[Byzantine Fresco Chapel]-This museum features 13th Century frescoes from the island of Cyprus. One of the ancient frescoes depicts the Virgin Mary. Another fresco, a dome fresco that took four years to restore, depicts Christ Dominique de Menil, designed the chapel located at the corner of Branard and Yupond Sts. a few blocks from the Menil Collection. For more information, call the Menil Collection at 713/525-9400.
[Children's Museum of Houston]-Variety of hands-on exhibits for children four months to 14 years in areas of science, history, culture, and the arts. Other features include outdoor discovery garden and greenhouse. Open Tues.-Sat. 9. a.m.-5p.m; Sun. noon-5p.m. 1500 Binz (Admission)
[Contemporary Arts Museum]-A non-collecting museum dedicated to bringing the cutting edge of contemporary art to the city through its nine exhibitions yearly. Open Tues.-Fri.10a.m.-5p.m.; Sat.-Sun.noon-5p.m. 5216 Montrose Blvd. 713/284-8250.
[Holocaust Museum Houston]-Facility is designed to be a living testimonial to those who died, a place to honor those who survived, and a source from which the vital education of generations now and in the future can exhibit gallery, theater, library, an interactive learning center, and archives repository. Open Sun.-Fri.10am-5pm, Sat. noon-5pm. At 5401 Caroline St.
[Houston Garden Center]-Garden trails, rose garden and center headquarters. Building open Mon.-Fri. 8am-5pm; trails and gardens open Mon.-Fri. 8am-6pm (8am-8pm summer) Sat., Sun. and holidays 10am-6pm (10am-8pm summer). North edge of Hermann Park, 1500 Herman Dr.
[Houston Museum of Health & Medical Science]-This museum is a hands-on experience for all ages. With its walk-through design of the human body, the museum allows visitors a chance to understand the body's inner working and how one are influences the next. The museum also features changing exhibits throughout the year. Open Tues-Sat.-9am-5pm., Sun.noon-5pm. At 1515 Hermann Dr. For information, call 713/521-1515.(Admission)
[Houston Museum of Natural Science]-Exhibits feature space science plus geology, archaeology, and natural history. In Hermann Park. Open Mon.-Sat. 9am-6pm. 1 Hermann Circle Dr. (Admission).
of special interest are:
Burke Baker Planetarium-Called most sophisticated science-teaching device in the world, 232-seat planetarium. Celestial shows(fee) Mon.-Fri. 1,2,&3pm; Sat., Sun. every half-hour 1-3:30pm. Weekend evenings feature entertaining rock and roll laser shows(fee). Planetarium also house an erray of scientific exhibits. For ticket and show information, 713/639-4600.
Cockrell Butterfly Center- A six story glass cone houses some 2,000 live butterflies flying freely amid a tropical rain forest. Open daily. For information, 713/639-4600
Lillie and Roy Cullen Gallery of Earth Science-
Wortham IMAX Theatre- For more information 713/639-4629
Hall of Health- Transparent anatomical mannequin display various organs: lungs, heart, teeth, ect.; hands-on exhibits, audio explanations.
[Houston Zoological Gardens]-One of the most unusual zoos in the US, features Tropical Bird House resembling Asian jungle with more than 200 exotic birds flying through aviary rain forest. In Hermann Park, zoo is open Tues.-Sun.10am-6pm. (Admission)
[Japanese Garden]- Designed by Ken Nakajima, world renowned Japanese landscape architect who designed gardens in Moscow, Montreal, and Rome. Features waterfalls amid winding paths and lush exotic plants. Open daily 10am-6pm. In Hermann Park. (Admission)
[Miller Outdoor Theatre]-Performances feature a variety of entertainment from grand opera to jazz, ballet to Shakespeare, musical comedy to symphonic concerts. Outdoor theatre in Hermann Park seats 1,750 under unusual polygon roof; additional seating on grass hillside.
[Museum of Fine Arts]-The city's finest collection of art objects, paintings and sculpture, visited by more than a half-million people each year. Accredited by American Association of Museums. Among superb displays are Finnigan collection of ancient art from Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Strauss collection features Renaissance paintings and bronzes. Noted Kress collection displays High Renaissance art from Italy and Spain, and the Beck collection includes master paintings from impressionist, postimpressionist and early modernist periods. Visitors will find Infian art of Southwest, plus Frederic Remington's robust masterpieces. Native arts from Africa, Australia, and South Pacific, plus special Junior Gallery with changing exhibits of appeal to youngsters. Open Tues., Wed, Fri, & Sat. 10am-5pm; Sun. 12:15-6pm; Thurs. 10am-9pm. Closed Mondays. Restaurant open Tues.-Sat. 10am-4pm 1001 Bissonnet. Fee. The Cullen Sculpture Garden, displaying fine sculpture outdoors, is across from the museum. Open 10am-10pm.