PERMANENT EXHIBITION
Morian Cabinet of Curiosities
A Journey into the Cabinet of Curiosity
Exploring Extraordinary Objects and the Origins of Museums
Museums exist to inspire people to wonder and to facilitate creative thought. Given our curious natures and our innate desire to collect, it is no wonder that the grand modern museum has its humble roots firmly planted in the privately-owned collections of extraordinary objects from the past. These collections, called cabinets of curiosity, first became popular in the Renaissance and reached their pinnacle of popularity in the Victorian Era.
These collections of extraordinary natural and manmade objects were displayed in cabinets with many compartments, each filled with “treasures” reflecting man’s desire to find his place within the larger context of nature and the divine. In the fullness of time, and as the collections evolved and grew in importance, they were acquired by noblemen, gentlemen and royalty. The collections were then integrated into larger collections eventually becoming so immense, as to occupy entire rooms. Many of these collections were eventually institutionalized and became the first public museums.
As an homage to its own history, the Houston Museum of Natural Science presents an interpretation of the cabinet of curiosity. Visitors will have the unique opportunity to peruse various objects of curiosity and wonder, up close and in a personal way.
These collections of extraordinary natural and manmade objects were displayed in cabinets with many compartments, each filled with “treasures” reflecting man’s desire to find his place within the larger context of nature and the divine. In the fullness of time, and as the collections evolved and grew in importance, they were acquired by noblemen, gentlemen and royalty. The collections were then integrated into larger collections eventually becoming so immense, as to occupy entire rooms. Many of these collections were eventually institutionalized and became the first public museums.
As an homage to its own history, the Houston Museum of Natural Science presents an interpretation of the cabinet of curiosity. Visitors will have the unique opportunity to peruse various objects of curiosity and wonder, up close and in a personal way.
Open Today: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Plan a Visit Adults $25, Children $16
See Admission Located in Level 2
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
Curious Collection
The Morian Cabinet: A Tapestry of Life
The Morian Cabinet of Curiosities is a celebration of our planet’s diversity. From the majestic taxidermied lion to the intricate 17th-century microscope, each object tells a story of nature, culture, and science. It’s a window into the world’s wonders, all under one roof.
Collector’s Legacy
A Continuum of Curiosity
Each artifact, whether a natural specimen or a scientific instrument, tells a story of exploration and passion. It’s a connection across generations, a shared curiosity for the mysteries of our world.
Evolutionary Adaptation
The Sawfish’s Rostrum: Nature’s Unique Design
Meet the sawfish, a creature with a nose that resembles a double-sided tree saw. But those aren’t teeth; they’re modified projections called denticles. It’s a marvel of nature’s engineering, a design that’s as functional as it is fascinating.