Houston Museum of Fine Arts Tours

Photo provided by Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau (photographer: Hugh Hargrave)
Houston Museum of Fine Arts which includes art, interior views and heritage elements
Houston Museum of Fine Arts which includes signage, heritage architecture and an administrative buidling
Houston Museum of Fine Arts
Houston Museum of Fine Arts


Architecturally stunning and filled with pieces by renowned artists of the world, this museum is a must-see for art lovers.

The Houston Museum of Fine Arts houses more than 62,000 works of art covering almost every continent, and time periods from antiquity to present day. There are pieces from masters such as John Singer Sargent and Henri Matisse, to modern Scandinavian artists. Located in multiple buildings in the downtown Museum District, this is the largest cultural institution in the southwest.

Before heading inside, take time to admire the majestic architecture. There are several buildings on campus, including the original neoclassical style building finished in 1926. Renowned architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe designed two glass-enclosed galleries, built in 1958 and 1974 respectively.

Meander through the sculpture garden, designed by famed Japanese-American artist and landscape architect Isamu Noguchi. It houses sculptures by some of the world’s greats, including Matisse and Auguste Rodin.

A tunnel links the original cluster of buildings to the modern Audrey Jones Beck building, finished in 2000. This is the main entrance and the best place to start browsing. You’ll find the museum’s collection of American paintings and sculpture as well as European masterpieces. Don’t miss Claude Monet’s incredible Water Lilies painting, a piece from the impressionist’s priceless series, many of which are housed in galleries in Paris.

Back through the tunnel in the original cluster of buildings are 20th- and 21st-century exhibits, as well as the Museum’s South American, Asian and African collections. There are many impressive gold relics, sculptures and intricate carvings these are some of the largest collections of their kind in the world. Break your visit with lunch from one of a number of food trucks that stop in the parking lot daily, or a bite from the museum café.

While the museum’s own collection is huge, it attracts many international exhibitions, such as a Picasso series straight from New York’s Guggenheim Museum and Portraits of Spain: Masterpieces from the Prado. Check the Houston Museum of Fine Arts website before a visit to find a list of current exhibits.

There are two off-site galleries: The Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens and the Rienzi House, both about five miles (eight kilometers) from the main campus. They house American and European decorative arts pieces and paintings from the museum’s main collection.

The Houston Museum of Fine Arts is located in the downtown Museum District, and free parking is available. It’s open Tuesdays through Sunday, and entry is free every Thursday.

Plan a trip to see Houston Museum of Fine Arts

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La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Houston East at Normandy
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Comfort Suites Houston West at Clay Road

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Best Lodging Options Near Houston Museum of Fine Arts

Hotel Zaza Houston Museum District

Hotel Zaza Houston Museum District

4.5 out of 5
5701 Main Street, Houston, TX
Hotel Zaza Houston Museum District
The Whitehall Houston

The Whitehall Houston

4 out of 5
1700 Smith St, Houston, TX
The Whitehall Houston
Hilton Houston Plaza/Medical Center

Hilton Houston Plaza/Medical Center

4.5 out of 5
6633 Travis St, Houston, TX
Hilton Houston Plaza/Medical Center
Holiday Inn Houston Downtown by IHG

Holiday Inn Houston Downtown by IHG

3 out of 5
1616 Main St, Houston, TX
Holiday Inn Houston Downtown by IHG
Blossom Hotel Houston

Blossom Hotel Houston

4 out of 5
7118 Bertner Ave, Houston, TX
Blossom Hotel Houston
Hotel Saint Augustine

Hotel Saint Augustine

3.5 out of 5
4110 Loretto Drive, Houston, TX
Hotel Saint Augustine
The Westin Houston Medical Center/Museum District

The Westin Houston Medical Center/Museum District

4 out of 5
1709 DRYDEN ROAD, Houston, TX
The Westin Houston Medical Center/Museum District
Crowne Plaza Houston Med Ctr-Galleria Area by IHG

Crowne Plaza Houston Med Ctr-Galleria Area by IHG

3.5 out of 5
2712 Southwest Fwy, Houston, TX
Crowne Plaza Houston Med Ctr-Galleria Area by IHG
Club Quarters Hotel Downtown, Houston

Club Quarters Hotel Downtown, Houston

4 out of 5
1085 Rusk Street, Houston, TX
Club Quarters Hotel Downtown, Houston
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Houston Museum of Fine Arts

The Houston Museum of Fine Arts offers a rich array of activities and attractions, including museum hopping, engaging art exhibits, and visits to nearby art museums. Beyond the museum, visitors can enjoy sports, theater performances, and live music, making it a vibrant cultural hub. Whether you're exploring the art scene or enjoying local entertainment, there's something for everyone to experience in this dynamic city.

