Living in Houston does is never boring as the city has much to offer. Houston’s metropolitan style and culture includes museums, theatres, operas, and symphonies, many in specific areas, such as the Houston Museum District and the Downtown Theater District.
Museums
There are a few museums located in the Houston Museum District, http://houstonmuseumdistrict.org. Ticket prices depend on general admission or special events; one can also become a member and enjoy many exhibitions for free. The MFAH, for example, has free general admission but will charge $20 to non-members for a special event, same for the HMNS:
- MFAH – Museum of Fine Arts Houston – http://www.mfah.org/
1001 Bissonnet St, Houston, TX 77005, 713-639-7300 - HMNS – Houston Museum of Natural Science – http://www.hmns.org
One Hermann Circle Drive, Houston, TX 77030, 713-639-4629
Opera/Theater/Ballet
The Downtown Theater District offers great entertainment and culture in Houston. The opera, ballet and theater are vibrant, with the Houston Ballet and the Opera at the Wortham Center, Theatre under the Stars (TUTS), Alley Theatre, Broadway shows at the Hobby Center and options to purchase season or individual tickets. Price ranges vary based upon seat location and specific show and season from $50-300. Tickets can be purchased at the box office or online and generally it is recommended to buy as far in advance as possible. The Miller Outdoor Theatre is a great venue for picnic type events.
- Houston Symphony at Jones Hall – http://www.houstonsymphony.org/
615 Louisiana, Houston, TX 77002 – 713-224-7575 - Houston Theatre District – http://www.houstontheaterdistrict.org
The site lists all performing arts companies, such as Alley Theatre, Houston Ballet, Houston Grand Opera, Theatre under the Stars (TUTS) and many more. - Miller Outdoor Theatre – http://www.scottgertner.com
Outdoor amphitheatre with eclectic style plays that are free of cost. Also host of the Houston Ballet in the summer.
100 Concert Dr, Houston, TX 77034, 281-373-3386 - Wortham Center hosting the Houston Ballet and Opera – http://www.houstontx.gov/worthamcenter
501 Texas, Houston, TX 77002, 713-237-1439
Movie Theatres
Movie theatres can be found throughout the city playing the latest blockbusters. Tickets can be purchased in advance, online and at the box office. Ticket prices range from $5-9 on average per person.
The latest blockbusters visit http://www.fandango.com/houston_tx_movietheatershowtimes to see movies, locations and their show times in your area.
DVD Purchase/Rental
Videos for rental and purchase are most commonly found at Blockbuster Video and Hollywood Video, offering many convenient locations throughout the Houston and surrounding areas. They have a small selection of foreign films with captions in English as well. Stores are often open until midnight throughout the week.
- Blockbuster Video – http://www.blockbuster.com
One location: 1917 W. Gray St, Houston, TX 77019, 713-520-0301 - Redbox – http://www.redbox.com/
A self-serve kiosk with locations throughout Houston, inside McDonald’s, outside of pharmacies and supermarkets and some gas stations.
One location: outside CVS Pharmacy at 1003 Richmond Ave, Houston TX 77006 - NetFlix – http://www.netflix.com – is on online DVD and Blu-Ray video store. You sign up for a membership online, maintain a “wish list” of DVD’s you would like to see and they are sent to you via the mail. You watch the movie when you are ready and then send it back. Your next movie arrives when the returned movie is received. Postage is paid by NetFlix.
Local Resources
A good local resource is the Houston Chronicle’s Entertainment section – http://www.chron.com/entertainment
The Houston Press is also an excellent resource for movies, music and arts – http://www.houstonpress.com
