crystal weighing almost 2000 carats, the largest ever found in North America. The sparkling décor of this exhibit space creates a stunning ambiance that will make any event the talk of the town.
  • Capacity for Seated Dinner: 150
  • Capacity for Cocktail Reception: 200
  • Capacity for Wedding Ceremony: 120
• Farish Hall Of Texas Wildlife: From the elk, bison, and bighorn sheep that tread our land to the peregrine falcons, whooping cranes, and waterfowl that soar through our skies, Texas has the highest wildlife diversity of any other state in the U.S. The new Farish Hall of Texas Wildlife displays all of these species, and more, in various dioramas replicating their natural environments. Let us help you plan your corporate or social event among these amazing animals.
  • Capacity for Seated Dinner: 40
  • Capacity for Cocktail Reception: 60
  • Capacity for Wedding Ceremony: 40
• Second Floor Mezzanine: The second floor mezzanine is the perfect area for a cocktail party. It gives your guests access to a variety of five exhibits including the Cullen Hall of Gems and Minerals, Strake Hall of Malacology, Evelyn and Herbert Frensley African Hall, Hamman Hall of Texas Coastal Ecology, and Farish Hall of Texas Wildlife. Large enough to accommodate most crowds with a unique layout providing for endless possibilities, this space has something for everyone.
  • Capacity for Seated Dinner: 300
  • Capacity for Cocktail Reception: 600
• Cabinet of Curiosities: This collection of extraordinary natural and manmade objects, displayed in cabinets with many compartments, are filled with “treasures” reflecting humankind’s curious nature and innate desire to collect. The Cabinet of Curiosities is a unique, interactive backdrop for cocktail parties and seated dinners where your guests can peruse various objects of curiosity and wonder, up close and in a personal way.
  • Capacity for Seated Dinner: 30
  • Capacity for Cocktail Reception: 50
• Lillie and Roy Cullen Grand Entry Hall: The dramatic setting of the Lillie and Roy Cullen Grand Hall Entry will make the guests for any event feel as if they have made a grand entrance. Lighting and decorations transform this space into a spectacular site for extravagant seated dinners and receptions.
  • Capacity for Seated Dinner: 350
  • Capacity for Cocktail Reception: 900
• Alfred C. Glassell, Jr. Hall: The renovated Alfred C. Glassell, Jr.  Hall has an open floor plan that is perfect for banquets and presentations. The space currently houses an art installation Moon by Luke Jerram, a giant lunar sculpture. This hall houses both a sailfish and 1560 pound black marlin, caught by Alfred Glassell Jr.
  • Capacity for Seated Dinner: 200
  • Capacity for Cocktail Reception: 300
• Cockrell Butterfly Center: Filled with tropical plants and over 60 species of the world’s largest and most colorful butterflies, this three-story glass cone is sure to leave anyone breathless. Considered one of the most unique places in the city of Houston, the Cockrell Butterfly Center can accommodate small weddings and the Cockrell Butterfly Center Lobby is perfect for larger wedding ceremonies, wedding receptions, cocktail receptions and banquets. When you rent the Butterfly Center Lobby, the Museum’s outdoor West Plaza is included. Whether it’s an evening dinner by candlelight or a company picnic, the West Plaza always makes any event special. This is the only outdoor space available.
  • Capacity for Wedding Ceremony: 50
• Cockrell Butterfly Center Lobby
  • Capacity for Seated Dinner: 120
  • Capacity for Cocktail Reception: 200
  • Capacity for Wedding Ceremony: 150
• Sundial: The sundial is the perfect outdoor location for your wedding ceremony. The sundial creates a perfect stage for the bride and groom to announce their love. Surrounded by water fountains and trees, this elegant location is sure to be one of a kind.
  • Capacity for Seated Dinner : 120
  • Capacity for Cocktail Reception : 200
  • Capacity for Theatre: 180
• Burke Baker Planetarium Theatre: Travel to a galaxy far, far away in the Burke Baker Planetarium. The dome theater is ideal for company meeting, lectures and wedding ceremonies.
  • Capacity: 161 (max capacity: 185)
• Wortham Giant Screen Theatre: When making an impact is important, why not do it on our 60’ X 80’ screen? The Theatre is also available for product launches, audio-visual presentations, speaker events and company announcements. Combine your private event with a film screening, or simply hire the theatre auditorium for your own presentation. The lower level lobby is also available for displays or interactive experiences as well as private catering. Crystal clear images projected onto the Giant Screen, combine with a powerful surround-sound experience, to awaken and overwhelm your senses. The unique experience is as inspirational as it is entertaining.
  • Capacity: 363 seated stadium style; 10 Handicapped spaces (an additional row of chairs can be added to the back row)
  • Technical Facilities: Barco twin system 3D digital film projector (DCI compliant); 60’ X 80’ screen for ultra high resolution image for PowerPoint presentations etc.); Lectern, spotlight, 2 wireless handheld microphones; Films can be shown via DCP (Linux format recommended), Blu-Ray (DVD) and Streaming (laptop); Connections:  HDMI, VGA, Digital Component, Internet; PowerPoint Shows; AP20 audio output; 5.1 Dolby Surround Sound.
• Moran Lecture Hall: This lecture hall is the newest addition to the Museum’s meeting spaces. With built in state of the art A/V equipment this space is sure to be the perfect fit for any corporate training, awards luncheon or networking reception.
  • Capacity for a Seated Dinner: 150
  • Capacity for Cocktail Reception: 200
  • Capacity for Classroom: 100
  • Capacity for Theatre: 220
• Science Classroom: Our science classrooms are the perfect versatile space for anything from a quick lunch to an all-day team building space that’s already set up for learning. We’re able to accommodate a variety of guest counts and seating arrangements based on our unique, expandable design, so be sure to ask about how a classroom could fit into your event!
• The Brown Gallery: The Brown Gallery is the perfect space to add a touch of elegance to your next reception, lunch or corporate meeting, or ceremony.
  • Capacity for Seated Dinner: 60
  • Capacity for Cocktail Reception : 100
  • Capacity for Wedding Ceremony: 120
• HMNS at Sugar Land: Rent The Museum — Located in the Telfair community, The Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land offers an amazing backdrop for any event. There will never be a dull moment as your guests mingle among the museum’s captivating and visually stunning collections, ranging from fascinating fossils to magnificent minerals. The Sugar Land location offers an intimate venue where our sparkling geode collection, a mighty T. Rex, exotic frogs and many other fascinating examples of science at its best surround you. Well suited for an elegant corporate cocktail gathering or specialized team building event, our history rich building is also perfect for a spectacular wedding and reception. With so many opportunities to create a unique and imaginative setting, the Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land makes every event truly unforgettable. From sophisticated and dramatic to out-of-this-world, our distinctive venue offers beautiful settings beyond compare for any event.
  • Capacity: 20 to 400 guests.

