Texas has a certain reputation when it comes to its culture. Cowboy hats, Tex-mex cuisine, and country music are the first things that come to mind for most people. While those things are great, the contributions of cities like Houston go much deeper than it may seem. From art and science, to globally significant accomplishments, the impact of the largest city in Texas is written deeply into American history. Should you happen across a cheap, last-minute flight to Houston, it might be a good time to take a trip to find out for yourself. And we’ve got just the places for you to go to get the full story of Houston. Here are our picks for the best places in Houston to learn about the city's cultural significance.
NASA’s Space Center
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The line “Houston, we have a problem” is one of the most recognizable in American culture, and for good reason. It was at NASA’s Space Center that the Apollo moon landings were orchestrated, giving the city its moniker as “Space City.” The Apollo missions were one of the biggest world contributions to come out of Houston, so a visit to the Space Center is crucial if you are to understand the city’s cultural significance. Here you can learn from interactive exhibits, see spacecraft on display, and even get a look at NASA’s mission control room. Take a tram tour around the facility to get the full experience.
Museums Galore
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There are currently 21 museums to visit in Houston’s museum district, with half of them being free to enter. There’s the Houston Museum of Natural Science, which has 4 floors of exhibits spanning from archeological displays to paleontological ones. The Holocaust Museum in Houston commemorates and remembers the horrors of World War 2 with archival footage, photographs, and stories of survivors. The Museum of Fine Arts Houston houses over 65,000 pieces collected from cultures all over the world, and is considered by many to be the highlight of the whole museum district. Regardless of your personal interests, you're sure to find a museum that suits you!
Vibrant Street Art
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Houston’s streets are filled with art to be enjoyed, from sanctioned and commission pieces, to graffitied walls and buildings. Anywhere you go, you are likely to find something to admire, but the highest concentration is around Graffiti Park in Central Houston. The city has been inviting artists to add to the city's massive collection for years, and the result is a bright and colorful city where there is always something more to see. The art you see all over town speaks to the creative spirit of the people who live here, and the impact that they have had on the art world can not be overstated.
San Jacinto Monument and Museum
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The towering San Jacinto Monument honors an important battle during the Texas Revolution in 1836, one that was crucial to Texas gaining independence from Mexico. Slightly taller than the Washington monument in DC, it is the world's tallest masonry column and highest war monument. Atop the tower sits a lone star, the symbol of Texas, which is 34 feet in length. This magnificent structure is a testament to Texas’ influence during colonial days. During a visit, you can ride the lift to the observation deck up top to get stunning views of the Houston skyline. Afterwards, explore the museum at the base to learn about how the events of that battle affected American history for decades to come.
Sprawling Theater District
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Performing arts might not be the first thing you think of when talking about Houston’s culture, but their theater district is one of the biggest in the country, nearly rivaling New York City. The district boasts resident companies in ballet, opera, symphony, and theater productions, something only five cities in America can say that they have. The area spans 17 blocks and is home to several performing arts organizations that perform at Jones Hall, Wortham Theater Center, Alley Theatre, and Hobby Center for the Performing Arts. If you want to get the full experience of Houston’s culture, it'll be worth it to stop by and see a show!
