When it comes to the world of architecture and design, Houston has been proving its skills for years. From historic homes in the Heights and Victorian-era homes in Montrose to modern glass towers downtown, this city has no shortage of unique spaces to visit. With its growing reputation as a cultural hotbed, it's no surprise that so many travelers come to see what all the fuss is about. 

History of Houston

Houston is a city of culture, heritage and history. Founded in 1836 by two New York real estate investors, the city was named after General Sam Houston, who became president of Texas after gaining independence from Mexico. Houston's economy boomed in the early 20th century thanks to the discovery of oil in nearby Beaumont.

In the mid-20th century, the area's economy faltered thanks to a series of natural disasters, including hurricanes and a massive oil spill in Galveston Bay. After the discovery of vast oil fields in the Gulf of Mexico and NASA's decision to base its manned spaceflight program in Houston, the city's fortunes rebounded.

Rice University Art Gallery

The Rice University Art Gallery is a stunning building located in the heart of the Rice campus. Opened in 2003, this glass-enclosed three-story building is home to the university's renowned collection of modern and contemporary art. The collection includes works by artists such as Andy Warhol, Robert Rauschenberg, Cy Twombly and David Hockney.

The gallery also hosts traveling exhibitions and programs designed to engage the local community with art. Visitors can expect to see a wide range of modern and contemporary art on display in the Rice University Art Gallery. The collection is currently focused on the theme "Why Art?" exploring questions of culture, identity and our understanding of the world through visual art.

Museum of Fine Arts Houston

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston is one of the most visited museums in the country. The largest art museum in Texas, this stunning glass-encased building houses a world-class collection of art from East Asia, South Asia, Oceania, the Middle East and North Africa. Pieces in the collection range from ancient sculptures and ceramics to paintings by Rembrandt, Monet, Picasso and Van Gogh.

The museum also hosts a wide variety of educational programs and public events designed to engage the Houston community with art and culture. Visitors can expect to see a truly stunning collection of art at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. The museum is particularly known for its collections of Asian, African and South American art, as well as a wide array of works on paper.

Discovery Green

Discovery Green is a 10-acre park located in the heart of downtown Houston. Opened in 2008, this public space was designed to be a "living laboratory" that brings people together to explore nature in the city. Visitors can enjoy the park's two main spaces, the lawn and the grove. The lawn is a wide open space that serves as a public gathering place for concerts, festivals, and other large events. The Grove is a lush, more intimate space that hosts smaller events such as yoga and art performances. Visitors can discover first-class architecture and lush landscaping at Discovery Green. The park's main attractions include the Rothko Chapel, an art space that hosts rotating exhibitions, the Serenity Fountain, which invites visitors to play, and the Water Discovery Nursery, which teaches children about nature.

Top 6 things to do in Houston

- The Orange Show: The Orange Show is a one-of-a-kind museum located in the South End. Housed in a historic building, this museum displays a collection of architectural models, folk art, and other oddities related to the orange. The Orange Show is one of Houston's most unique museums and a great place to spend a few hours if you want to learn a little about the city's history.

- The Menil Collection: The Menil Collection is a museum dedicated to modern and contemporary art located in the Montrose neighborhood. Housed in a stunning brick building, the museum features a rotating collection of paintings, architectural installations, and photography. The Menil Collection is one of the best museums in the city for architecture and design fans.

- Bayou City Arts Festival: The Bayou City Arts Festival is an annual event that showcases local artists and draws huge crowds to Discovery Green. Held over the course of one weekend, this festival is a great way to see some of Houston's best public art and enjoy a little of the city's culture all at once.

- The Houston Architecture Festival: The Houston Architecture Festival is a biennial event that celebrates architecture and design. Taking place in the fall, this festival includes a range of events, exhibitions, and lectures designed to bring the community together around culture. The Houston Architecture Festival is a great way to learn more about architecture and design in Houston.

- Houston International Festival: The Houston International Festival is a biennial arts festival that celebrates Houston's diversity. This festival includes performances, exhibitions, workshops and lectures that highlight the work of artists from around the world. The Houston International Festival is a great way to learn more about Houston's diverse and vibrant culture.

Where to stay

Houston has a wide range of hotel options to fit any traveler's budget. Whether you prefer to stay downtown or in one of the nearby suburbs, you'll have no problem finding a place to rest your head. These are the best hotels in Houston:

- Grand Hyatt Hotel: Located in the heart of downtown, this hotel is within walking distance of the city's main attractions. The hotel also offers easy access to several nearby highways, making it easy to get to other parts of the city.

- Hotel ZaZa: Located in the city's theater district, Hotel ZaZa is just a short walk from some of the city's best museums. The hotel is also in close proximity to a number of great restaurants, bars and shops.

- Hotel Sorella City Centre: Hotel Sorella City Centre is a sleek, modern hotel located in the city's central business district. This hotel is within walking distance of several top restaurants, bars and shops. It's also close to the city's light rail system, making it easy to get around.

- Hotel Sorella City Centre: Located in the city's museum district, this chic hotel is a great option for architecture and design fans. The hotel is within walking distance of Houston's world-class museums, including the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.

- The Belvedere: Located in the city's museum district, this boutique hotel is a great option for architecture and design fans. The hotel is within walking distance of Houston's world-class museums, including the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.

- Hotel Phoenix: This stylish hotel is located in the Midtown district of the city. The hotel is within walking distance of the city's best restaurants and bars and is close to a light rail stop, making it easy to get around.

- The Ritz-Carlton: Located in the city's theater district, this luxury hotel is a great option for architecture and design fans. The hotel is within walking distance of Houston's world-class museums and is close to the city's light rail system, making it easy to get around.

When to visit Houston

Houston has a subtropical climate and is warm all year round. While summers in this part of Texas are very humid, winters are mild thanks to the city's proximity to the Gulf of Mexico. In terms of the best time to visit, spring and fall are ideal, with warmer weather and fewer crowds than you'll see during the busy summer months. Fall is also hurricane season, so it's important to keep an eye on local weather forecasts to ensure you don't get caught in a storm.

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Rating 5 from 1 voted Houston, USA