SPECIAL EXHIBITION
Death by Natural Causes
Venom. Poison. Misfortune!
Heinous killers or misjudged miscreants? You be the judge as the Houston Museum of Natural Science’s most lethal exhibit – Death by Natural Causes – is now open!
Meet the malefactors who do the Grim Reaper’s deadly work while disguised in delightful colors, sweet scents, unassuming identities, and more. Death by Natural Causes will introduce you to the range of “animal, vegetable and mineral” dangers that lurk in their everyday lives. Through a collection of specimens, text and interactives, visitors can see what can cause a death, either directly or indirectly, from the natural world. Poisonous, venomous and toxic are just a few of the terms that will be clarified, and things you interact with almost daily will be used as examples — mushrooms, snakes, spiders, and even common foods! Old wives tales and urban myths will be debunked, as visitors travel through five general areas of rich graphics, compelling visuals and surprising specimens.
Step inside and explore your fears, be they animal, vegetable or mineral, but tread lightly… You never know what treacherous creatures crawl just below your feet.
Step inside and explore your fears, be they animal, vegetable or mineral, but tread lightly… You never know what treacherous creatures crawl just below your feet.
Please Note:
Due to some of the content, this exhibit is not recommended for visitors younger than ten years of age.
Your purchase of a ticket to Death by Natural Causes includes general admission access to all Permanent HMNS Exhibit Halls. If you purchase a full-price Death by Natural Causes ticket, you can receive up to 50% off the price of a ticket to King Tut or Sharks! for the same day. Please note that this does not cover entry to the Cockrell Butterfly Center. Discount only available when purchasing add-on tickets at the box office or over the phone.
Your purchase of a ticket to Death by Natural Causes includes general admission access to all Permanent HMNS Exhibit Halls. If you purchase a full-price Death by Natural Causes ticket, you can receive up to 50% off the price of a ticket to King Tut or Sharks! for the same day. Please note that this does not cover entry to the Cockrell Butterfly Center. Discount only available when purchasing add-on tickets at the box office or over the phone.
Thank You
Exhibition Highlights
Malevolent Minerals
All elements are dangerous if you are exposed to sufficient doses in the right circumstances…
To create a mineral, two or more of the 92 naturally occurring elements must combine, often making the two individual elements more chemically stable, but often more toxic and readily absorbed. From “painter’s colic” to leaded wine, discover how beautiful but deadly minerals may have leeched into your life.
Poisonous Plants
A small selection of plants that may be both familiar and fatal…
Plants may have means of dispersing seeds, but they are generally unable to move to avoid predators. Instead they have developed ways to fight back where they grow. From strychnine to hemlock and digitalis to belladonna…while you may be familiar with the names, you may not be acquainted with the plants behind the poisons. Discover what trouble may be growing in your own backyard.
Fearsome Fauna
1,000,000 animal-related deaths that occur world-wide each year!
Man’s struggle with beast begins with fossilized human bones clearly showing predation by hyenas, bears, jaguars and other carnivores. But many invertebrates have evolved a diverse arsenal of toxic defenses, too. Just because you lack a spine doesn’t mean you are weak.
Educators! This exhibit makes an excellent field trip that covers many TEKS objectives. Learn more – and download the free curriculum – on our field trips page.
Curious? Review the FAQ Guidelines
View All FAQFAQ
Do I need a separate ticket to see this exhibit?
Death by Natural Causes requires a special exhibit ticket. A Death by Natural Causes ticket will allow you access to the Permanent Exhibit Halls.
Do I have to go at a specific time?
Can I take my stroller in this exhibit?
Is the Death by Natural Causes exhibit scary?
What live animals are on display in the exhibit?
Is there a discount if I purchase Death by Natural Causes, King Tut and Sharks! exhibits for the same day?
Guidelines
Photography
Photography and videography are allowed in the museum, but please be mindful of a few items:
- Flash photography is strictly prohibited in all areas, except the Cockrell Butterfly Center.
- Tripods and selfie sticks are not allowed.
- Every person entering the museum must purchase a ticket. If you are purchasing tickets for a timed-entry venue, such as the Butterfly Center, you must enter at the indicated time on your ticket.
- Be considerate of other patrons enjoying the museum.
Admission
Admission price includes access to all HMNS Exhibit Halls except certain Special Exhibitions and the Brown Hall of Entomology. Access to the Brown Hall of Entomology is included with admission to the Cockrell Butterfly Center.
Service Animals
Certified Service Animals are always welcome at HMNS!
Meet the Curators
Our curators’ combined expertise ranges from A to Z… from archaeology to zoology!
Nicole Temple and David Temple
Nicole Temple:
Vice President of Education, Nicole is the powerhouse behind “Sharks! The Meg, The Monsters & The Myths.” A seasoned educator and skilled curator, she transforms complex science into thrilling adventures for the 400,000+ students that HMNS receives annually.
David Temple:
As associate curator of paleontology, David leads the museum’s fossil preparation program. He oversaw the building of the fossil prep lab inside the Morian Hall of Paleontology which allows visitors to watch and interact with those working in the lab.
Vice President of Education, Nicole is the powerhouse behind “Sharks! The Meg, The Monsters & The Myths.” A seasoned educator and skilled curator, she transforms complex science into thrilling adventures for the 400,000+ students that HMNS receives annually.
David Temple:
As associate curator of paleontology, David leads the museum’s fossil preparation program. He oversaw the building of the fossil prep lab inside the Morian Hall of Paleontology which allows visitors to watch and interact with those working in the lab.