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National Museum of Funeral History
415 Barren Springs Dr, Houston, TX 77090, United States
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Ka
Review №1

A great place to visit. Was only $10 per adult. Has a great selection of different exibits. Would recommend to anyone who loves antiques or cars.

Er
Review №2

I very much enjoyed this museum. It was well organized, visually appealing, and had lots of information. I especially enjoyed the information on funerary items as it relates to the former Presidents. Exceptionally well done. Even though it was more modern, the section on cremation and the ways ashes into memorial items was also really interesting. This museum is roughly 15 minutes from the airport, so it makes a great option if you want to see a place before leaving but dont have time to go into the city proper. Highly recommended for people who are open to this kind of material.Just a note: there were children here who seemed to be enjoying themselves so I would vote good for kids who are old enough to have the self control to not climb in the antique hearses.Second note: While it is close to the airport, there is not public transportation nearby so you would need to get a Lyft, cab, or Uber if you dont have a car.

Go
Review №3

Interesting pieces of history, and really neat information on how different cultures handle when people pass away. As a fan of ancient Egyptian history, I especially loved the Egyptian section.

Ma
Review №4

It was exactly as described in other reviews. Not scary, very interesting. Teenage son enjoyed it as well.

br
Review №5

If you are at all interested in the funeral industry, hearses, or just a little creepy, this museum is right up your alley. First off their collection of hearses is divine! They have funeral vehicles from different eras and parts of the world, most of them with accents such as coffins and caskets, floral arrangements, and plaques with the vehicles individual history. There are exhibits of every facet of the funeral industry from caskets and burials to embalming and cremation. A must see for anyone!

Me
Review №6

Really, really enjoyed this museum! My sisters and I visited on September 10 and spent a bit of time inside as its surprisingly big and full of great, interesting exhibits.

Sh
Review №7

Excellent experience. Setup is easily accessible to attractions. Everything is clean and in great condition. Super educational experience. Highly recommend for a quiet day out.

Al
Review №8

Very good museum! It looks small on the outside, but its actually huge once you get inside. I loved the section on the Presidents funerals.

Ra
Review №9

Very large, tucked away gem with a lot of antique hearses. They museum is very open and clean, with many exhibit areas. I could do with less about famous peoples funeral programs and more about the traditions in many countries and religions all over the world. Still a qwirky thing that we have only in Houston.

Da
Review №10

Very organized establishment with beautiful artifacts. All of the exhibits had detailed descriptions of interesting facts. The building is very well kept and clean. Highly recommend a visit.

Ma
Review №11

Very interesting place. You will learn alot about history.

St
Review №12

So cool! From the history of hearses, to cremation, urns, famous funerals, even a customized casket... Its all here and you should check it out

Sa
Review №13

Loved every minute of it! Every hearse is so beautiful and well taken care of. A must visit if you come to Spring TX.

Ha
Review №14

Really love this place. Everyone was friendly and the exhibits are really neat and well done. Not to mention, all the beautiful hearses! That was my favourite part. The gift shop has some cute stuff too. I definitely plan on coming back here to go over anything I might have missed.

Cl
Review №15

Absolutely adore the classic automotive section. Great place for my fellow Goths to take your dates for a nice romantic evening

Co
Review №16

We took our 4 kids in 2000 and they still talk about this place! Now they want to take their kids there. Very educational and just so darn cool!

To
Review №17

Wasn’t sure what to expect but pleasantly surprised. Very interesting collection of cars (hearses) from across the years (1800’s to today). The embalming history exhibit is cool as well. The “what happens when the pope dies” exhibit is also fascinating. You could spend a couple hours here and be intrigued. I personally don’t think kids would find it interesting. It’s a quirky museum but VERY well done.

Da
Review №18

Wonderfully informative. I attended as a class function, but intend to return for a more relaxed exploration.

Bo
Review №19

I thought it would be weird but they actually had some cool stuff in there. The lady in the gift shop and the security guard were both very kind and helpfully.

Ch
Review №20

Weird but interestingMy boys liked it

Ch
Review №21

Amazing! If you have a morbid curiosity, this place is for you. Completely family friendly. Lots of antique equipment and hearses. Loved it! But if u want to see EVERYTHING, allow yourself about 2 hours. We had to sprint to get to the end before they closed

Be
Review №22

Very clean and interesting! Love the the way it is set up and the displays are easy to read and understand.