Food and drinks

Enjoy craft beers and a lively atmosphere at Saint Arnold Brewing Company, located 4 miles from the Houston Museum of Fine Arts. For more local brews, visit Karbach Brewing, situated 7 miles away, offering a delightful experience for food and drink lovers.

Shopping

The nearest shopping option is River Oaks District, just 4 miles away, offering a variety of upscale boutiques and dining. If you're up for a drive, head to Memorial City Mall, 10 miles away, or CityCentre, located 11 miles away, both featuring family-friendly entertainment and shopping experiences.

Recreation

NRG Stadium, 3 miles from the museum, offers a vibrant sports atmosphere perfect for energizing your visit. The River Oaks Country Club, also 3 miles away, provides a luxurious retreat for relaxation. Memorial Park Municipal Golf Course, 4 miles from the museum, invites outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy scenic golfing.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of the Houston Grand Prix, a motor racing venue located 14 miles from the museum. For a family-friendly adventure, head to Traders Village, 17 miles away, where you can enjoy outdoor activities. Alternatively, try iFLY Indoor Skydiving, just 9 miles away for an exhilarating indoor skydiving experience.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near the Houston Museum of Fine Arts with a visit to Bayou Music Center, just 3 miles away, offering a mix of culture and romance. For a lively atmosphere, check out Bayou Place nightclub, also 3 miles away, perfect for entertainment and city vibes.

Find the best attractions near Houston Museum of Fine Arts

While visiting the Houston Museum of Fine Arts, explore the vibrant Museum District, encompassing diverse cultural attractions. Nearby, you can enjoy the Houston Zoo for family-friendly fun or attend events at local conference venues. The area's urban parks provide a refreshing escape, perfect for a leisurely stroll. Don't miss the chance to immerse yourself in fine arts and the rich cultural experiences that Houston has to offer.

  • Rice University: A picturesque campus just 0.7 miles from the museum, Rice University offers a blend of modern architecture and lush green spaces. Stroll through its beautiful grounds, attend a cultural event, or explore the art installations scattered throughout the campus.
  • George R. Brown Convention Center: Located 3 miles away, this bustling venue hosts a variety of events and conferences. Discover a vibrant atmosphere filled with business energy, and enjoy nearby dining and entertainment options that cater to professionals and visitors alike.
  • University of Houston: Also 3 miles from the museum, this historic university boasts a rich cultural heritage. Explore its art galleries, theaters, and museums that showcase student and faculty talent, making it a captivating stop for art enthusiasts.

Best time to go to Houston Museum of Fine Arts

Visitor numbers around Houston Museum of Fine Arts is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Houston Museum of Fine Arts can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Houston Museum of Fine Arts falls in August, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Houston Museum of Fine Arts falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January54.1°F (12.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
February57.0°F (13.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
March63.9°F (17.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
April69.6°F (20.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
May76.6°F (24.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June82.8°F (28.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
July84.2°F (29.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August84.9°F (29.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September80.6°F (27.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
October72.7°F (22.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
November62.8°F (17.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
December57.4°F (14.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Houston Museum of Fine Arts

To save money on your visit to the Houston Museum of Fine Arts, consider exploring nearby free attractions like the University of Houston, Discovery Green, and Hermann Park. Plan your trip between October and December for lower hotel rates, and use Expedia to find budget-friendly accommodations by sorting prices from lowest to highest. Combine your hotel, flights, and activities in an Expedia package for extra savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership gives you access to exclusive discounts and the chance to earn OneKeyCash for future stays, ensuring a more affordable travel experience.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Houston Museum of Fine Arts are October to December, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to March to May, where prices are slightly higher.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange the results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to find the most affordable hotels right away. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay near the Houston Museum of Fine Arts with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.