List of museums in the Texas Gulf Coast facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

The Texas Gulf Coast is a super cool place with lots of interesting museums! These special places collect and take care of amazing objects. They show us things about history, art, science, and different cultures. You can see everything from old tools and dinosaur bones to beautiful paintings and space rockets! This list will help you discover some of the best museums along the Texas Gulf Coast.

Texas Gulf Coast Area
Awesome Museums to Explore
Museums That Are No Longer Open
See also
More Information
Images for kids

Texas Gulf Coast Area

The Texas Gulf Coast covers many counties where you can find these museums. These include Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Colorado, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Liberty, Matagorda, Montgomery, Orange, Walker, Waller, and Wharton County, Texas.

Awesome Museums to Explore

Austin and Brazoria Counties

Austin County Jailhouse Museum in Bellville: This old jailhouse is now a museum. It's a Texas Historic Landmark!
San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site in San Felipe: Visit the spot where Stephen F. Austin started his famous colony in 1823.
Alden B. Dow Office Museum in Lake Jackson: Learn about Alden B. Dow, who designed many buildings in Lake Jackson.
Alvin Historical Museum in Alvin: Discover the history of Alvin, Texas.
Ammon Underwood House in West Columbia: Explore this historic house from the 1830s.
Brazoria County Historical Museum in Angleton: This museum is in an old courthouse and shares the county's history.
Brazoria Historical Museum in Brazoria: See artifacts and learn about the area's past, including the Karankawa people.
Brazoria County Military Museum in Richwood: Housed in a restored 1897 courthouse, this museum focuses on military history.
Brazos Valley Railroad Society in Brazoria: Check out a cool HO scale model train layout and railroad museum.
Brazosport Center for the Arts & Sciences in Clute: This center has an art league, a theater, a natural science museum, and even a planetarium!
Brazosport Museum of Natural Science in Clute: See shells, fossils, dinosaur skeletons, and more. It's part of the Brazosport Center.
Columbia Historical Museum in West Columbia: Learn about the history of Columbia.
Freeport Historical Museum in Freeport: This museum has a Discovery Dome Planetarium and a Children's Museum.
Karpeles Manuscript Museum in Alvin: See original old documents and manuscripts.
Lake Jackson Historical Museum in Lake Jackson: Explore the history of Lake Jackson, from prehistoric times to the petrochemical industry.
Levi Jordan Plantation State Historic Site in Brazoria: This old plantation offers a glimpse into the past.
Surfside Beach Historical Museum in Surfside Beach: See replicas and artifacts from the Independence era.
Marguerite Rogers House Museum in Alvin: Another museum operated by the Alvin Museum Society.
Varner–Hogg Plantation State Historical Site in West Columbia: A historic plantation that is a Texas Historic Landmark.