http://www.hmns.org/visit/rent-the-museum/

As a SHOP: Discover unique gifts…

Take some time out of your museum adventure to browse the store to bring the wonders of the natural world home, or find the perfect gift for your favorite science geek! Unique gifts for people of all ages and much, much more are available to explore. Whether you’re looking for butterfly displays, fascinating fossils and minerals for your collection, space science kits and astronaut ice cream, fun science experiments, flavorful rock candy, science books to inspire your young Einstein, grow-your-own mineral kits, or a toy dinosaur, you’ll find something for everyone at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Shop online now! Merchandise is catalogued within these collections: Gifts * Books * Kits + Toys * Dinosaurs * Fashion * Jewelry * Gems + Minerals * Home + Office, and * Ancient Egypt.

Support the Houston Museum of Natural Science… by simply purchasing your specialty merchandise here:
https://museumstore.hmns.org/

As an EATERY: Food for thought…

HMNS has partnered with Sodexo, the premier provider to cultural destinations and event venues around the world. Welcome to an entirely different dining experience at the Museum with fresh, healthy culinary options made from local ingredients with a focus on sustainability. The dining program is called The Science of Food and features two locations serving up a broad range of cuisine:

• Periodic Table: Our new bistro-style concept adjacent to the Cockrell Butterfly Center serves artisan sandwiches, crisp salads, espresso-based coffees, a wide variety of snacks, sweets, breakfast items and more! Periodic Table proudly features local roaster Katz Coffee and has a full range of hot and iced coffees. Katz Coffee has been a part of the Houston landscape since 2003 and making a name for themselves by sourcing certified organic coffees directly from producers. We are proud to serve Katz’s Coffee at HMNS as their commitment to sustainability and preserving the environment aligns with our mission to promote a museum of the first class.
• Elements Grill features traditional grill favorites such as burgers, fries, hot dogs and chicken tenders. Dining locations offer vegetarian options.

