HOUSTON, TX — Mosey on over to the Houston Museum of Natural Science for a magnificent March. While here, you’ll enjoy some striking illustrations of majestic birds, observe a mystifying lunar eclipse, and even engage in a little mathematical mischief thrown in for good measure. Here’s your curated guide to the top five HMNS experiences you won’t want to miss:
Check out our website for our full schedule of events and exhibitions.
- Exhibition: Audubon’s Birds of America
HMNS Hermann Park | Opens Saturday, March 8 (members see it first March 7)
Published as a series between 1827 and 1838, Birds of America by John James Audubon (1785-1851) was a landmark work which achieved international renown due to the epic scale of the project and the book’s spectacular, life-sized ornithological illustrations.
Audubon’s Birds of America is a touring exhibition from National Museums Scotland and will showcase 46 prints from their collection. Rarely displayed unbound, this exhibition will be a unique opportunity to see so much of Audubon’s work in one place.
Audubon’s Birds of America is produced by the National Museums Scotland in partnership with the Houston Museum of Natural Science.
Lead underwriting is provided by the John P. McGovern Foundation
in memory of Kathrine G. McGovern.
Additional support is provided by Woodforest National Bank.
- Event: A Night Under the Eclipse
George Observatory | Thursday, March 13 | Lunar Eclipse Begins at 10:57 p.m.
Celebrate this celestial event with crafts, exhibits, and a stunning lunar view! Visit the George Observatory the night of Thursday, March 13th for a local eclipse experience. Doors open at 9:00 p.m., with time to explore the exhibits and make eclipse crafts, while awaiting the celestial spectacle when the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon.
This total eclipse will begin at 10:57 p.m. and end at 5:00 a.m. Duration will be 6 hours, 3 minutes, with maximum totality at 1:58 a.m., and expert staff and amateur astronomers will be on hand throughout.
Arrive at Brazos Bend State Park no later than 9:30 p.m. on March 13th, as the entrance gates close at 10:00 p.m. with no re-entry. Eclipse ticket includes park entrance, and reserved parking instructions will be emailed prior to the event.
- Event: Pi Day
HMNS at Sugar Land | Friday, March 14 | 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Pi is an irrational number, but there’s nothing crazy about celebrating Math—and Einstein’s birthday. Join us on 3.14 to explore how Pi is all around us—even in the sky!
Indulge your inner math geek with hands-on activities and fun experiments that make numbers and science come to life on this special date. And of course, no Pi Day celebration would be complete without a taste of pi(e)!
- Exhibition: Sharks! The Meg, The Monsters & The Myths
HMNS Hermann Park | Closes Sunday, March 16
Catch this exhibit before it swims away! Immerse yourself in the world of sharks as every order of shark known to mankind is represented within the exhibition, including a life-size model of the ancient behemoth, the Megalodon. Learn what makes these creatures so unique, and get up close and personal with live sharks for a hands-on experience.
Sharks! The Meg, The Monsters & The Myths is supported by the John P. McGovern Foundation, Novum Energy, and the J.W. Couch Foundation.
HMNS Hermann Park | Wednesday, March 19 | 6:30 p.m.
Join Malacology Curator Tina Petway and Collections Manager Gary Kidder for an engaging tour through the George W. Strake Hall of Malacology.
Discover the stunning beauty and crucial role of mollusks in our oceans and the planet’s health. With over 1,300 shells and marine specimens on display, this exhibit offers an up-close look at the incredible diversity of life beneath the sea. Beyond their vibrant colors and intricate patterns, mollusks play an essential role in marine ecosystems and Earth’s ecological balance. Learn about the many ways shells have been used by humans for food, culture, and tools throughout history, and leave with a deeper understanding of the importance of ocean conservation.
Includes a tour of the George W. Strake Hall of Malacology.
Ages 15+. All minors must be accompanied by a ticketed adult.
For questions, please contact Sami Mesarwi at smesarwi@hmns.org or (281) 684-0430.
About Houston Museum of Natural Science
The Houston Museum of Natural Science—one of the nation’s most heavily attended museums—is a centerpiece of the Houston Museum District. With four floors of permanent exhibit halls, and the Wortham Giant Screen Theatre, Cockrell Butterfly Center, Burke Baker Planetarium and George Observatory and as host to world-class and ever-changing touring exhibitions, the Museum has something to delight every age group. With such diverse and extraordinary offerings, a trip to the Houston Museum of Natural Science, located at 5555 Hermann Park Drive in the heart of the Museum District, is always an adventure.
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