Much is made of life’s journey. We celebrate key milestones and events like birthdays and anniversaries, but little attention is given to our journey’s inevitable end. Death may seem like a grim subject at first glance, but studies have shown the more we learn about it, the more comfortable we begin to feel in terms of accepting its inevitability and nature.
In addition, death can actually be a very fascinating subject to learn about. The ways in which death is honored or even celebrated in different cultures are always interesting, and the history and stories of funerals and the funeral industry can be equally enthralling, as evidence by the National Museum of Funeral History.
The National Museum of Funeral History
The National Museum of Funeral History, as its name implies, is a museum dedicated to funerals and funeral history. The museum is based in Houston, Texas, and is one of the most interesting museums in Houston. It's a great place to visit with friends and family, giving all visitors unique educational opportunities to learn more about funerals
- Location - The National Museum of Funeral History is located at 415 Barren Springs Drive, Houston, TX 77090-5918.
- Contact - To get in touch with the National Museum of Funeral History with any questions or queries, or to reserve group tours or request special assistance for your visit, you can call 281 876 3063 or email contact@nmfh.org.
- Opening Times - The National Museum of Funeral History is open every day of the week, but opening times vary throughout the week. The museum opens its doors at 10am and closes at 4pm on Mondays to Fridays, opening at 10am and closing at 5pm on Saturdays, and finally, opening at 12pm and closing at 5pm on Sundays.
- The Museum - Founded in 1992, the National Museum of Funeral History aims to honor the hard work and unique compassion of the funeral services industry and its workers, shining the spotlight on an industry and aspects of life that are often overlooked or ignored. From its early beginnings right up to the modern day, this unique Houston museum has been focused on educating and inspiring its visitors, offering exhibits, displays, and other experiences to help them learn all about funerals and how they’ve changed over the years.
- The Experience - The National Museum of Funeral History is home to the largest collection of funeral service items in all of America, home to countless caskets, coffins, and related items. It features a total of 15 permanent exhibits, as well as several other special exhibits throughout the year and a gift shop too. The permanent exhibits cover a wide range of subjects and themes including the 'Dia de Los Muertos' (Day of the Dead) celebrations, the 'Lives and Deaths of the Popes', 'The History of Cremation', and even 'Presidential Funerals'. Browsing these exhibits or even taking a guided tour of the museum offers fascinating insight into the distinct significance of funerals and how attitudes towards death have changed and evolved around the world and through time.
- Buy Tickets - As one of the best attractions in Houston, the National Museum of Funeral History is a great place to go with all the family, and the tickets prices are very affordable. All young children can enter for free, while those aged between 6 and 11 can enter at a discounted rate, as well as seniors or veterans. Tickets can be purchased online or at the museum.
- Tours - It's perfectly possible to enjoy the National Museum of Funeral History's exhibitions without a guide, and the vast majority of visitors simply explore by themselves and visit the various exhibits at their own pace. If you're visiting with a group, however, and would prefer a guided tour, this can also be arranged by emailing or calling the museum. Your tour will be led by a friendly guide who can take you around each exhibit, sharing stories and answering questions along the way.
- Getting There - The National Museum of Funeral History is easy to access from Houston and the surrounding area. It's situated on the northern side of Houston off I-45 and Richey Road, just 15 minutes away from Bush Airport. While visiting the museum, you can also dine at dozens of quality local restaurants, or head into Downtown Houston to see some of the city's other museums and galleries, as well as its many restaurants, parks, gardens, and unique landmarks. website