Houston Museum of Natural Science
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Direct Entry Attraction

Houston Museum of Natural Science

At a glance

Ticket type

E-ticket / Mobile

Confirmation

Instant

Accessibility

Wheelchair friendly

Suitable for

All ages

Ticket Options

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Cockrell Butterfly Center Ticket

Non-refundable
Adult
SGD 19.04

Houston Museum of Natural Science General Admission Permanent Exhibits

Non-refundable
Adult -10%
SGD 31.70 SGD 28.60
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About Houston Museum of Natural Science

Immerse yourself in a living rainforest at the Cockrell Butterfly Center, where hundreds of free-flying butterflies grace a lush 50-foot waterfall greenhouse. This enchanting experience, included in your Houston Museum of Natural Science visit, offers a magical escape into the vibrant world of Lepidoptera right in the heart of Hermann Park.

Local Legends & Stories

The Cockrell Butterfly Center has been a beloved Houston landmark since 1998, symbolizing the city's commitment to nature conservation and environmental education in the heart of Hermann Park.

Must Do Experiences

  • Walk beneath the towering 50-foot rainforest waterfall surrounded by fluttering butterflies

  • Explore the Brown Entomology Exhibition Hall and discover fascinating insect collections

  • Participate in interactive games and quizzes throughout the exhibit areas

  • Watch butterflies emerge from chrysalises in the pupae viewing gallery

Hidden Gems

  • Visit early morning when butterflies are most active and the lighting is perfect for photography

  • The behind-the-scenes butterfly breeding area offers rare glimpses of the lifecycle up close

  • Look for the hidden butterfly feeding stations where you can observe nectar-feeding behavior

What Makes it Special

  • One of the finest butterfly conservatories in the United States with over 1,000 specimens

  • Authentic rainforest ecosystem recreated with living plants, streams, and misting systems

  • Combines education with wonder through hands-on interactive learning experiences

Available Facilities

Gift shop café restrooms wheelchair accessibility audio guides picnic areas parking

Perfect Timing

When to visit for the best experience

Weekday mornings offer the smallest crowds and most active butterflies. The center is open year-round, but spring and summer provide the most vibrant butterfly displays.

Photography Guide

Capture the perfect shots

  • Use natural light without flash to capture butterflies in their element

  • Focus on the contrast between colorful wings and the lush green backdrop

  • The waterfall area provides dramatic compositions with mist and light

Cultural Etiquette

Respect local customs and traditions

Houston residents take great pride in this world-class natural science attraction. Respect the quiet, contemplative atmosphere as visitors seek to connect with nature. The center promotes environmental awareness central to Texas conservation culture.

Special Events & Experiences

Enhanced experiences and seasonal highlights

  • Seasonal butterfly releases during spring and summer months

  • Educational workshops on butterfly conservation and lifecycle

  • Special evening programs during Houston Museum District events

Important Guidelines & Safety

Essential safety information and guidelines

  • Stay on designated pathways to protect both visitors and delicate ecosystems

  • Watch for wet surfaces near the waterfall area

  • Keep voices low to maintain the serene environment for all guests

Visitor Information

Entry Fee

Your ticket includes admission to the Cockrell Butterfly Center as part of the Houston Museum of Natural Science experience. General museum admission applies for other exhibits.

Visit Duration

Plan 2-3 hours to fully enjoy the butterfly center and explore the museum's other highlights. The rainforest greenhouse alone typically takes 60-90 minutes to appreciate thoroughly.

Accessibility

The Cockrell Butterfly Center is fully wheelchair accessible with ramps and elevators throughout. Assistive listening devices and large-print materials are available upon request.

Overview

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Houston Museum of Natural Science gallery
Houston Museum of Natural Science gallery
Houston Museum of Natural Science gallery
Houston Museum of Natural Science gallery

Important Information

Opening Hours

Open from 05/27-08/10, Mon, Wed-Sun, 9:00am-6:00pm<br>Open from 06/03-12/31, Tue, 5:00pm-8:00pm<br>Open from 08/11-12/31, Mon, Wed-Thu, 9:00am-5:00pm<br>Open from 08/11-12/31, Fri-Sun, 9:00am-6:00pm

What's Included

  • Cockrell Butterfly Center TicketIndividualExplore the rainforest greenhouse with a 50-foot waterfallVisit the Brown Entomology Exhibition Hall and its exhibitsInteractive games and quizzes

Not Included

  • Admission ticket to other sections of the Houston Museum of Natural Science
  • Journey of Discovery
1

Select your preferred date and ticket type, then add to cart.

2

Complete secure payment at checkout.

3

Receive instant e-ticket confirmation via email.

4

Show your mobile or printed voucher at the venue.

