In the heart of Houston’s Museum District, nestled within the Houston Museum of Natural Science (HMNS), lies a tropical oasis that has enchanted visitors for decades; the Cockrell Butterfly Center. More than just a beautiful exhibit, it’s a living, breathing celebration of biodiversity, education, and conservation.

Origins and Vision

The Cockrell Butterfly Center officially opened its doors in 1994, thanks to a generous donation from the Cockrell Foundation. The goal was to create a space that would not only showcase the beauty of butterflies but also educate the public about their ecological importance and life cycles.

Designed as a three-story glass-enclosed conservatory, the center mimics a lush tropical rainforest, complete with cascading waterfalls, vibrant flora, and warm, humid air. This immersive environment allows visitors to walk among hundreds of free-flying butterflies, often serving as landing pads for these delicate creatures.

A Living Exhibit

At any given time, the conservatory houses between 1,500 to 2,000 butterflies from around 60 different species. These butterflies are sourced from sustainable butterfly farms in Asia, Central and South America, and arrive in their chrysalis form. Visitors can witness the magical moment of metamorphosis in the emergence chamber, where caterpillars transform into butterflies before taking flight.

The center also includes the Brown Hall of Entomology, which features live insects like praying mantises and hissing cockroaches, as well as larger-than-life models and interactive displays that explore insect anatomy, behavior, and diversity.

Education and Conservation

Beyond its visual appeal, the Cockrell Butterfly Center is a hub for education and outreach. It offers programs for schools, families, and nature enthusiasts, emphasizing the role of butterflies as pollinators and indicators of environmental health. Through workshops, guided tours, and hands-on activities, the center fosters a deeper understanding of entomology and conservation efforts.

Cultural Impact

The Butterfly Center has also made its mark in pop culture. It was featured in Richard Linklater’s film Boyhood (2014), where characters explore the exhibit during a day trip in Houston, highlighting its status as a beloved local attraction.

A Timeless Treasure

More than 30 years since its opening, the Cockrell Butterfly Center continues to be one of HMNS’s most popular exhibits. It offers a rare opportunity to step into a vibrant ecosystem and connect with nature in an intimate, awe-inspiring way.

Whether you’re a curious child, a seasoned scientist, or simply someone seeking a moment of serenity, the Cockrell Butterfly Center invites you to slow down, look closely, and marvel at the delicate dance of wings in flight.

Reach out if you have any questions or further input about the history of Houston!

In the heart of Houston’s Rice Military neighborhood stands a home unlike any other, a glittering monument to creativity, beer, and the art of repurposing. Known as The Beer Can House, this folk art masterpiece is covered in more than 50,000 beer cans, transformed into siding, wind chimes, and whimsical decorations that have captivated locals and tourists alike since the late 1960s.

The Man Behind the Cans

The Beer Can House was the brainchild of John Milkovisch, a retired upholsterer for the Southern Pacific Railroad. In 1968, tired of mowing his lawn, Milkovisch began paving his yard with concrete inlaid with marbles, rocks, and brass figures. Once the yard was complete, he turned his attention to the house itself;covering it with flattened beer cans, bottle caps, and pull-tabs.

Milkovisch’s motivation wasn’t fame or fortune. He simply hated waste and loved beer. With help from neighbors and friends, he collected thousands of cans, turning them into aluminum siding and decorative garlands that hang from the roof and tinkle in the breeze like metallic wind chimes.

A Monument to Ingenuity

Over the course of 18 years, Milkovisch transformed his home into a shimmering spectacle. The house features:

• Flattened beer cans as siding
• Pull-tab curtains that clink musically in the wind
• Concrete patios embedded with colorful glass and metal
• Marble-filled fences and whimsical mobiles made from wire and found objects

The result is a home that looks like a disco ball collided with a recycling center.

Preservation and Legacy

After Milkovisch’s passing, the Orange Show Center for Visionary Art acquired the property in 2001 to preserve it as a folk art monument. Today, The Beer Can House is open to the public Wednesday through Sunday, offering tours and hosting art installations and community events.

In 2025, the house received national recognition from the National Trust for Historic Preservation, joining the Historic Artists’ Homes and Studios network.

Why It Matters

The Beer Can House is a celebration of personal expression, sustainability, and the idea that art can be found in the most unexpected places. It reminds us that creativity doesn’t require a canvas or a gallery; sometimes, all you need is a six-pack and a vision.

Planning a visit? The Beer Can House is located at 222 Malone Street, Houston, TX 77007. Admission is free, thanks to support from Saint Arnold Brewing Company.

Wes Anderson, the celebrated director known for his whimsical storytelling and meticulous visual style, may be synonymous with European landscapes and pastel-colored world, but his journey began in the heart of Texas.

Born in Houston in 1969, Anderson’s early years in the city laid the foundation for his unique cinematic voice. His second feature film, Rushmore (1998), is not only a cult classic but also a love letter to his hometown.

Growing Up in Houston

St. John’s Private School

Anderson attended St. John’s School, a prestigious private institution in Houston’s River Oaks neighborhood. It was here that he first began experimenting with filmmaking, using his father’s Super 8 camera to shoot silent films starring his brothers and friends. His early ambition was to be a writer, but storytelling through film quickly became his passion.