Support the Houston Museum of Natural Science …by simply dining here:
http://www.hmns.org/visit/dining/

Be a DONOR: Show that you care…

Membership:

If you love the museum and believe in our mission, or if you’re a frequent visitor, join us for exclusive members-only discounts, opportunities and publications throughout the year. Your support ensures that our exhibitions and educational programs will enrich the community for many years to come. Gift memberships are also encouraged! Membership at specified levels are offered: * Benefactor * Discoverer * Dual * Family * Family Flex * Family Plus * HMNS Catalysts Dual * HMHS Catalysts Family * HMNS Catalysts Individual, and * Individual.

Free Membership for Educators: At HMNS, we love education and educators. That’s why we started our annual Buy One, Give One campaign. Each September, for every Family level membership or above purchased, we give away one dual level membership to an educator in our community. It’s our way of giving back to those who spend the entire year giving to others. A membership to the museum means educators have even more resources and programming they can use for their students, themselves and their families.

Donations:

The vision and generosity of countless donors have allowed the Houston Museum of Natural Science to grow and thrive. The Museum is dedicated to creating and implementing innovative exhibitions and programs that address the interests and needs of our community. Our programs are essential in helping to foster a scientifically literate society, and require resources beyond admission and program fees. The Museum is grateful for the support of individuals, corporations and foundations that further the mission of preserving and advancing the general knowledge of natural science. There are many ways you can support HMNS:

• Annual Fund: Supports the ongoing needs of the Houston Museum of Natural Science.
• Corporate Support: Raise visibility for your company and reap tangible benefits. Become a Partner in Science and demonstrate your company’s support of science education to the Museum’s roughly 2 million annual visitors and 50,000 members.
• Donor Events: Each year, the Houston Museum of Natural Science hosts a number of donor events where our supporters gather to celebrate their shared passion for science and the natural world. These events raise crucial funds that help to ensure the Museum’s future success.
• Legacy Society: If the Houston Museum of Natural Science has enriched your life, you may wish to consider making a planned gift that will help sustain its mission of science education for future generations. The Museum depends on the generosity of many to provide high quality exhibitions and programs that keep pace with technology and scientific discoveries. Planned gifts may be made in any of the following ways:
  • Name the Museum as a beneficiary of your will.
  • Designate the Museum as a beneficiary of retirement assets including an IRA, 401 K, 403 B or other pension plans.
  • Donate a life insurance policy to the Museum or simply name it as a beneficiary.
  • Create a charitable trust with the Museum.
  • Establish a charitable gift annuity through the Museum.
  • Promise a gift of artifact(s) that the Museum has agreed to accept.
• President’s Society: The HMNS President’s Society, our premier donor group in support of the Annual Fund, helps sustain our Museum as one of the most vibrant and most visited science museums in the nation. Your gift provides visitors of all ages with world-class exhibitions, innovative STEM programming, and unparalleled educational resources that spark a lifelong love of learning. As a member of the HMNS President’s Society, you have a front-row seat to all the Museum has to offer. Whether the machinations of natural science or the cultures of past civilizations fascinate you, the President’s Society offers opportunities to engage in our awe-inspiring displays. Enjoy year-long benefits that include private exhibition previews, priority Summer Camp registration, and access to exclusive behind-the-scenes events. By joining the HMNS President’s Society, you stand alongside an instrumental group of individuals who are bringing a world of wonder to our local community and beyond.
• Matching Gifts: Did you know that many companies offer matching gift programs? Some companies will even match monetary gifts made by employees’ spouses or use volunteer grants to provide financial donations in recognition of ongoing engagement.
• Support HMNS By Shopping At Amazon Smile: Support the Museum every time you shop! When you shop at AmazonSmile, they will donate 0.5% of eligible purchases to HMNS! Sign up today! The vision and generosity of countless donors have allowed the Houston Museum of Natural Science to grow and thrive. We are dedicated to creating and implementing innovative exhibitions and programs for the Houston community. To continue doing this, we need your support. One easy way to help support our mission is to shop through AmazonSmile.

Volunteer: We are glad you share an affinity for science and education!

Support the Houston Museum of Natural Science …by simply joining, giving, and volunteering here:
http://www.hmns.org/support-hmns/