A Little Gem in Houston

Posted by Gina
Friday, February 13, 2009

Friday was a special day for my 5 yr old and I because he had the day off from school. I made special arrangements in which my constant errand running and chauffeuring of children would cease for a brief, shining moment. This was a rare occasion indeed and I was really excited.

We decided to go to the Museum of Natural Science otherwise known as “the dinosaur” museum. As we slipped thru the throngs of school kids on fieldtrips, I tried to pause at significant exhibits and impart some interesting information to my child. The 4th kid barely gets any personal tutoring of facts. He’s lucky we remembered to teach him his name. This was my chance to make up for lost time.  We talked about the difference between carnivore and herbivore. I showed him Foucault’s pendulum and tried to explain the earth’s rotation. We wandered into the energy hall and I tried to teach him about fossil fuel and how we are shamelessly dependent on foreign oil… Ok. I lost him. We needed something with a little more pizzazz.

Off to my absolute favorite, the Gem and Mineral hall. The displays of natural gems and minerals in the dimly lit hall are beautiful!  The vivid colors and beauty of naturally formed rocks and crystals require no explanation. The hall, as a bonus to 5 yr olds, is a long narrow stretch, suitable for running. He squealed with excitement when he thought he saw some “Kryptonite”. I didn’t tell him it wasn’t real…

We enter the Smith Gem vault that houses beautiful examples of finished jewelry. Glorious sapphires and diamonds set in opulent necklaces. Hundreds of carats of white diamonds sparkle in tiaras. All the pieces appear as if they are floating behind the glass. Inside the vault, it’s pitch black except for the bright lights on each exhibit. Cole Porter standards play in the background and I feel transported.  It’s a little bit magical. What a wonderful place to spend a few minutes of your day. I had forgotten about this little gem in Houston….


The Houston Museum of Natural Science
 One Hermann Circle Drive
Houston, TX 77030
Mon- Fri 9am-9pm

The Gem and Mineral Hall is available for special events.


Comments

Name:

Email:

Location:

URL:

Smileys

Remember my personal information

Notify me of follow-up comments?

Submit the word you see below:


<< Back to main