PERMANENT EXHIBITION
Alfred C. Glassell, Jr. Hall
Glassell’s Game Fish
A Tribute to a Philanthropist’s Passion for Research and Conservation
Houston businessman Alfred C. Glassell, Jr. was a well-known philanthropist, but many never knew of his devotion to large species of game fish – not only sport but also for research and conservation. This exhibit highlights Tumbesian fish species, including the world-record black marlin caught by Glassell in 1953 that tipped the scales at 1,560 pounds. Footage of the catch was used in the 1958 film The Old Man and the Sea, starring Spencer Tracy. The exhibit includes over 40 specimens of game fish representing over a dozen species found off the coast of Cabo Blanco, Peru, where Glassell landed the big marlin.
Media interactives also complement the hall. This large space, intended for museum visitors to gather, frequently has surprises in store. For example, through augmented reality you may be greeted by a polar bear or tyrannosaur!
Media interactives also complement the hall. This large space, intended for museum visitors to gather, frequently has surprises in store. For example, through augmented reality you may be greeted by a polar bear or tyrannosaur!
Open Today: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Plan a Visit Adults $25, Children $16
See Admission Located in Level 1
See Accessibility Please Note:
Admission price includes access to all HMNS Permanent 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.
Admission to the Permanent Exhibits is FREE Tuesday evenings from 5:00-8:00 p.m.
Members: HMNS Permanent Exhibits are always free!
Admission to the Permanent Exhibits is FREE Tuesday evenings from 5:00-8:00 p.m.
Members: HMNS Permanent Exhibits are always free!
Exhibition Highlights
Ocean Giants
Sailfish & Marlin: A Majestic Encounter
Dive into a world where speed meets size. The sailfish, the ocean’s fastest swimmer, shares the hall with a 1,560-pound black marlin, a true behemoth. Witness the grace of these aquatic marvels, each a masterpiece of evolution.
Virtual Wonders
Swim, Roar, and Soar: An AR Journey
Step into a world where the past, present, and future collide. Swim with dolphins, hear the roar of a T-Rex, and float with an astronaut—all from the comfort of the museum.
Social Chemistry
Dine Amidst Discovery: A Unique Experience
Imagine dining where science comes alive. Nestled by the upcoming Matter and Motion chemistry hall, this space offers a unique gathering spot. Enjoy a meal surrounded by the wonders of chemistry, where every bite becomes a delightful experiment.
Meet the Curators
Our curators’ combined expertise ranges from A to Z… from archaeology to zoology!
Daniel M. Brooks, Ph.D.
Curator of Vertebrate Zoology
Dr. Dan Brooks is the curator of vertebrate zoology at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. He oversees a collection of over 5,000 specimens of birds, mammals, herps, and fish from the Texas coastal bend, Africa, Latin America, and select taxonomic groups.