Exhibits feature space science plus geology, archaeology and natural history. Open 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Mon.–Sat. and 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Sun. Admission charge. 5555 Hermann Park Drive. www.hmns.org

Of special interest are:

• Burke Baker Planetarium — A planetarium that reproduces celestial patterns as they would be seen from any point on earth or in space. Celestial shows (fee) at 1, 2 and 3 p.m. Mon.–Fri. and every half-hour 1–3:30 p.m. Sat.–Sun. Weekend evenings feature entertaining rock 'n' roll laser shows (fee). Planetarium also houses an array of scientific exhibits. 713/639-4629.
• Cockrell Butterfly Center — A six-story glass cone houses about 2,000 live butterflies flying amid a tropical rain forest. Visitors can stroll within the 25,000 square-foot area to view flowers, medicinal plants, giant trees, a 40-foot waterfall and scores of exotic butterflies. Open daily. 713/639-4600.
• Hall of Paleontology — Opened in 2012, the new hall is packed with prehistoric beasts, showing the predators and prey in action—chasing, eating and escaping—as they struggle for life. 713/639-4629.
• Lillie and Roy Cullen Gallery of Earth Science — Displays the Sams Collection of more than 600 rare mineral specimens and hundreds of gemstones, plus the Cockrell Hall of Minerals with some of the world's best examples of gems and minerals. Includes a Hall of Fluorescent Minerals and Hall of Gems and Jewelry.
• Wortham IMAX Theatre — Features exciting films projected onto a six-story-tall screen. Shows are hourly 10 a.m.–8 p.m. Mon.–Thu., 10 a.m.–9 p.m. Fri.–Sat. and noon–8 p.m. Sun. 713/639-4629.