Gr
Review №23

Houston’s Museum District is the place most outsiders flock to when they want to visit a wide variety of museums. I agree that this is a great place to start, but the fact is, there are many other excellent museums to visit in the Houston area that are located somewhere else in the city and a prime example is the National Museum of Funeral History.Most people feel a little creepy about visiting a museum dedicated to funerals and dying, but once you experience this hidden gem, you will wonder what ever held you back. The museum does include a large number of hearses, coffins, etc, like you would expect, but it has much more to offer than that. The section on presidential deaths, the tomb of the unknown soldier, the life and deaths of Popes, and others will pique your interest and keep you browsing.One section at the National Museum of Funeral History that caught me by surprise is the one dedicated to celebrity deaths. Here, you will learn about famous people, many of whom died younger than expected. They even have copies of the actual funeral order of service/program that was used when the celebrities died and they have exhibits and audio that take you back to fateful moments, like when John Lennon was assassinated.To keep things entertaining, the National Museum of Funeral History has videos, trivia, and other fun, interactive moments, like creating your own epitaph. The gift shop is larger than expected and it is where your visit begins and ends. They have several t-shirts that are quite amusing and I recommend buying at least one before you go.Houston’s museums are many and while the National Museum of Funeral History isn’t as well known as the ones in the Museum District, it is definitely a place you need to visit. The many exhibits, the hearses on display, the educational lessons, and so much more add up to a museum experience like few others.

Er
Review №24

This museum is very interesting and has some great exhibits. Very cool and educational.

Cl
Review №25

This is a really unique place. Check it out if you are in Houston

Ha
Review №26

It was breath takingly exciting and informative. To understand it, you have to visit tgere yourself. Think deep and youll see why.

mi
Review №27

Great historical funerals. Cool hearses....if youre into that sort of thing.

Aa
Review №28

An amazing stop for locals and tourists. $9 for seniors and Veterans. $10 for adults. Very helpful staff. If you have questions or need a guide just ask. I was really blown away at how professionally all the exhibits were set up. Nice little gift shop. I guarantee everyone will find something fascinating here. The Pope exhibition was amazing. Roy Rogers car is worth the stop in itself. I will definitely suggest this stop to anyone visiting in the future. Worth saving as a favorite. Thanks to the people responsible for making this museum possible. And the best part is it is in Texas, which will make an Houstonian or Texan proud to call it their own. One of a kind and unique. Although, yes, its completely morbid.Its definitely worth dying for this museum!

Fe
Review №29

This museum really took me into the history of funerals and some death. Really opened my eyes about my future too. Its must go!! You will enjoy this museum its for all type of age group.

Fi
Review №30

Excellent multicultural displays that take U Back In Time. A person can easily spend a few hours admiring the true craftsmanship of human design & the morbid symbolism of the Dark Arts of that era.

As
Review №31

I had been wanting to go to the museum for some time and was finally able to. It was worth it! They have beautiful displays and cute items in the gift shop.

Je
Review №32

A must do for anyone that is intrigued by the funeral industry or death. They have some very interesting pieces and it covers many different aspects of various funerals. While I was the only one in our family that wanted to visit initially, in the end everyone in our family enjoyed our visit and found it education and amusing. Id love to visit again.

El
Review №33

It was extremely awesome and creepy at the same time. I learned a lot

Ja
Review №34

There was a ton of information in this museum. They also have a scavenger hunt to keep you looking into things as you go through. I was able to enjoy this museum much more than I expected.

M
Review №35

It was one of the most interesting museums Ive seen. I was expecting morbid stuff, but there was none of that.

Ba
Review №36

Much bigger than expected, so set aside at least an hour to look round this fascinating museum.

Ma
Review №37

Great detailed exhibits. Very interesting.

La
Review №38

We loved this museum. Very well laid out and informative.

At
Review №39

So much fun! Perfect date, if you love an unconventional date.

