SPECIAL EXHIBITION

Sharks! The Meg, The Monsters & The Myths

Dive into the Extraordinary World of Sharks

Embark on a Jawsome Adventure with Live Sharks, Ancient Behemoths, and Fascinating Shark Facts

We’re gonna need a bigger exhibit hall.

Debuting on a floor all to itself is Sharks! The Meg, The Monsters & The Myths. We’re making your dreams come true and bringing you up close and personal with live sharks for a hands-on experience that will be – dare we say – jawsome. You’ll get a chance to touch a shark and discover what makes these creatures unique – from bait balls to bioluminescence.

Further immerse yourself in the world of sharks as every order of shark known to mankind is represented within the exhibition, including a life-size model of the ancient behemoth, the Megalodon. And don’t forget to pick up a few Megalodon teeth of your own in the island shop.

Don’t miss out on the frenzy and purchase your tickets today!

Tickets

Open Today: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Museum Hours

Plan a Visit

Adults $35, Children $27

Includes Permanent Exhibitions

See Admission

Located in the Lower Level

See Accessibility

Please Note:

Your purchase of a ticket to Sharks! The Meg, The Monsters & The Myths includes general admission access to all Permanent HMNS Exhibit Halls. If you purchase a full-price Sharks! ticket, you can receive up to 50% off the price of a ticket to King Tut or Death by Natural Causes 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

Sharks! is supported by the John P. McGovern Foundation, Novum Energy, British International School of Houston, and the J.W. Couch Foundation.

Exhibition Highlights

Behemoth’s Bite

In the Jaws of Megalodon

Experience the primal dread of looking into the gaping maw of the ancient Megalodon. Imagine the raw power behind those enormous, serrated teeth, some reaching up to seven inches. This imposing beast, once ruling the prehistoric seas, could swallow a small car – a reminder of how terrifyingly majestic nature can be.

Interactive Encounters

Hands-On Exploration of Marine Life

Our touch tank brings an interactive dimension to your marine exploration. See live sharks, feel the surprising textures of mata rays, the armor-like surface of crabs, and the velvety resilience of starfish. This tactile experience serves as a compelling reminder of the variety and intricacy of evolutionary adaptations in the aquatic world.

Evolving Predators

Journey Through Shark Evolution

The history of sharks stretches back over 450 million years, far predating dinosaurs. Engage with the evolution of these remarkable creatures, from primitive forms to the refined hunters of today. Fossils and animations bring this deep past to life, igniting curiosity and wonder in future paleontologists.

Touch Tank Feeding Experience

Get ready to become a shark expert!

Join our animal care staff as they make their morning rounds at our saltwater touch tanks and get an exciting peek into the life of a marine biologist. You’ll feed, conduct wellness checks, and participate in training sessions with our sharks and stingrays. Your training will start with learning about the tank’s life support system and how to perform a water health check. You will then help clean the tanks and delve into the specialized diets of these animals. Finally, you’ll use a specialized feeding tool to participate in a feeding session. When your experience is complete, you will get a chance to visit the Sharks! exhibit with a greater appreciation for these amazing creatures!

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.

Learn More

Curious? Review the FAQ Guidelines

View All FAQ

FAQ

Do I need a separate ticket to see this exhibit?

Sharks! The Meg, The Monsters, & The Myths requires a special exhibit ticket. A Sharks! ticket will allow you access to the Permanent Exhibit Halls.

Do I have to go at a specific time?

Do you have live sharks?

Can I touch the sharks?

Is there a discount if I purchase Sharks!, King Tut and Death by Natural Causes exhibits for the same day?

Guidelines

Hand Cleaning Protocol

Rinse your hands from elbows to fingertips to prevent contamination of the tank with oils, fragrances, or lotions. Do not use soap before interacting with the animals. If a guest requests soap after touching the animals, direct them to the nearest restroom.

Tank Interaction Limit

Do not reach into the tanks past your elbow.

Animal Interaction Guidelines

Shark Tank: Use two fingers to gently touch the animal along the back, avoiding the head, gills, fins, and tail.
Invertebrate Tank: Use one finger very gently.

Prohibited Actions

Guests should NOT pick up any animal or objects from the tanks. Guests should not splash or agitate the water in the tanks.

Meet the Curators

Our curators’ combined expertise ranges from A to Z… from archaeology to zoology!

View All Curators

Nicole Temple

Curator of Carcharodon Chronicles

Nicole Temple, Vice President of Education, 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. From the depths of curriculum development to the peaks of taxidermy, she’s as versatile as the sharks she brings to life.

Keep Reading

Ways to Bring Learning to Life

Membership

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Education

Plan a Field Trip

Find immersive, quality education for students of all ages right here at HMNS.

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Group Discounts

Grab a group of 10 or more and enjoy special discounts on all of the Museums exciting exhibitions and films.

Members Get 10% Off

Objects & Curiosities in the Gift Shop

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