The city of Houston is known for its museum offerings. The Museum District alone offers at least 18 different options. You’ll find plenty of variety here, from a space museum, to a children’s museum, to a museum dedicated to the Holocaust. However, when its fine art you seek, whether traditional or contemporary, the best art museums in Houston are sure to satisfy. – Amber Hilton

Museum of Fine Arts Houston (MFAH)

1001 Bissonnet
Houston, TX 77005
(713) 639-7300
www.mfah.org

If you’re looking for variety, the Museum of Fine Arts Houston (MFAH) is the place for you. This massive museum is the fifth largest of its kind in the United States, and the permanent collection alone offers more than 40,000 works from across the globe; in total, six continents are represented here. The museum spans roughly 300,000 square feet, which is divided into seven areas, including the Cullen Sculpture Garden, Bayou Bend and Glassell School. The museum is so spacious that Houstonians could easily see something different on each and every visit. All in all, the collection here draws approximately 1.25 million visitors annually. If you’re looking for a bargain, admission is free on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Regular admission is $7 for adults; $3.50 for seniors children age five and older; children younger than five, free. Museum members and groups enjoy special pricing. Hours: Tuesday and Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday, 12:15 to 7 p.m. The museum is closed on Mondays, with the exception of some holidays.

Contemporary Arts Museum Houston (CAMH)

5216 Montrose Boulevard
Houston, TX 77006
(713) 284-8250
www.camh.org

If you prefer modern art, the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston (CAMH) should be first on your list of the best art museums in Houston. Featuring mostly rotating traveling exhibits, CAMH always has something new and different to see. The stainless steel building that houses the museum is a sight to see all on its own. Another plus of this popular art museum? Admission is always free. Hours: Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. CAMH is closed on Monday and Tuesday, as well as Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Art Car Museum

140 Heights Boulevard
Houston, TX 77007
(713) 861-5526
www.artcarmuseum.com

The Art Car Museum of Houston, also referred to as the “Garage Mahal,” offers a truly unique collection of contemporary and alternative art. In addition to a permanent collection of art cars, the museum features various traveling exhibits, including the works of local artists. In keeping with the museum’s main theme, the exterior of the building is adorned with scrap metal and chrome, making this unlike any other museum in the country. The museum also spurred the city’s Art Car Parade. Admission to the museum is free. Hours: Wednesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.