Updated March 2025
WRITTEN BY ROSEMARY AKPAN
Who doesn't love free activities in the city?
Well, Houston has plenty. If you’re looking for something calm yet stimulating to do, take a stroll through the finest museums and galleries that Houston has to offer, all at no cost.
Photo via Lawndale Art Center
4912 Main Street - Museum District
Have you gotten the chance to explore Lawndale's multidisciplinary contemporary art space? Well, you're in luck because this art center offers free admission to its galleries, open Wednesday through Saturday from 11am to 5pm. The center, which began as a gallery for University of Houston graduate students, has evolved into a vibrant hub for artistic expression, offering diverse exhibitions, an Artist Studio Program, and collaborations with various institutions.
Photo via Brave Architecture
1200 Travis St. - Downtown
The Houston Police Department Museum, located in the HPD headquarters lobby, showcases the department's history through unique displays. Exhibits include a memorial wall honoring fallen officers, artifacts from specialized units, and historical equipment. The museum offers free admission and self-guided tours and is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 7pm, and weekends from 10am to 5pm.
Photo via Children's Museum
1500 Binz St. - Museum District
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure at the Children's Museum of Houston's Free Family Night Thursday! Every Thursday from 5 to 8 pm, the museum opens its doors for free, offering an extended exploration of wonder and discovery. Tickets drop 48 hours before each Thursday, grab yours before they're all gone!
Photo via Instagram/MFAH
1001 Bissonnet St. - Museum District
Explore beautiful paintings and artifacts at Houston’s Museums of Fine Arts. Military people and children 12 and under receive general admission any day of the week. However, on Thursdays, the museum allows all guests to enjoy MFAH's Permanent Collections for free, courtesy of Shell Oil Company. Ticketed exhibitions are excluded from the free experience.
Photo via Facebook/Buffalo Soldier National Museum
3816 Caroline St. - Midtown
Dedicated to highlighting the history and achievements of African American soldiers in the US military, the historical Buffalo Soldier National Museum welcomes visitors to explore for free on Thursdays from 1-5 pm.
Photo via Houston Center for Photography
1441 West Alabama - Museum District
Enjoy captured moments at the Houston Center for Photography. Galleries at the center are always free and open to the public. So drop in anytime!
Photo via The Menil Collection
1533 Sul Ross St. - Montrose
Another space with free admission is The Menil Collection. The artwork and objects at Menil were gathered and founded by John and Dominique de Menil. They created this museum to deepen visitors' relationship with artists while augmenting their holdings in a way that represents the sensibilities of the museum's collection and mission. Secure your free-timed entry by reserving a ticket on their site!
Photo via Instagram/The Holocaust Museum Houston
5401 Caroline St. - Museum District
As the fourth largest holocaust museum in the US, Houston’s Holocaust Museum welcomes all to explore and learn for free on Thursdays from 2-8 pm. The museum is also free for people 18 and younger and for those visiting on International Holocaust Remembrance Day (January 27), Yom HaShoah (April 18), Walter Kase Free Admission Day (May 5), Stefi Altman Free Admission Day (May 14), Veteran’s Day for active service members and veterans ( November 11), and Human Rights Day (December 10).
Photo via Instagram/The Museum of Natural Science
5555 Hermann Park Dr. - Museum District
The Museum of Natural Science offers free admission on Tuesdays from 5-8pm to permanent exhibitions like Cullen Hall of Gems and Minerals, Frensley/Graham Hall of African Wildlife, Hamman Hall of Texas Coastal Ecology, and more. Tickets are first-come, first-serve so don’t delay.
Photo via Czech Center Museum
4920 San Jacinto St. - Museum District
Immerse yourself in the rich cultural abundance of the Slavic people and their history at the Czech Center Museum. The general public is welcome to explore for free on Thursdays from 2 pm - 4 pm (the last entry is at 3:30 pm). Free entry for students is on the second Saturday of each month with proof of ID.
Photo via Contemporary Arts Museum
5216 Montrose Blvd. - Museum District
For 70 years, the Contemporary Arts Museum has kept a tradition of showcasing art that inspires and shapes today's art world. They continue the traditions of free admission with the help and generosity of their members and donors.
Photo via Houston Museum of African American Culture
4807 Caroline St. - Museum District
Not only does the Museum of African American Culture engage visitors through art and history, but they also draw in a community with timely topics that allow visitors with a youthful spirit to understand and define the community's future as a nation. General admission is free for all and donations are highly welcomed.
Photo via Houston Center for Contemporary Craft
4848 Main St. - Museum District
As a treasured resource in the Houston arts community and region, the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft highlights a diversity of artists and concepts that introduce art lovers of all ages to contemporary craft. Pop into the center to enjoy the amazing craftsmanship for free.
Photo via The Health Museum
1515 Hermann Dr. - Museum District
Discover the wonders of health and science at The Health Museum Houston during Free Family Thursday, where admission is complimentary from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Bring the whole family to explore interactive exhibits and engaging activities that make learning fun and accessible for everyone.
Photo via Asia Society Texas
1370 Southmore Blvd. - Museum District
Looking for a cultural adventure without spending a dime? Visit Asia Society Texas on Thursdays from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. for free exhibition admission, courtesy of Regions Bank.
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