Sh
Review №40

Heard about this place from my boyfriend. . and he heard about this place because a coworker told him about it.I would have never thought that there would be a place like this. . but there is one.I am a little weirded ot about death and I mean, a lot of people are. However, this was kinda cool. For an adult, its $10 to get in. They give you a little token to put inside of the entrance. You walk in and you hearses and caskets. Weird right? But when you read about them, it gets to be a little cool. We learned about the history of how funerals were and even looked at some exhibits and cool stuff from previous Presidents. I think its really cool how people donate stuff to the museums!Overall, I know that I would come back in the future. This place has a lot of cool information.

Re
Review №41

It was highly educational and had information on various funeral practices in American history

St
Review №42

Fantastic! Who knew all this was here in H-Town. I could have spent hours more!

Hu
Review №43

$10 admission, free parking. Plan on 3 hours, 5 hours if you read every sign (theyre all worth reading). You could blow through it - not reading anything - in 1 hour, but that would be really dumb. Presidential, Egyptian, Pope, 1800s traditions, famous sports / actors, and cremation each have their own extensive exhibits. There are 15+- vehicles & carriages... it just keeps on going and all presented in a manner which is interesting.

Mi
Review №44

It was more informative and neat than morbid or scary.

Ch
Review №45

This is a great place to visit.

Al
Review №46

Loved it! Very interesting and one of those MUST SEE type places. Took lots of unbelievable photos but wont show all so go by and spend $10. Which was worth it. Its not spooky, not scary just very interesting.

Pa
Review №47

After a decade of wanting to go I finally went and visited. The exhibits are plentiful and some of them were quite moving. The staff was attentive and assisted if needed. Highly recommend this museum.

Je
Review №48

A fascinating andh highly informative museum - very well organized and presented - truly worth a visit!

Je
Review №49

A beautiful collection that i didn’t know I wanted to see until I found this for a family vacation. Instead went on a friends vacation and we had an absolute blast. I will probably be back again

Ra
Review №50

This museum was amazing! Theres so much information, memorabilia & exhibits reflecting on histories of funeral science from many different cultures around the world. You can literally spend hours in there as you walk around viewing and taking pictures of exhibits. The guide staff that I met were very friendly and helpful. It wasnt crowded and I was able to casually stroll around and view anything in there. A very relaxing event. It was unguided but the guides are there if you choose their assistance.

De
Review №51

This museum is an interesting and informative place to visit. There are many intriguing exhibits covering many aspects of the history of burial and cremation practices around the world as well as in the US. The many models of restored and historical hearses were especially interesting to see. The exhibit on Presidential funeral services also is presented very well. The souvenir shop has many interesting Day of the Dead figurines, and we got a couple. Worth a visit.

Ma
Review №52

Loved walking through and seeing a collection of different things that have made up the funeral profession over the years.

Ry
Review №53

I dont really know what I was expecting, but this place is really neat! lots of exhibits, but not overwhelming. I really liked all of the old hearses, and their gift shop isnt overpriced. Ill definitely go back, its a unique place to bring out of town guests.

Ja
Review №54

This place is AWESOME. I love museums and had no idea what to expect nor had I ever heard of a funeral museum. There are some amazing displays here! I enjoyed reading about the history and seeing the evolution of the industry. There is also a really neat Dia de los Muertos display/scene. And unexpectedly there is a HUGE Pope exhibit. Something I was not expecting to see and I really enjoyed reading about the Papal process in times of death. I am not Catholic but grew up in an area that is predominantly Catholic and found this particular exhibit nostalgic and comforting.I also really enjoy American history and found the Presidential exhibit very interesting as well. I was attending a private event held at the museum and wasnt sure what to expect and found myself pleasantly surprised and i pressed.

Tr
Review №55

Something for everyone. Been here many times. Lots of history on different cultures beliefs and practices with funerals. Including a whole wing dedicated to the Vaticans practice when the pope dies Egyptian practices and even the cibal war. Lots a actual hearses from 1800s to even Princess Grace. Adults cost $10.00.

He
Review №56

Does a great job of showing the past. Great job discussing embalming and cremation. We all have to face this in our future- May as well be educated about it. Nice education of pope funeral and replacement selection as well as presidential funerals. Nicely done. Still gives me the chills to be there.

Br
Review №57

Awesome place & very friendly staff!!

Or
Review №58

A gory topic that most people are afraid to speak of is death and funeral. I visited the National Museum of Funeral. It tells the delicate and dignified treatment of Deceased and Demise person.

