Don’t Miss the Top January Events and Exhibitions at HMNS
Start the new year with a world of discovery at the Houston Museum of Natural Science (HMNS), where January’s calendar is packed with immersive experiences for all ages. Families can head to HMNS at Sugar Land for the debut of Building Buddies, a hands-on exhibition that invites young engineers to explore the fundamentals of construction through play. For those looking toward the stars, the museum will host a captivating lecture providing a comprehensive Astronomy Year in Review and Preview, reflecting on recent cosmic milestones and what to watch for in 2026. History and science enthusiasts can dive deeper into the past with a specialized class on Eocene Fish Fossil Preparation or attend the highly anticipated and immersive film screening and talk Wyrex Uncovered: The Science and Story Behind a T. Rex Star. Check out the HMNS website for full schedule of events and exhibitions.
· Exhibit: Building Buddies: HMNS at Sugar Land | Opens Friday, January 16
Grab your hard hat and put on your safety vest. Building Buddies portrays a small community where everyone is busy working on their homes. Different characters, “buddies,” invite young children to play, explore, collaborate, create, and learn while improving the “neighborhood.” Take a helmet and a safety vest to wear throughout the exhibition. Organize and plan a house with Peter the Architect. Help Eva to brighten up her bungalow. Build a dog house for Winston. Help Pipa Longpipe finish renovating her home. Climb up and build with Billy the Brick Layer. “Paint” with light, lay a garden path, climb a scaffolding, inspect a large drain pipe, build sturdy walls, and more.
· Event: Astronomy Year in Review & Preview: HMNS Hermann Park | Wednesday, January 21 | 6:30 p.m.
Reflect on the most exciting space stories of 2025, including major events and discoveries, and get a glimpse of what’s to come in 2026. Join Dr. Carolyn Sumners, Vice President for Astronomy, Adam Barnes, producer for the Burke Baker Planetarium, and Astronomer James Wooten as they share insights into the year’s top space news and upcoming events. A calendar of celestial events with observing tips is included. Eligible for CPE credit
· Event: Class – Eocene Fish Prep: HMNS Hermann Park | Wednesday, January 28 | 6:30 p.m.
The Green River Formation is renowned for its exceptionally preserved fossil fish, aquatic life, and plant specimens. Learn the techniques of fossil preparation as you carefully remove the surrounding matrix to reveal the intricate details of your fossilized fish. Experience the thrill of discovery firsthand; the finished fossil is yours to keep as a unique addition to your collection. Class includes a tour of the HMNS Paleo Lab. All supplies provided. Eligible for CPE credit. Ages 15+ NO EXCEPTIONS. All minors must be accompanied by a ticketed adult. No refunds.
· Event: Film Screening – Wyrex Uncovered: The Science and Story Behind a T. Rex Star: HMNS Hermann Park | Thursday, January 29 | 6:30 p.m.
Join us for an immersive talk and film screening exploring the fascinating story of Wyrex, our beloved Tyrannosaurus rex. Discover the remarkable adaptations of T. rex and learn what makes Wyrex such an exceptional specimen. Go behind the scenes of the film’s production to uncover how science and storytelling came together to bring Wyrex to life. Eligible for CPE credit.
Photo courtesy of HMNS