PERMANENT EXHIBITION
Cullen Hall of Gems and Minerals
Nature’s Masterpieces: A Collection of Dazzling Mineral Specimens
Heat, pressure, and time is all nature needs to outshine us.
From a huge amethyst weighing more than 850 lbs to a crystallized gold cluster that is one of the most highly coveted objects in the mineral kingdom, the spectacular specimens on display here are true masterpieces — the Rembrandts and Picassos of the natural world.
Discover more than 450 beautifully crystallized mineral specimens, including some of the world’s most rare and beautiful examples. Examine these dazzling treasures in detail from all angles through walk-around display cases illuminated by fiberoptic lighting to provide optimum viewing.
Discover more than 450 beautifully crystallized mineral specimens, including some of the world’s most rare and beautiful examples. Examine these dazzling treasures in detail from all angles through walk-around display cases illuminated by fiberoptic lighting to provide optimum viewing.
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
Geological Gems
Extensive collection of gems and minerals
Behold a 2,000-pound amethyst geode and a dazzling 3,000-carat topaz crystal. These natural wonders are more than just beautiful; they tell a story of Earth’s history, pressure, and time. Come marvel at nature’s artistry in crystalline form.
Sapphire Splendor
The Siren of Serendip: A Gem’s Journey
Meet the Siren of Serendip, a 422.66-carat blue sapphire, one of the world’s finest. Discovered on the island of Ceylon, this gem once weighed 2,670 carats in its rough form. Now polished, it’s a testament to nature’s ability to create pure enchantment.
Gem Mastery
The Gem Vault: A Study in Precision and Beauty
The Lester and Sue Smith Gem Vault is where nature’s art meets human craftsmanship. Freshly extracted from mines, the best natural stones are cut into faceted gems of exact specifications. It’s a journey from the rough to the exquisite, all under the watchful eyes of our curators.
Meet the Curators
Our curators’ combined expertise ranges from A to Z… from archaeology to zoology!
Joel A. Bartsch
President, Curator Of Gems And Minerals
Joel Bartsch has been the President and CEO of the Houston Museum of Natural Science since 2004. He has doubled the museum’s membership and annual attendance, and spearheaded an $85 million capital campaign to build a 204,000 square feet addition.