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The Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of African American History and Culture - NMAAHC

Source: The Washington Post / Getty

The Museum Experience, April 29 from 11 to 4pm, showcases some of Houston Museum District’s most diverse institutions. The walkable zone features eight museums with collections ranging from abstract to avant-garde, contemporary craft, design and several exhibitions that focus on culturally-specific subject matter. Holocaust survivor stories, Civil War re-enactments, live artmaking, and art exhibitions on view.

Visitors can expect to experience a cultural passport to the world, learn valuable historical lessons from those who experienced it firsthand, including story-telling and dramatic re-enactments with the opportunity to share, discuss and delve into ancestral lineage and traditions deeply rooted in Texas.

“To balance the sensitive subject matter that some museums address, said Julie Farr, Houston Museum District executive director, we feature art, dance, celebrations of cultural heritage and exquisite local artistry through live demonstrations.” She added, “Our hope is to communicate and honor our past, relish in current traditions and inspire museum-goers to extend future support to the organizations that offer safe spaces for discussion and new learning experiences.”

METRO light rail has several dedicated stops in the district. Those attending are encouraged to post event photos through Houston Museum District’s FaceBook, Twitter and Instagram social media feeds using #housmuse #museumexperience.

MUSEUM EXPERIENCE ZONE 2 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS – Saturday, April 29, 2017

10am-6pm Enjoy FREE gallery admission to Asia Society Texas Center’s Modern Twist: Contemporary Japanese Bamboo Art and explode the notion of what a basket can be. Stay for an Asian-inspired lunch in the Jade Café.

11am-4pm Step into America’s only museum that chronicles the African American military experience from the Revolutionary War to present.  The Buffalo Soldiers Museum will catch the interest of all ages and provide you with a personal insight into the Buffalo Soldiers contribution to history.  Experience live, historical re-enactments at 11 am, 12 pm, 1 pm and 2 pm. Bring the entire family to experience this captivating and engaging history! $5 admission, $3 for students with ID.

10am-4pm Paint! Learn the traditional craft of egg painting at Czech Center Houston and hear children’s stories from the Czech Republic (the first animated children’s book was published there). Take advantage of a 10% discount in the Prague International Shop. Admission: $5 for adults and $3 for children 10 and under.

11am-3pm Bring the whole family to Houston Center for Contemporary Craft to learn about current exhibitions with guided tours on the hour, every hour. Exhibitions pay tribute to U.S. veterans, the art of traditional Navajo weaving, and resident artists working in various craft mediums will have their studios open to the public. Explore the Craft Garden to sketch and make your own polymer clay sculpture inspired by plants used in textile and fiber arts. FREE

10am-5pm At Holocaust Museum Houston, interact with the artificial-intelligence avatar of Holocaust survivor Pinchas Gunter, and receive real-time responses to your questions from this hologram in the Celebration of Survival exhibit by Barbara Himes. At 12:30pm, 1:30pm, 2:30pm, and 3:30pm enjoy guided tours of the core exhibition, WWII rail car and Danish fishing boat. Also on view, Bittersweet Harvest: The Bracero Program, 1942-1964, a Spanish/English bilingual exhibit about the largest guest labor program in U.S. history. Adults $12, Seniors $8, Members and students with ID Free. #StandWithHope.

11am-6pm Houston Museum of African American Culture presents 2 exhibitions: Africa on my mind: The art of Malick Sidibe and Leslie Wayne. View a photographic history of the country of Mali in the 1950s, ‘60s, and 70’s and see how oil paint becomes three dimensional, resembling textiles. FREE

DiverseWorks is closed for installation on April 29, please visit the exhibition In media res: Regina Agu, ruby onyinyechi amanze, and Wura-Natasha Ogunji on view from May 13 to July 29, 2017. FREE

Lawndale Art Center is closed for installation. The opening reception for May exhibitions is Friday, May 5th from 6 to 8pm. FREE

The Museum Experience creates walkable zones to help visitors navigate through each area and experience the museums in a personal way. On the last Saturday of January, April, July and September, each zone showcases a handful of museums at a time complete with special programming. The Museum Experience events happen during normal museum hours giving visitors ample time to explore the district. Although selected museums are featured in each zone, all museums in the district are open – houstonmuseumdistrict.org for hours and locations.

Houston Museum District Association – works collaboratively with 19 museums, all within a 1.5-mile radius of the Mecom Fountain. Formed in 1997, HMDA is committed to making cultural arts accessible to all; providing unparalleled opportunities for education, inspiration and recreation.

MEET THE MUSEUMS OF ZONE 2

Asia Society Texas Center

Experience the splendor of Asian art, film and performance, hear engaging global business and policy perspectives, and experience educational activities all ages.

1370 Southmore Blvd. • 713.496.9901 asiasociety.org/texas 
Hours Tues – Fri: 11am-6pm, Sat-Sun 10am-6pm

Buffalo Soldiers National Museum

Chronicles the African American military experience in America’s great wars, including the Revolutionary War, Spanish American War, WW I, WWII & others.

3816 Caroline St. • 713.942.8920 buffalosoldiermuseum.com 
Hours Mon – Fri: 10am-5pm, Sat: 10am- 4pm

Czech Center

Elegant baroque architecture offers historical artifacts, tours, art, concerts, lectures/classes, event venues, library, chapel and gift shop.

4920 San Jacinto St. 713.528.2060 • czechcenter.org 
Hours Mon – Sat: 10am-4pm

DiverseWorks

DiverseWorks presents new visual, performing, and literary art in a space for experimenting, commissioning and exhibiting new works, and advocating for artists of all disciplines.

3400 Main St. • 713.223.8346 diverseworks.org
Hours Wed – Sat: 12pm-6pm

Holocaust Museum Houston

The Holocaust Museum is dedicated to educating people about the Holocaust, remembering the six million Jews & other innocent victims & honoring the survivors’ legacy while addressing current issues on genocide.

5401 Caroline St. • 713.942.8000 • hmh.org 
Hours Mon – Fri: 9am-5pm Sat – Sun: 12pm-5pm

Houston Center for Contemporary Craft

Experience the art of the handmade. Visit artist studios, see innovative exhibitions, stroll through the Craft Garden, and shop for one-of-a-kind gifts in the Asher Gallery.

4848 Main St. • 713.529.4848 crafthouston.org 
Hours Tues – Sat: 10am-5pm Sun: 12pm-5pm

Houston Museum of African American Culture

The Houston Museum of African American Culture collects, conserves, explores, interprets & exhibits the material & intellectual culture of Africans & African Americans.

4807 Caroline St. 713.526.1015 • hmaac.org 
Hours Wed, Fri, Sat: 11am-6pm; Thurs 11am-8pm; Sun 12-6m

Lawndale Art Center

Unique in its focus on Houston artists, Lawndale presents & promotes experimental, alternative contemporary art in all media.

4912 Main St. • 713.528.5858 lawndaleartcenter.org 
Hours Mon – Fri: 10am-5pm Sat: 12pm-5pm