Always Free
The Menil Collection--a local treasure, global destination and one of the top free attractions in Houston--opened to the public in June 1987 to house the art collection of philanthropists John and Dominique de Menil. Widely considered one of the greatest of the twentieth century, the collection consists of more than 16,000 works dating from the Paleolithic era to the present day.
Rothko Chapel is a serene place to meditate in the middle of Houston's Museum District near The Menil Collection. Founded by John and Dominque de Menil (of Menil Collection fame), Rothko is a non-denominational chapel and exhibit space for modern art that draws thousands of visitors each year.
Dubbed the Garage Mahal, the Art Car Museum is unlike anything you've ever imagined. It's the only place you'll find the antennae and wing-cloaked Roachster or the Honda motorcycle that has been transformed into a shiny red rolling stiletto art car.
Houston's Contemporary Arts Museum focuses on showing new work from national and international artists. In addition to hosting exhibits, the CAMH also offers lectures, special programs and a stellar shop chock-full of unique books and gifts.
Open and free to the public, the Moody Center for the Arts is dedicated to trans-disciplinary collaboration in the arts, sciences and humanities, and establishes a new arts district on the campus as it stands close by the distinguished Shepherd School of Music and the permanent James Turrell Twilight Epiphany Skyspace.
See the work of local and national artists who focus on using materials like fiber, metal, glass, clay and wood at the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft. Located next door to Lawndale Art Center, the HCCC has innovative exhibits and unique gifts in the Asher Gallery. Admission is always free.
Located in the Museum District, the Lawndale Art Center is a staple of Houston's art scene. Four galleries are contained in the art deco structure, which serves as a backdrop for annually changing exhibits and events like Dia de los Muertos and The Big Show.
Set in a former auto shop, Midtown's Station Museum is a private organization dedicated to thought-provoking contemporary art displays. The museum does not feature a permanent collection, but does offer three-to-four changing shows each year.
Set in Houston's Third Ward, Project Row Houses is a nonprofit art initiative aimed at creating a positive place for local artists to work. Some of the shotgun-style houses are dedicated to art and photography, while others are devoted to the literary and performing arts.
Blaffer Art Museum, the University of Houston's laboratory for the visual arts and contemporary culture, focuses on the art of the past 100 years and its artistic, cultural and intellectual antecedents. Following a facility expansion in 1999, the museum now presents and/or originates between six to eight exhibitions annually.
Houston Center for Photography is one of only a handful of non-profit spaces around the country that is committed to showing great new photography. HCP has shown work from some of the greatest photographers of the twentieth century, in addition to the work of many emerging photographers who have gone on to great artistic success.
Houston Center for Contemporary Craft is a nonprofit arts organization founded to advance education about the process, product and history of craft. HCCC’s major emphasis is on objects of art made primarily from craft materials: clay, fiber, glass, metal, wood or found/recycled materials.
Asia Society Texas Center
Sometimes Free
Monday
Czech Center Museum Houston: Last Monday of the month 12pm-4pm
Tuesday
Houston Zoo: Free the first Tuesday of the month after 12pm (September through May only)
Thursday
Buffalo Soldiers National Museum: Free Thursday 1 - 5 pm
Children's Museum of Houston: Free Thursday 5 - 8 pm *reopens June 2021
The Health Museum: Free Thursday 2 - 7 pm
The Holocaust Museum Houston: Free Thurday 2 - 5 pm
Houston Museum of Natural Science: Free Thursday 2 - 5 pm
Museum of Fine Arts, Houston: Free Thursday 10 am - 9 pm
The Houston Museum of African American Culture: Free Thursday 6 - 8pm
