The Health Museum

The Health Museum is a science center in Houston's Museum District focused on human anatomy, genetics, and medical science through hands-on exhibits. Visitors walk through galleries containing life-size organ models and displays that explain how the body works and responds to health.

The institution opened in 1969 as the John P. McGovern Museum of Health & Medical Science, named after a physician and medical educator. It has grown over the decades to reflect changes in medical research and teaching approaches.

The museum helps visitors understand how health connects to everyday life and why medical discoveries matter for communities. Interactive displays show real scientific work and invite people to think about their own bodies and wellness.

The museum is located on Hermann Drive in the Museum District and operates Tuesday through Sunday with extended hours on Thursdays. Most galleries are easy to navigate with clear pathways, and the space is accessible for visitors of different ages and mobility levels.

The museum features a working laboratory called the DeBakey Cell Lab where visitors can perform actual scientific procedures like microscopy and cell experiments. This hands-on experience gives people a real taste of how scientific research actually happens beyond watching from behind glass.