Founded in 1909 to create a free institution for education and science in Houston, the Houston Museum of Natural Science grew from early natural-history, gem, and mineral collections into one of the nation’s most visited museums. After several temporary homes, it adopted its current name in 1960 and moved into its Hermann Park building during the 1960s, later expanding with a planetarium, giant-screen theater, butterfly center, observatory, and major new halls. Its exhibits span paleontology, geology, wildlife, ancient cultures, and energy science, while extensive education programs and special exhibitions have helped make it one of Houston’s leading cultural institutions.