Please present your Cockrell Butterfly Center confirmation at the Houston Museum of Natural Science ticket counter. You must exchange your smartphone promo code for a paper admission ticket at the ticket counter.
Last admission: 1 hour before closing
Free for children under 3 Ticket pick-up location Houston Museum of Natural Science 5555 Hermann Park Dr, TX, 77030, Houston Ticket pick-up time 10:00~16:00(Last admission: 1 hour before closing) Location of use and Time of use are the same as Ticket pick-up location and Ticket pick-up time

Location

5555 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030, United States

Frequently Asked Questions

Guests typically spend about three to four hours exploring the main exhibition halls and permanent galleries. Allocating a half-day allows ample time to fully experience the extensive dinosaur fossils and gem collections.
The museum provides a comprehensive educational experience with permanent exhibits featuring dinosaur fossils, ancient Egyptian artifacts, and a gem vault. Visitors of all ages engage with the interactive displays and immersive environments throughout the galleries.
Guests are welcome to bring sealed water bottles into the museum to stay hydrated during their visit. Food and open beverages are restricted to designated dining areas to protect the exhibits.
Visitors can explore dinosaur skeletons, walk through the indoor butterfly conservatory, and view the Hall of Gems and Minerals. The facility also features a planetarium and giant screen theater for educational presentations.
Visitors may bring small backpacks into the museum, though they may be subject to security screening upon entry. Large bags and luggage are not permitted in the exhibition galleries to ensure the safety of the artifacts and other guests.
General admission includes access to all permanent exhibits such as the Cockrell Butterfly Center, Hall of Africa, Hall of Ancient Egypt, Wiess Energy Hall, and the Morian Hall of Paleontology with thenmuseum's renowned dinosaur collection.
Most visitors spend 2 to 3 hours exploring the permanent exhibits, though dedicated visitors or those attending special events may spend 4 hours or more depending on interest and crowd levels.
Yes, the museum is fully wheelchair accessible with elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms; wheelchairs and mobility scooters are available for rent on a first-come, first-served basis at the admissions desk.
METRO Bus Line 80 and METRORAail light rail (East Transit Corridor line) both serve the museum district; the nearest rail station is the Hermann Park / Rice Height stop about a 10-minute walk away.
Children under age 3 enter for free; the Cockrell Butterfly Center and the Wiess Energy Hall include hands-on interactive zones particularly suited for younger visitors, and the museum offers daily STEM-oriented activities for kids.
Weekday mornings (especially Tuesday through Thursday, shortly after opening at 9 am) tend to be the least crowded, while weekends and school holidays are typically busiest between 11 am and 3 pm.
Prohibited items include weapons, outside food and drink (except water in sealed bottles), large backpacks or luggage (larger than 12x15x18 inches), tripods, self sticks, and any items that could damage exhibits or endanger visitors.
General admission tickets are valid for same-day entry only; once scanned, they allow unlimited re-entry within the same calendar day with a hand-stamp validation at exit.
Complimentary general admission tours are offered daily at 11 am and 2 pm (subject to change), lasting approximately 45 minutes; reservations are not required, and guides meet near the main admission desk.
Photography for personal, non-commercial use is allowed without flash or tripods; commercial photography and drones require prior written permission from the museum's communications office.

About Houston Museum of Natural Science

Weekday mornings offer the smallest crowds and most active butterflies. The center is open year-round, but spring and summer provide the most vibrant butterfly displays.
Plan 2-3 hours to fully enjoy the butterfly center and explore the museum's other highlights. The rainforest greenhouse alone typically takes 60-90 minutes to appreciate thoroughly.
The Houston Museum of Natural Science (HoustonMuseumofNaturalScience) is the largest museum in Houston. It is located in the northeast corner of Herman Park, next to the bronze statue of SamHouston and the fountain at the intersection of Main Street and Montrose. The themes of the museum shine, such as the Tsar's treasure and Afghan gold, where dinosaurs, fossils, jewelry, minerals, chemicals and tactile samples are permanent exhibits. The "Cockrell Butterfly Center" inside is a three-story circular building. Here, you can see thousands of live specimens of butterflies.
Your ticket includes admission to the Cockrell Butterfly Center as part of the Houston Museum of Natural Science experience. General museum admission applies for other exhibits.
The Cockrell Butterfly Center is fully wheelchair accessible with ramps and elevators throughout. Assistive listening devices and large-print materials are available upon request.
Stay on designated pathways to protect both visitors and delicate ecosystems
Watch for wet surfaces near the waterfall area
Keep voices low to maintain the serene environment for all guests
Houston residents take great pride in this world-class natural science attraction. Respect the quiet, contemplative atmosphere as visitors seek to connect with nature. The center promotes environmental awareness central to Texas conservation culture.
Use natural light without flash to capture butterflies in their element
Focus on the contrast between colorful wings and the lush green backdrop
The waterfall area provides dramatic compositions with mist and light
Gift shop, café, restrooms, wheelchair accessibility, audio guides, picnic areas, parking

General Questions

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If an activity is cancelled by the operator due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances, you will typically receive a full refund or be offered an alternative date.
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