After graduating from St. John’s in 1987, Anderson studied philosophy at the University of Texas at Austin, where he met Owen Wilson. The two would go on to collaborate on several screenplays, beginning with Bottle Rocket and continuing with Rushmore, The Royal Tenenbaums, Life Aquatic,…

Rushmore: A Houston Story

Released in 1998, Rushmore tells the story of Max Fischer, a precocious and eccentric student at the fictional Rushmore Academy. Max’s relentless pursuit of extracurricular glory, despite his academic failings, sets the stage for a quirky coming-of-age tale filled with heartbreak, ambition, and theatrical flair.

The film was shot entirely in and around Houston, with many locations drawn directly from Anderson’s own life:

• Rushmore Academy is actually St. John’s School, Anderson’s alma mater, located at 2401 Claremont Lane.
• Grover Cleveland High School, where Max is sent after being expelled, is Lamar High School, just
  

  Lamar High School

  across the street from St. John’s.

• Max’s home is at 108 Emerald Court in Northside Village, next to Hollywood Cemetery, where scenes of Max visiting his mother’s grave were filmed.
• Doug and Don’s Barber Shop on East Eleventh Street served as the location for Max’s father’s business.
• Delmar Stadium was used for scenes involving kite flying and airplane arrivals.
• Saw Pipes USA Inc. (now Jindal Pipes) in Baytown stood in for Blume International, the factory owned by Bill Murray’s character.

Cultural Impact and Legacy

Though modest at the box office, Rushmore was a critical success and marked a turning point in Anderson’s career. It introduced Jason Schwartzman in his film debut and helped redefine Bill Murray’s career, establishing him as a beloved figure in indie cinema.

The film’s quirky tone, stylized visuals, and British Invasion soundtrack became hallmarks of Anderson’s style. It also earned Anderson the Independent Spirit Award for Best Director and a Golden Globe nomination for Murray. In 2016, Rushmore was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry for being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant”.

A Personal Tribute

Rushmore is a deep personal tribute to Anderson’s youth, Houston, Texas, and the bittersweet experience of growing up. The Houston locations are not just backdrops; they’re characters in their own right, infused with nostalgia and authenticity.

For Houstonians, Rushmore is a cinematic time capsule. For film lovers, it’s a masterclass in storytelling. And for Wes Anderson, it remains one of his most heartfelt creations.

Here’s to Houston, one of the, if not the most underrated city in the world.

Nestled in the heart of Houston, Hermann Park is a living testament to the city’s growth, vision, and community spirit. Spanning over 445 acres, this beloved park has evolved dramatically since its inception, becoming a cornerstone of Houston’s cultural and recreational life.

The Origins: A Gift to the City

Hermann Park was established in 1914, thanks to a generous land donation from George H. Hermann, a Houston businessman and philanthropist. His vision was to create a public space that would serve all Houstonians, regardless of background. The park was designed by renowned landscape architect George Kessler, whose plan emphasized harmony between natural beauty and urban accessibility.

Early Development and Iconic Features

Throughout the early 20th century, Hermann Park began to take shape with the addition of key landmarks:

• Sam Houston Monument (1925): A tribute to the hero of Texas independence.
• Hermann Park Golf Course (1922): One of the earliest municipal golf courses in the U.S.
• Reflection Pool and Miller Outdoor Theatre: These became cultural hubs, hosting performances and gatherings that brought the community together.

Community Engagement and Conservation

In the late 1950s, Marvin Taylor, a Third Ward resident, began jogging along an old carriage trail in the park. His grassroots efforts to clear and maintain the trail led to the founding of the Hermann Park Joggers, Runners, and Walkers group in 1987; a citizen-run nonprofit dedicated to preserving the trail and promoting fitness.

By the 1990s, Hermann Park faced challenges from decades of wear and underfunding. In response, the Hermann Park Conservancy was formed in 1992. This public-private partnership with the Houston Parks and Recreation Department aimed to restore and revitalize the park. Landscape architect Laurie Olin was commissioned to develop a master plan that would guide improvements while honoring the park’s historic character.

A Centennial Celebration and Modern Renaissance

In 2014, Hermann Park celebrated its 100th anniversary with a series of enhancements, including:

• McGovern Centennial Gardens: A stunning horticultural addition featuring themed gardens and a spiral mount.
• Improved trails, signage, and accessibility: Making the park more welcoming and navigable for all visitors.

The Commons: A New Chapter in Play and Community

In recent years, Hermann Park has continued its legacy of innovation and inclusivity with the development of The Commons, a transformative project designed to reimagine 26 acres in the park’s southwest corner. At the heart of this revitalization is the Hermann Park Commons Playground, a state-of-the-art play area that blends nature, creativity, and accessibility.

This new playground features:

• Interactive water elements for cooling off during Houston’s hot summers.
• Nature-inspired climbing structures that encourage imaginative play.
• Inclusive design to ensure children of all abilities can enjoy the space.
• Shaded seating and gathering areas for families and caregivers.

The Commons is a vibrant community space that includes native plant gardens, art zones, and gathering areas, all designed to foster connection and exploration. It reflects Hermann Park Conservancy’s commitment to sustainability, education, and public art.

Today, Hermann Park continues to thrive as a dynamic space for recreation, education, and cultural enrichment. From pedal boats on McGovern Lake to art installations and festivals, the park remains a vibrant reflection of Houston’s diversity and resilience.