If you’re looking for something way off the beaten path in Houston, let me introduce you to a museum that explores something we usually try not to talk about: death.
But don’t get spooked…
This museum turns one of life’s final chapters into a jaw-droppingly fascinating adventure packed with coffins shaped like fish, presidential funeral bills, and even a hearse collection that’ll make car buffs do a double take.
So, What Is This Place?
Let me introduce you to the National Museum of Funeral History.
Located in a quiet Houston neighborhood, this 35,000-square-foot museum isn’t your average day trip.
Forget stuffy galleries.
Here, you’ll walk through the largest collection of authentic funeral artifacts in the U.S. and it’s way more fun than it sounds.
It’s part science, part culture, part history lesson, and yes, a little bit spooky.
Highlights You Have to See
1. The Hearse Hall
Yep, a whole lineup of both horse-drawn and motorized hearses.
There’s even a full-on funeral bus from San Francisco that was meant to carry both mourners and the deceased—until it tragically tipped over on a hill, spilling everyone into the street.
Spoiler: it never made a comeback.
2. Presidential Send-Offs
History fans, you’re gonna love this one.
There’s a bill from George Washington’s funeral for a whopping $99.25, and the hearse used for both Ronald Reagan and Gerald Ford.
But the showstopper?
A full-scale replica of Abraham Lincoln lying in repose, complete with a real lock of Honest Abe’s hair. Wild.
3. Papal Power
The museum teamed up with the Vatican (yes, that Vatican) to create the Celebrating the Lives and Deaths of the Popes exhibit.
You’ll get a front-row look at how popes are honored, buried, and remembered.
It’s ornate, detailed, and seriously impressive.
4. African Fantasy Coffins & Traditions
This section is bold, bright, and unlike anything you’ve seen.
Think coffins shaped like eagles, fish, or even cars.
You’ll also learn about the powerful funeral customs from African-American communities, especially in New Orleans.
5. The Embalming School
Yep, this museum doubles as an actual school for embalmers.
So while you’re exploring embalming practices through the ages (Ancient Egypt included!), someone next door might be learning the modern-day skills.
Tickets, Hours, and the Basics
Address: 415 Barren Springs Dr, Houston, TX 77090, United States
Opening Hours:
- Mon–Fri: 10am–4pm
- Sat: 10am–5pm
- Sun: 12pm–5pm
Admission:
- Adults: $15
- Seniors & Veterans: $12
- Kids 6–11: $7
- Kids under 5: Free
You can grab tickets online or at the door.
And if you’ve got an hour to spare, hop on a guided tour (Mon–Fri only, between 10am and 2:30pm).
You’ll get insider stories and little-known facts that make the whole place even cooler.
Final Thoughts (But Not Those Final Thoughts)
This museum doesn’t just teach you about how we say goodbye, it shows you how cultures all over the world honor, mourn, and remember the people they’ve lost.
It’s weird.
It’s moving.
It’s way more fun than you think.
So if you’re in Houston and want to check out something unforgettable (and yes, a little weird), head to the National Museum of Funeral History.
Just don’t expect your average field trip.
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