Ni
Review №59

This was an awesome and interesting to be able to see every detail of history of funerals of the past, gives a great of appreciation! Definitely gonna come back to continue to read and learn more, Thanks for being so informative!

Je
Review №60

Go here. A lot of information and a lot of variety to review. Amazing interesting museum. Amazing vehicle/transportation exhibits. Huge Catholic area and I really enjoyed that it dived into different cultures too.

Sh
Review №61

Such a unique place to visit. I went with my husband and our 11 year old son and we all loved it and plan to return soon.

Sc
Review №62

Very enriching experience! Very much worth the $10 for the ticket! Well put together! Lots of history! One of the coolest experiences I’ve ever had! Highly recommended!

Al
Review №63

Very interesting museum with fantastic combination of history, biography and memorabilia. Definitely worth the visit.

Da
Review №64

This is a hidden gem near Bush Airport off I45. It has a very interesting display of classic restored hearses and other items. It exceeded my expectations.

MA
Review №65

Very cool place. Lots of fun facts. Its a place Ive been dieing to go to.

Ch
Review №66

Very interesting! Nice collection of funeral vehicles, artifacts, and information.

As
Review №67

Love this museum has such great history

Br
Review №68

Enjoyed the museum throughly. There’s a lot of history there with Hurst from many famous funerals. Great place to visit!

Mo
Review №69

This place is amazing. Lots of good history information. I highly recommend this museum.

Sa
Review №70

If you are interested in funeral history, this is the place for you. Embalming, presidents funeral, Pope funerals and an arrangement of hearses to peruse.

Se
Review №71

Really awesome place to visit. Lots of interesting history.

Do
Review №72

Great museum with many interesting displays. I brought a couple of family members with me and both admitted that it was much more interesting than they had anticipated. Much larger than expected. Everyone dies so in that regard it’s relatable to everyone. If I am ever in Houston again, I will definitely go back.

An
Review №73

I really enjoyed this museum. It doesnt look big at all but once you go in the building it will take you about a good 2 hours to see! I dont know if it was the fact that we were in a funeral museum or if it was just me but I definitely felt some heaviness in the air in certain places, the woman up in the front (who was extremely kind and helpful) told me I wasnt the only one to have said they sense something there. Lol. But I had a good time regardless! We would return!

Ru
Review №74

I really suggest you visit. Very interesting facts. And informational. These photos peeked my intrest. Theres many more too see.

Jo
Review №75

I loved it because I got to learn more about the things in history so I can acknowledge that to my family and friends

Tr
Review №76

A lot of history and interesting memorabilia. Not your typical museum. Enjoyed learning the evolution of the funeral industry and its inner workings. Also, the displays are morbidly beautiful.

Te
Review №77

Morbid curiosity? Love hanging in cemeteries? This is your place! It’s small and unassuming from the outside, but this place is packed with lots of interesting information about dead presidents and stars to funeral practices most of us might not be familiar with. The Dia de Los Muertos, fantasy coffins, and cremation chamber were my favorite exhibits.

Ro
Review №78

More than you could ever want to know. More on the amusing side than educational. But fun

Ge
Review №79

I visited the National Museum of Funeral History (NFMH) with a friend visiting from Tokyo. The exhibits were very well presented. I was impressed by the variety of items there; there was even a hearse familiar to my friend from Japanese funeral customs. I hope the museum continues to collect and display items from cultures around the world.My friend and I havent kept in touch much since we last lived in the same town, about seven years ago. I loved that the topic of the displays helped us talk more in depth about our lives, especially sharing the news that my mother passed away suddenly about a year after we last met. Because it was Halloween, we also had the fun of the museums annual Haunted House to enjoy. Other highlights were the informed, friendly, helpful staff; the fun scavenger hunt; and the well-stocked gift shop.

Al
Review №80

So fun! I didn’t expect much, so I was thrilled with the experience. The president’s section was fantastic, also loved all the hearses.

Ma
Review №81

This place beats regular museums by a mile. Very well kept up and the exhibits arent morbid or weird. You wont find fine paintings or sculptures. The have old hursts coffins and a lot of information on burial s throughout the ages. At the time I went they had a section on the Papal linage. If you are ever in Houston and cant take anymore hear or humidity, this place should be on your short list.