Chambers and Fort Bend Counties

Agricultural Historical Museum in Winnie: See old tractors, farming equipment, and photos. Open by appointment.
Chambers County Museum at Wallisville in Wallisville: Learn about the history of Chambers County.
Barbers Hill / Mont Belvieu Museum in Mont Belvieu: Focuses on local history.
Baytown Historical Museum in Baytown: Discover the history of Baytown.
Wallisville Heritage Park and Museum in Wallisville: Another great spot to learn about the area's heritage.
Alley Log Cabin Museum in Columbus: This cabin was built by Abram Alley, one of Stephen F. Austin's original settlers.
Confederate Memorial Museum in Columbus: Built in 1883, this museum is a Texas Historic Landmark.
Heritage Society Museum of Weimar in Weimar: Located in the Old Hill Bank building.
Live Oak Art Center in Columbus: Features modern art.
Prairie Edge Museum in Eagle Lake: Explores the local culture of the area.
Mary Elizabeth Hopkins Santa Claus Museum in Columbus: A unique collection of Santa Claus items from 1913-1990.
Tate-Senftenberg-Brandon House in Columbus: A 19th-century house showing small-town life from long ago.
Art Museum TX in Katy and Sugar Land: A non-profit art museum established in 2020.
Black Cowboy Museum in Rosenberg: Learn about the history of Black cowboys.
Fort Bend Heritage Unlimited Museum in Kendleton: Focuses on the lives of African American settlers from 1865 to 1965.
Fort Bend Museum in Richmond: Includes the museum, historic cottages, and the 1883 Moore House.
The Old Foster Community Museum in Foster: Shares the local history of Foster.
George Ranch Historical Park in Richmond: A 20,000-acre working ranch with historic homes and costumed interpreters.
Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugarland in Sugar Land: Features exhibits on dinosaurs, space, and earth science.
Johnny Nelson Katy Heritage Museum in Katy: See farming equipment, old artifacts, and photos from Katy's pioneering past.
Katy Heritage Park in Katy: Operated by the Katy Heritage Society.
Katy Heritage Society Railroad Museum in Katy: All about railroads in Katy.
Katy Veterans Memorial Museum in Katy: Displays artifacts from every foreign conflict the United States has been in.
Rosenberg Railroad Museum in Rosenberg: Check out a railroad tower, old rail cars, and a model train layout.
Sugar Land Heritage Foundation in Sugar Land: Learn about the history of the sugar industry in Texas.

Galveston County

Ashton Villa in Galveston: A beautiful historic home built in 1859.
Bishop's Palace in Galveston: A grand house built in 1888, now a Texas Historic Landmark.
Bryan Museum in Galveston: Features works from J.P. Bryan's collection, a descendant of early settler Moses Austin.
Butler Longhorn Museum in League City: Learn about Texas Longhorn history through art, music, and artifacts.
Dickinson Historic Railroad Center in Dickinson: See railroad artifacts and memorabilia at the old depots.
Frank J. Brown Heritage Museum and Barn in Friendswood: A reconstructed Quaker home from the early 1900s.
Galveston Arts Center in Galveston: A non-profit center for art.
Galveston County Museum in Galveston: Explores the history of Galveston County.
Galveston Historic Seaport in Galveston: A historic seaport listed on the National Register.
Galveston Railroad Museum in Galveston: Full of railroad history, including old trains and exhibits about Hurricane Ike.
Galveston Naval Museum in Galveston: Home to the USS CAVALLA (a WWII Submarine) and the USS STEWART (a destroyer escort).
Michel B. Menard House in Galveston: An 1838 house operated by the Galveston Historical Foundation.
Moody Mansion in Galveston: A historic mansion that is a Texas Historic Landmark.
Moody Gardens in Galveston: A huge attraction with a Discovery Pyramid (science and space), a Rainforest Pyramid (animals and plants), and an Aquarium Pyramid.
Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig & Museum in Galveston: Learn about the history and technology of offshore oil and gas.
Old Kemah School Museum and Old Railroad Station Museum in Kemah: Two museums in one, showing local history.
Rosenberg Library Museum in Galveston: A historic library with a museum section.
Seawolf Park in Galveston: Includes the submarine USS Cavalla (SS-244) and the destroyer escort USS Stewart (DE-238).
Texas City Museum in Texas City: Learn about the history of Texas City.
Texas Seaport Museum in Galveston: Home to the three-masted ship Elissa.
West Bay Common School Children's Museum in League City: A museum managed by the League City Historical Society.

