The Health Museum - Bucketlisted

The Health Museum

Exhibits on health & medical science

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Where the Star-Spangled Banner was born: a compact fort with sweeping harbor views and living history. It’s an easy win—flat paths, open lawns, and a visitor film that sets the scene in under 15 minutes.

Start at the visitor center for your map, then follow the ramp to the east wall for the best harbor vantage. Time your visit for a flag raising or lowering—the ranger talk turns the place into a story you’ll remember.

For a slower visit, circle the star-shaped ramparts clockwise and watch ships move in and out of the Patapsco.

What’s new? Updated today

Sunset flag lowering 6:30pm (Fri–Sun)
Temporary exhibit: War of 1812
Harbor shuttle every 20 minutes

What are the hours? — 9:00–17:00 (daily)

Hours may vary for holidays and special events; check the official site before you go.

How much does it cost? — $15 adults · kids free

Admission covers the fort and visitor center exhibits; special tours may be extra.

Where do I park? — On-site lot + overflow

Lots can fill on weekends by mid-day; arrive early or consider rideshare.

Is it accessible? — Flat paths; accessible restrooms

Most ramparts have graded access; some historic areas may have uneven surfaces.

Arrive 30 min before sunset for the lowering ceremony and best light.
Wind picks up on the ramparts—bring a light jacket even in summer.
Stroller route: enter via visitor center, ramp to east wall loop.

The Health Museum, located in Houston’s famed Museum District, is an interactive health and science center established in 1969 as part of the Texas Medical Center. It aims to foster curiosity about health, medical science, and the human body, making it a pivotal educational resource in a city known globally for its contributions to healthcare and medicine. This museum attracts over 180,000 visitors annually, offering insights into the complex world of medicine through interactive exhibits and cutting-edge technology.

Visitors can explore the human body in detail at the “Amazing Body Pavilion,” experience the journey of life in the “DeBakey Cell Lab,” or stroll through the larger-than-life “Giant Colon.” The museum’s ever-changing exhibits and programs, like real organ dissections and health screenings, provide immersive learning experiences for all ages. Its 4D theater brings medical science to life, offering a cinematic journey into the microscopic world inside our bodies.

As an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, the Health Museum connects to a broader spectrum of resources and exhibits; mirroring our own body’s dependence on the outside world for nourishment.

USA > Texas > Houston

Museums, Science Museums