High drama
In terms of sheer diversity, Houston’s theater district almost gives Broadway a run for its money. On any given night you can enjoy blockbuster musicals, acclaimed dramas, fun-filled family shows, or top class community and amateur theater. The Alley Theater
The internationally-acclaimed, Tony Award-winning creative company at The Alley are responsible for an eclectic year-round program, with productions ranging from experimental dramas to crowd-pleasing Christmas shows. The striking, Brutalist-style venue houses 2 state-of-the-art, highly flexible auditoria – one grand and expansive, the other much more intimate. The theater is, deservedly, wildly popular, so be sure to book ahead.
615 Texas Avenue, Houston TX 77002 . Amazing art
Houston’s art scene encompasses everything from tiny, cutting-edge galleries to vast, venerable museums. You could spend entire days exploring the city’s art attractions, but here are 2 firm favorites to kick off with. The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
Boasting a permanent collection of over 65,000 pieces, housed across 7 separate facilities, this jaw-dropping museum is among the largest in the United States, and is an absolute must-see if you’ve even the vaguest interest in art. There’s a particularly strong showing for European art, with masterpieces by all-time greats like Van Gogh, Canaletto, Picasso, and Cézanne on display. But home-grown talent is by no means neglected – you can also get up-close and personal with work by American icons such as Andy Warhol, Jasper Johns, Jackson Pollock, and Mark Rothko.
1001 Bissonnet Street, Houston TX 77005 .
Station Museum of Contemporary Art
This beautifully-curated museum is a vital exhibition space for local, national, and international artists working today. It’s won widespread acclaim for its support of upcoming Texas creative talent, and has hosted touring exhibitions from countries as disparate as Austria and Afghanistan. There’s also an exciting year-round program of live music events, film screenings, lectures, and fundraisers. Best of all, admission is free.
1502 Alabama Street, Houston TX 77004.
Historical highlights
Houston is a hip city, but it also does a stand-up job of preserving its remarkable history. From fact-filled museums to moving monuments, your visit can be as enlightening and educational as it is fun-filled. George Ranch Historical Park
Just 30 miles from Downtown Houston sits this glorious, expansive working ranch, which doubles up as a living history site. Visitors can step back in time and peruse authentic 19th century buildings, populated by friendly and knowledgeable costumed actors. Highlights include a charmingly quaint 1830s homestead, and an elegant 1890s family house. Throughout the year there are also immersive events, such as battle re-enactments and spectacular Victorian Christmas feasts.
10215 FM 762 Road, Richmond TX 77469.
Sacred sites
Houston is home to some of the country’s largest churches, including historic landmarks like Christ Church Cathedral which dates back to 1839. But the city’s most fascinating religious building is altogether smaller in scale, and far more modern. Rothko Chapel
Houston’s most striking and singular place of worship is also a magnificent work of modern art. Founded in 1971 by local oil millionaires and philanthropists John and Dominique de Menil, the chapel was purpose-built to house a series of awe-inspiring mural canvases by the legendary Abstract Expressionist artist Mark Rothko. Today, it’s used by people of all faiths and denominations for religious ceremonies and quiet contemplation.
3900 Yupon Street, Houston TX 77006.
