Museum of Fine Arts
Houston, TX
Tel: (713)-639-7300
Make an early start to this wonderful museum because there is so much to take in. Marvel to the works of the masters, then take in the sculptures from many cultures. The splendid decorative arts collection houses many examples of textiles and costumes. Throughout the year visitors can enjoy a variety of lectures that explain the various exhibits and collections in depth. The Museum also presents a fine series of films each year. www.mfah.org

Menil Collection
1515 Sul Ross
Houston, TX
Tel:(713)-525-9400
The museum was established in 1987 by John and Dominique de Menil as a showpiece for their fine art collection, an eclectic mix including tribal cultures and the Byzantine era, Warhol and Matisse. In addition to the permanent collection, special exhibits are staged every year. Also at this location are the Cy Twombly Gallery, the Byzantine Fresco Chapel and the Rothko Chapel. Complete your visit by dropping by the bookstore for souvenirs of this fine museum. www.menil.org

Holocaust Museum
5401 Caroline
Houston, TX
Tel:(713)-789-9898
A recent construction, the Holocaust Museum presents a stirring visual and audio account of the Jewish Holocaust. Through the stories of various people who survived this horrendous period, visitors will be touched, changed and educated by their experiences.

Houston Museum of Natural Science
One Hermann Circle Dr.,
Houston, TX 77030
Tel: (713)-639-4600 or (713)-639-IMAX
It's hard to know where to start first at this museum but a truly unique experience can be found at the Cockrell Butterfly Center. There, you will find over 1500 live butterflies from around the world in an indoor rainforest setting. The Burke Baker Planetarium is a world of wonder for everyone fascinated by astronomy. Weekend nights feature laser lights shows accompanied by various musical selections. The Observatory is world-famous, as well as an outstanding exhibition of dinosaur fossils and bones. Settle down in the Wortham IMAX theatre and enjoy the huge six-story screen. www.amns.org

Admiral Nimitz Museum
340 East Main Street
Fredricksburg, TX 78624
Tel: (830)-997-4379
Not too far from Houston, the Admiral Nimitz Museum presents the story of Adm. Chester W. Nimitz and World War II in the Pacific. Uniformed history interpreters relate stories of World War II and present artifacts from the war. The indoor area houses quite a few exhibitions but the 7-acre site has outdoor displays too. Allied and Japanese aircraft, tanks and a working flame-thrower are just a few. The Nimitz Museum is truly a unique and educational experience for the whole family.