Harris County

1940 Air Terminal Museum in Houston: Located at William P. Hobby Airport, this museum celebrates aviation history.
American Cowboy Museum in Houston: Learn about the history of cowboys in America.
American Indian Genocide Museum in Houston: Focuses on the history of the genocide of American Indians.
Art Car Museum in Houston: See unique cars decorated as art!
Art League Houston in Houston: Features alternative art exhibitions.
Asia Society Texas Center in Houston: Explores Asian art and culture, with a gallery and sculpture garden.
Bay Area Museum in Seabrook: Exhibits include NASA items, Japanese artifacts, and information on the Karankawa Indians.
Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens in Houston: A beautiful historic home and gardens.
Baytown Historical Museum in Baytown: A Texas Historic Landmark focusing on local history.
Blaffer Art Museum in Houston: Part of the University of Houston, showing national and international art.
Buffalo Soldiers National Museum in Houston: Honors the history of the Buffalo Soldiers.
Children's Museum of Houston in Houston: A huge museum with interactive, bilingual exhibits for kids.
Contemporary Arts Museum Houston in Houston: Features modern art created in the last 40 years.
Czech Center Museum Houston in Houston: Preserves the culture, language, and arts of Bohemia, Moravia, Silesia, and Slovakia.
Cypress Top Historic Park Museum in Houston: Learn about local history here.
DiverseWorks in Houston: A non-profit that supports local artists.
Dunham Bible Museum in Houston: A museum dedicated to the Bible.
Health Museum in Houston: Also known as the John Philip McGovern Museum of Health & Medical Science.
Heritage Society Museum in Houston: Located in Sam Houston Park, with historic houses and local history exhibits.
Holocaust Museum Houston in Houston: Teaches about the Holocaust from 1941-1945.
Houston Bicycle Museum in Houston: Displays historic bicycles.
Houston Center for Contemporary Craft in Houston: Focuses on art made from fiber, metal, glass, clay, and wood.
Houston Center for Photography in Houston: Exhibits historic and modern photography.
Houston Fire Museum in Houston: Learn about the history of firefighting in Houston.
Houston Maritime Museum in Houston: Features ship models, navigation tools, and sea artifacts.
Houston Museum of African American Culture in Houston: Explores African American history and culture.
Houston Museum of Natural Science in Houston: A large museum covering natural history and science.
Houston Police Department Museum in Houston: See artifacts from the police department, like badges and uniforms.
Humble Museum in Humble: Exhibits on oil, cattle, lumber, and everyday life in Humble.
John C. Freeman Weather Museum in Houston: All about weather!
Center of Houston, JungJung Center of Houston in Houston: Features an art gallery.
Lawndale Art Center in Houston: A contemporary art space.
Lone Star Flight Museum in Houston: See historic aircraft and learn about the Texas Aviation Hall of Fame.
McKay Clinic Medical Museum in Humble: Original furniture and equipment from a 1938 medical clinic.
Menil Collection in Houston: Features 20th-century art.
MKT Depot in Katy: A historic railroad depot and caboose with railroad artifacts.
Michael E. DeBakey Library and Museum in Houston: Also known as the DeBakey Library and Museum of Baylor College of Medicine.
Museum of American Architecture and Decorative Arts in Houston: Part of Houston Baptist University.
Museum of Fine Arts, Houston in Houston: A huge collection of art spanning over 6,000 years from six continents.
Museum of Printing History in Houston: Also called The Printing Museum.
Museum of Southern History in Houston: Part of Houston Baptist University, showing life in the South in the mid-1800s.
National United States Armed Forces Museum in Houston: Also known as the Military Museum of Houston.
National Museum of Funeral History in Houston: Unique exhibits on caskets, funeral customs, and mourning rituals.
Pasadena Heritage Park & Museum in Pasadena: Focuses on local history.
Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts in Spring: Features changing art exhibits.
Pioneer Memorial Log House Museum in Houston: Located in Hermann Park, operated by the Daughters of the Republic of Texas.
The Printing Museum in Houston: Another name for the Museum of Printing History.
Rice University Art Gallery in Houston: An art gallery at Rice University.
Rienzi in Houston: A museum of European decorative arts.
Rothko Chapel in Houston: A special chapel with art by Mark Rothko.
Rutherford B. H. Yates Museum in Houston: Explores the history of the Freedmen's Town National Historic District.
San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site in La Porte: The site of a famous battle, listed on the National Register.
San Jacinto Museum of History in La Porte: Located at the San Jacinto Battleground.
Seismique in Houston: An immersive and interactive art museum.
Space Center Houston in Houston: The visitor's center for the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, where you can learn all about space!
Spring Historical Museum in Spring: Located in "Old Town Spring."
Station Museum of Contemporary Art in Houston: A contemporary art museum.
Strake Jesuit Art Museum in Houston: Part of Strake Jesuit College Preparatory.
Sylvan Beach Depot Museum and Library in La Porte: Operated by the La Porte Heritage Society.
Tomball Museum Center in Tomball: Operated by the Spring Creek County Historical Association.
USS Texas in La Porte: A historic battleship, part of the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site.

