Monday, March 13, 2023

Amazing Things to Do in Historic Houston Texas

Houston Texas

Houston Texas is known as one of the best places to live in America. As its fourth-largest city, it provides sunny weather, professional sports, an exciting culture, and endless activities to do. Living in Houston is incredibly affordable compared to other areas of the US. Prices for fuel, accommodation, and entertainment are all below the national average.

Museum of Fine Arts

The Museum of Fine Arts is one of Houston's premier attractions, providing visitors with free activities year-round. Established in 1924, the museum now stretches across two main buildings and showcases an impressive collection of works from around the globe. The Museum of Fine Arts Houston's collection comprises artworks from six continents and covers 6,000 years of art history. Its permanent exhibition showcases European and American paintings, sculptures, prints, photography, and mixed media artworks. Among the most impressive pieces in MFAH's permanent collection are works by Edgar Degas and Vincent Van Gogh, as well as French Impressionist paintings by Caillebotte, Pissarro, and Seurat. Furthermore, visitors can explore American and European decorative arts, photographs, and Asian, Oceanic, and Pre-Columbian artwork from this institution.

A major element of the museum's collection is its archive, which houses an impressive array of art and photographs from 1840 to the present. There are over 700 reels of microfilm on artwork created in Texas and surrounding states that spans from 1789 to the present. Marzio transformed the museum in the 1980s, amassing an impressive collection of European and American artwork, particularly in photography, costumes, and English decorative arts. Additionally, there was a prominent array of Asian, Oceanic, and Pre-Columbian art. The museum's primary exhibition space is divided between the Caroline Wiess Law Building and Audrey Jones Beck Building, each housing several galleries. Constructed in 1924, the Law building has been extensively renovated over time.

In 2000, Pritzker Prize-winning architect Rafael Moneo unveiled the iconic Beck building in New York City. Here you'll find an expansive permanent collection of American and European art, as well as special exhibitions such as the Glassell Collection of African Gold. Bayou Bend is another noteworthy gallery, boasting an extensive collection of early American art and decorative arts. Donated by Ima Hogg in 1917, this neoclassical-style home showcases 28 room settings as well as galleries showcasing objects made or used in America between 1620 and 1876. The Museum of Fine Arts Houston's other major gallery is Rienzi, once home to art patrons Carroll Sterling Masterson and Harris Masterson III. Designed by John F Staub in Houston's River Oaks neighborhood, this neoclassical house is currently under renovation by MFAH; however, for now, it serves as a museum gallery.

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is an iconic annual celebration of Western culture that spans 20 days in March. Highlights include events, concerts, and other spectacular attractions that draw thousands to downtown Houston each year. Music festival Goa's reputation as a major draw stems from its ability to attract top-name pop, hip-hop, and country artists. However, there are plenty of other enjoyable activities for people who aren't into musical performances. In addition to the main rodeo show, there are free educational seminars on various topics throughout the three weeks. These range from agriculture and wildlife preservation to rodeo history and more. Some of the most sought-after activities include the Horticulture Contest, where contestants can showcase their flower design, plant life, and landscaping skills. Winners receive cash prizes plus an official belt buckle from Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

Trail rides are an integral part of the event, with riders taking a ride on horseback or in a horse-drawn wagon from various areas in the state to Houston. Rides travel at around 3 miles (4.8 km) per hour and cover up to 17 miles (27 km) each day. Every year, over 2600 guests from 88 countries come to learn more about the show and Texas agriculture. Volunteers staff the International Room during International Days to provide information and guide foreign visitors through livestock auctions and other exhibits. Another popular event is the carnival, where families can have fun playing various games, eating delicious food, and watching a rodeo show. Plus, The Hideout temporary dance hall opens its doors at this temporary event!

At the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, many of music's biggest names have performed, such as Elvis Presley, George Strait, Brooks & Dunn, Kenny Chesney, and many more. Indeed, The Rodeo boasts an impressive list of headlining performers that spans generations - most recently Ariana Grande and Beyonce were in attendance. In addition to the rodeo and concert, Houston Pride holds several special days to recognize various members of its community. These include Armed Forces Appreciation, Black Heritage Month, First Responders Week, Go Tejano!, and Special Needs awareness days.

Houston Museum of Natural Science

The Houston Museum of Natural Science is one of the city's most beloved attractions, and for good reason. This expansive facility boasts an array of exhibit halls and regularly hosts new special exhibitions that delve beyond traditional natural history topics. For instance, the 2020 Body Worlds show provided visitors with an unparalleled glimpse into human anatomy. Furthermore, Titanic artifacts were on display from the hero's maiden voyage - offering viewers a chance to examine pieces pulled from the sunken ship itself.

Many of HMNS' permanent exhibits are free to visit, but some require a ticket. You can get admission tickets for adults, seniors, students, and kids online or in person at HMNS. Save money on your trip by booking online in advance. Plus, purchase a CityPASS for just $35 and experience five of Houston's top attractions at reduced rates! The museum boasts four floors of permanent exhibit halls, a planetarium, a giant screen theater, and a butterfly center. Plus, there are rotating exhibitions that change regularly so that each visit to the museum offers something new. Visits to the museum typically last an hour or so, however, extended visits are possible if you wish to view multiple exhibitions, watch a movie in the theater and experience a planetarium show. It's best to arrive early as some of the displays can become busy.

To keep costs down, HMNS offers discounted tickets for students, seniors and military personnel. You may also purchase a pass that grants access to the permanent collection as well as discounted admission tickets to the planetarium, Cockrell Butterfly Center and giant screen theatre. Every Thursday, the Houston Museum of Natural Science (HMNS) offers free admission to their museum for everyone - making it a top attraction for families and school trips alike! The museum hosts a variety of special events, such as the HMNS Science Festival. It's an ideal location to spend a day with friends and family, offering plenty of engaging activities for both kids and adults.

Houston Zoo

The Houston Zoo is an amazing destination to view exotic animals up close. Situated in Hermann Park, they host hundreds of species from around the globe and provide educational activities for everyone to enjoy. Open 363 days a year (except Thanksgiving and Christmas), the Houston Zoo welcomes visitors year-round. The Houston Zoo is one of the city's top attractions. It features several features, such as a children's zoo, petting zoo and aquarium; plus there are restaurants and shops where visitors can purchase souvenirs for their collection. Train rides through the zoo are an excellent way to explore its various exhibits and get around quickly. To ensure you don't miss anything important, bring a map with you so that you can navigate your way around with ease.

This zoo is renowned for its Halloween events, which typically include temporary tattoos, pumpkin patches, and trick-or-treat stations set up throughout the grounds. One popular attraction at the zoo is its collection of large carnivores. Here you'll find lions, Malayan tigers, African wild dogs, American black bears, and other large creatures - some of which may be intimidating for first-time visitors. In their Reptile House, you can view a variety of reptiles and amphibians. These include prehistoric-looking lizards, vibrant frogs, and venomous snakes - including the reticulated python - one of the world's most dangerous snakes.

Spending the day at the zoo with your family can be an exciting adventure. They feature numerous attractions for everyone to enjoy, such as John P. McGovern Children's Zoo, a petting zoo, a playground and water play area, a carousel, and Carruth Natural Encounters Building. The Houston Zoo is a non-profit organization that fights to protect wildlife. They do this by providing meals, housing, and medical care for various animal species while supporting conservation projects around the world. A portion of every ticket sold, and membership fee goes towards these initiatives which help save animals in the wild.

 

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