Vi
Review №82

I had a Fantastic visit! I will gladly visit again one day! Give yourself plenty of time to walk around the place is surprisingly huge with lots of things to see and read about. Also lady at the desk was very polite & nice.Suggestion; need one of those fun penny crushers that stamps the logos of your establishment onto a penny. I love those things!

Ja
Review №83

I thoroughly enjoyed my time spent here. The lady at the cash register in the gift shop is........ Less than stellar. It took a great deal of time for us because we read all we could.

Dr
Review №84

Beautiful collection of historic funeral culture. I especially like the collection of vehicles and Victorian funeral attire. Im not sure I completely understand the obsession with Pope John II, however it was an interesting exhibit all the same.

Ca
Review №85

Great factoids throughout the museum. We spent about 1.5 hours here and we rushed through parts of it. Well worth the $10.

Ma
Review №86

Rot Rogers car. Very interesting displays, very reasonable

Gu
Review №87

Some really unique pieces. Worth visiting!!

Ju
Review №88

Really cool interesting exhibits.

Je
Review №89

So much fun and inexpensive. Great to go with the family

Ch
Review №90

A great place to spend the night! Seriously though, I really enjoyed the wide variety of caskets and unusual stories. A very interesting museum and worth the time. Youll never forget the experience!

Ka
Review №91

Absolutely love this place, I try to visit once a year or so. The hearse and casket collection is my favorite. Gift shop is pretty awesome.

Rh
Review №92

Doesnt look big but you can spend some time Here seeing and learning!! Very cool displays, easy yo read descriptions and very interesting. Lots of cool real artifacts and hurses. Very inexpensive to enter and well worth it.

Va
Review №93

Shocked! This museum is so very interesting. I could have stayed all day. I went expecting doom & gloom and it was nothing like that. It was a quite an experience. I took loads of pictures but a single photo would not have done it justice.

Mj
Review №94

Not a place that would hold the attention of small humans. Lots of history in this place! Definitely not as morbid as some might think. The religious, presidential and patriotic history/artifacts.*Also, dont waste your money on the haunted house.*

Ma
Review №95

Excellent engaging and fun celebration of life and death

Jo
Review №96

Honestly, I was surprised how well this place is presented. Theres some really cool cars along with a large assortment of other items. Currently they even have a Batmobile replica.

Ro
Review №97

This place was so Cool!! Doesnt look big but you can spend some time Here seeing and learning!! Very cool displays, easy yo read descriptions and very interesting. Lots of cool real artifacts and hurses. Very inexpensive to enter and well worth it.

Va
Review №98

Lots if interesting things to see, not very morbid (I skipped info on embalming). Many cars used for final farewells including Princess Grace, Presidents Reagan and Ford. The tour is self guided but you can arrange for docent.I assumed the museum would focus on the history or traditions of funerals but instead a huge part centered around the vehicles used, unusual coffin designs, and a wonderful area dedicated to celebrities. There are presidential and papal display areas as well, traditions of papal funerals was very interesting even for a non-catholic.Plan on a minimum of 2 hours because there are so many displays.Update: returned in October 2019 for a docent lead tour which I highly recommend. Our guide was great, knowledgeable and funny. His humor incorporated common phrases explaining their history. The Papal exhibit is probably one of a kind much of it displayed with the sanction of the Vatican. His historical explanation of wicker caskets was amazing as well as learning Lincoln was embalmed 14 times so his body could be displayed on a long train route to Illinois for burial. Amazing story.

Ja
Review №99

This is the best museum I have ever visit. I love funeral history and this tells it all

Er
Review №100

Amazing place to visit. Coolest gift store. They had a great Halloween party!

Information
100 Photos
100 Comments
4.7 Rating
  • Address:415 Barren Springs Dr, Houston, TX 77090, United States
  • Site:http://www.nmfh.org/
  • Phone:+1 281-876-3063
Categories
  • History museum
  • National museum
  • Tourist attraction
Working hours
  • Monday:10am–4pm
  • Tuesday:10am–4pm
  • Wednesday:10am–4pm
  • Thursday:10am–4pm
  • Friday:10am–4pm
  • Saturday:10am–5pm
  • Sunday:12–5pm
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair-accessible car park:Yes
  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance:Yes
  • Wheelchair-accessible lift:Yes
  • Wheelchair-accessible toilet:Yes
Amenities
  • Restaurant:No
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