The Houston Museum of Natural Science Online Ticket Sales

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Event/Item Event Scheduled  
Archaeopteryx: Icon of Evolution

Most scientists believe that birds evolved from small therapod dinosaurs. The key step was the development of feathers, turning animals that could walk or climb into ones that could fly. The first fossil discovered with feathers was found in 1861, just two years before Charles Darwin published his theory of evolution. This fossil is known as archaeopteryx and is the earliest bird known to Science. Archaeopteryx, which lived over 150 million years ago, is a classic example of an evolutionary link between two groups of animals. As of today, there are only seven known specimens of archaeopteryx. This premier exhibition will present some of the finest known fossils from the late Jurassic period showing life at the time of these first birds. Fossils from the world renowned quarries of Solenhofen, Germany will be featured. Organized by the Houston Museum of Natural Science.

 

 4/23/2010 – 9/6/2010 Select
Fabergé: Imperial Jeweler to the Tsars


Member ticket price is only $10.
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Discover the spectacular designs of Carl Fabergé, a master goldsmith and legendary jeweler who is still celebrated for his inventive design and meticulous craftsmanship. Perhaps best known for the Imperial Easter Eggs created for the Russian Royal family, the House of Fabergé also fashioned jewelry and luxurious gifts for many ruling families of Europe as well as other wealthy patrons.

 

Marvel at exquisite objects produced by the Fabergé workshop at its peak, including personal gifts to the Tsar and Tsarina, an extravagant tiara, magnificent "fire-screen" picture frame, and the famed Nobel Ice Egg, a stunning piece that is one of the few Imperial-styled eggs in private hands. From elegantly simple to breathtakingly ornate, the jewelry, clocks, picture frames, boxes and eggs in this collection were thoughtfully selected to exemplify extraordinary materials and workmanship.

 3/17/2010 – 7/25/2010 Select
Magic


Member ticket price is only $15.
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Magic—illusory feats of wonder that dazzle the eye and confound expectations—has fascinated humanity for centuries. Mesmerized by the masters of illusion who perform this mysterious craft, we’re drawn to the spectacle, curious to discover "How did he do that?"

 

Though their methods are enshrouded in secrecy, magicians combine the art of performance with a variety of scientific disciplines, including math, physics and psychology, to create their dazzling effects and fascinating illusions.

 

With a touch of hocus-pocus and a dash of abracadabra, the Houston Museum of Natural Science pulls a spectacular new exhibition out of its hat—Magic, opening Friday, February 26, 2010. The extraordinary show examines how science and magic are intertwined, tapping into our universal desire to know "How does that work?" Magic is the perfect subject to inspire people of all ages—especially kids—to learn about the science behind the magic, and the world around them.

 

Presenting an array of artifacts connected with legendary performers of the past and present, the exhibition will also feature film and video clips of famous magicians, as well as guest illusionists performing live. At the "University of Magic" inside the exhibition, visitors will have the opportunity to learn a magic trick of their own.

 

Among the many intriguing artifacts to be featured are torches for fire eating; magic lanterns and automatons; Harry Houdini's trademark milk can and water escape trunk; Harry Blackstone's "Zig Zag Girl" prop; Mike Caveney’s linking coat hangers; and items from the acts of Doug Henning, Penn & Teller, and other superstars of magic.

 

Live magicians scheduled to appear in the exhibition Wednesday through Sunday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

 

 3/17/2010 – 9/6/2010 Select
Spirits and Headhunters: Vanishing Worlds of the Amazon


Member ticket price is only $5.
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Today, the Amazon is one of the world's most diversified regions, encompassing the rainforests of northeastern South America and the vibrant cultures of approximately 200 Indian tribes. Invisible to modern society, some of these are the last people of the new world who retain their pre- conquest culture. As they become more well- known, their recognition as great artisans of feather ornaments grows. Spirits and Headhunters: Vanishing Worlds of the Amazon celebrates ceremonies and rituals of passage unique to these indigenous people.

 

Inspired by ancient cosmology, mythology, and ecological knowledge, the ceremonies represented in this exhibit include initiation and funerary rites, shamanic practices and social visiting. The ceremonial regalia and objects in this exhibition illustrate the unique artistic expressions of each tribe, utilizing materials available from their immediate environments: wood, cloth, fiber, and feathers. Marvel at vibrant headdresses, full-body costumes, body decorations, furniture and ceramic objects from the following tribes.

 

Tribes and rituals represented in the exhibition:

Urubu Kaapor: Tal hupi naha, name-giving ritual

Karaja: Initiation into adulthood ritual of men

Tapirape: Initiation of shamans, moieties singing contests and rituals for the dead

Xingue area tribes: Kuarup rituals for the dead, initiation into adulthood of women

Kayapo: Name-giving rituals

Ticuna: Moca Nova, initiation into adulthood of women

Shuar: The shaman's place in society

Shipibo-conibo: Healing rituals, and the Ani Shreati, the annual social gathering

 

 3/17/2010 – 3/28/2010 Select
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Exhibition - HMNS at Sugar Land


Member ticket price is only $12.
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Step through the wardrobe and into the wintery world of Narnia, where it's actually snowing. That's just one of seven spectacular three-dimensional film settings recreated in this magical exhibit based on the blockbuster film series and fictional children's classics by author C.S. Lewis. Hailed as the near-perfect visitor experience, the exhibit combines more than 150 original costumes, set dressings and props from The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and Prince Caspian with newly created educational interactives, videos and interviews with scientists so that visitors can consider the surprising similarity between our world and that of Narnia.

 3/17/2010 – 4/25/2010 Select