Liberty and Montgomery Counties

Sam Houston Regional Library and Research Center in Liberty: Features exhibits on South Texas history and two historic house museums.
City By the Sea Museum in Palacios: Learn about Camp Hulen, fishing, ships, agriculture, Hurricane Carla, and the Karankawa Indians.
Matagorda County Museum in Bay City: Located in Bay City's first post office, with historical artifacts.
Fernland Historical Park in Montgomery: A city park with early Texas frontier buildings.
Footprints in Courage Museum in Shenandoah: Located inside the Shenandoah Visitors Center.
Heritage Museum of Montgomery County, Texas in Conroe: This museum is kid-friendly and accessible for everyone.
Magnolia Depot Museum in Magnolia: Built in 1902, this old railroad depot is now a museum.
N.H. Davis Pioneer Complex and Museum in Montgomery: See a replica of the original Lone Star Flag and Republic of Texas seal.
Sam Houston Regional Library and Research Center in Liberty: This 110-acre complex has items related to Sam Houston and includes the home of former Texas Governor Price Daniel.
Texas Flag Park in Conroe: Also known as Lone Star Monument and Historical Flag Park.
The Woodlands Children's Museum in Woodlands: A museum specially designed for children.

Wharton County

20th Century Technology Museum in Wharton: Features a wide variety of technology from the 20th century.
Danish Heritage Museum of Danevang in Danevang: Exhibits show the daily lives of the Danish pioneers who settled Danevang.
Egypt Plantation Museum in Egypt: An old plantation house with displays on ranching, plantation life, and Texas history.
El Campo Museum of Natural History in El Campo: Started in 1978 by E. A. Weinheimer.
Wharton County Historical Museum in Wharton: Explores the history, culture, and traditions of Wharton County.

Museums That Are No Longer Open

Some museums in the area have closed their doors:

Byzantine Fresco Chapel Museum, Houston (closed in 2012)
Forbidden Gardens, Katy (closed in 2011)
Geraldine D. Humphreys Museum, Liberty (closed in 1984)
Gulf Coast Archive and Museum, Houston (the museum part is closed, but the archive is still open by appointment)
Samuel May Williams House, Galveston (closed in 2007)
Tate-Senftenberg-Brandon House, Columbus (closed in 2006)

More Information

Texas Association of Museums
Historic House Museums in Texas

Images for kids

20th Century Technology Museum
Commemorative obelisk at San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site
Ammon Underwood House
Brazoria County Historical Museum
Varner–Hogg Plantation State Historical Site
Baytown Historical Museum
1883 Confederate Memorial Museum
Tate-Senftenberg-Brandon House
Old Foster Community Museum
Rosenberg Railroad Museum
Ashton Villa
Bishop's Residence Galveston TX
Bryan Museum
A Case Corporation tractor at the Galveston Railroad Museum
Home of Michael Branamour Menard
The William Lewis Moody Home
Seahorse at Moody Gardens aquarium
Derrick of Ocean Star Offshore Oil Rig & Museum
Seawolf Park
Elissa in full sail
1940 Air Terminal Museum
Children's Museum of Houston
Houston Bicycle Museum
Lawndale Art Center
San Jacinto Battlefield Monument
Apollo 11 Command Module at Space Center Houston
USS Texas
Magnolia Depot

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List of museums in the Texas Gulf Coast Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.