National Museum of Funeral History

This is one of those times where the rating suffers because of the missed potential of the place. There are some great opportunities here to be a really fun AND informative little museum, but there are inexplicable choices made that detract from both of those goals. Why is there a giant section on dead celebrities? Most of the time nothing about their funerals is even mentioned. Like, why? But there is also some really cool stuff and it's still worth a visit if you're nearby.

Very interesting and educational. I really enjoyed myself with my two kids. Both 18. It was very well organized, all the different sections and tributes were very detailed and put together. The facility is clean and has a welcoming vibe. The lady at the shop was very friendly and sweet. I will most definitely be back with more time to read and look at all the cool stuff in there.

Super cool museum. I am a hearse owner, and it was fun to see some classics and learn a ton about the industry. The celebrity area (forget what they called it) was my favorite part though, so many interesting stories hidden in there! I wish the Little souvenir shop attached to the museum Had some better museum exclusive stuff, though. Edit: in response to another review that didn't understand the celebrity area of the museum, had you read/paid attention, you'd have seen that every celebrity mentioned there has the actual pamphlet from their funeral there. It was part of a funeral directors collection of famous people's funeral booklets. That is the tie between it and the rest of the museum.

Loved this museum. A very rare find filled with so many beautiful items and hearses. I spent 3 hours exploring

It’s definitely not what I was expecting when I first heard that Houston has a funeral museum. We learned a lot about different funeral traditions, how all cultures have a way of venerating their dearly departed, and even discussed our wishes in the exhibits. Good conversation piece.

Great place and very informative. Nice displays and good layout staffed by professional and very courteous folks. Unfortunately, the are it is located in is not the best. There needs to be a stronger law enforcement presence in the area.

Visited here for the first time, very educational and interesting museum. It took us about 3 hours to walk through the hold museum. All of the sections were great and there’s so much to learn about. Definitely recommend this museum.

Brought the family here to learn about the history before going to grandmas funeral and it was quite insightful. My youngest Kevin, cried a lot for some reason and the staff was so kind as to let him get some rest in a spare coffin the had out back as to not disturb everyone else. However with a great environment and unique history, my family was able to gain valuable insight into the history and culture of the funeral world so we can have the best experience at grandmas tomorrow!

Never been but would likes to go and visit I love the theme not for kids more for adults

I never knew such a museum existed in Houston. My youngest daughter suggested a family outing with my brothers' families at this museum. I didn't have high expectation, but the whole clan found the experience very enjoyable. There were exhibits dealing with embalming starting from the Egypt, through the Civil War, and to current time. History of caskets with nice displays. Good history of cremation with display of many urns. A nice display dealing with the Pope and Vatican was interesting. I wish there were more exhibits highlighting funeral histories from other religions and culures from around the world. There was only one dealing with the Mexican Day of the Death. My favorite exhibit was the display of hearse from the horse driven carriages to modern day gasoline powered sedans. There were also some hearse from other parts of the world. There were also a exhibits dealing with the funeral of President Bush, the senior for the Texans. Oddly, nothing on President Johnson. For the rest of the country, the were funeral exhibits for President Lincoln, President Kennedy, President Ford, and two other presidents that I couldn't remember. The gift shop was nicely stocked with the usual suspects. Every one in the clan brought a T-shirt except your truly. Mrs and I are downsizing our residence and we don't need anymore $30 t-shirt. Overall, it was an enjoyable two plus hours of experience. Private parking was free. Adult admission price was $15, $12 for senior.

I was underwhelmed by the museum. My mom may have oversold it to me when she suggested going. The hearse collection is kind of neat. The pope section felt excessively large, as did the recent presidents. Personally I'd like to see more about embalming and funeral traditions in different cultures besides the mainstream white American one. Maybe given that this is a "national" museum it's not too surprising the focus is on that, but there's only a small section on New Orleans, Mexican, and Japanese traditions. More displays about "alternative" ways of handling bodies would be good too, given the number of new methods that are starting to become popular.

I was curious about this local museum so took a chance and went to visit this past week. Senior admission is $9 and well worth it. The museum is fairly large and well laid out to lead you from one exhibit to the next. The large main room has several large hearses from early ornate horse drawn coaches to modern cars. There is a large exhibit with photos, memorabilia and other significant items from past US Presidents' funerals, another for the funerals of Popes and a section with things from celebrity funerals. They have a section with things from funerals in other countries and cultures. All in all there is a lot to see here and I spent a bit over 2 hours here.

What a cool place! My son and I were looking for some unique stops when we visited Houston and this was one of them. Anything and everything you can think of having to do with death from old school hearses to different options for cremation. It was interesting to learn about the history of such a unique topic.

Perfect place for anyone that has a morbid curiosity, even though it's not entirely morbid, but super informative on the processes and beliefs of medical practices, death, and the afterlife in many different time periods and regions around the world. Definitely one of my favorite museums I have visited, not super busy and when you enter there's a stand of clipboards to grab and do a scavenger hunt throughout the museum, fill out the answers on the paper and turn it in at the front desk near the gift shop. Enjoyed the experience

It was my first time here!!;) I had a wonderful experience!! There was so much cool stuff to look at!! I definitely recommend anybody to go here.. the only person that was a little rude was the cashier lady. She was very sassy and she didn't seem like she wanted to do her job and check us out.

Such a cool place. Lots to look and explore. Spent two hours here and enjoyed it all. Price is super reasonable considering how many things there are that are unique and well done. Plus I learned a lot of new things today.

This is the most amazing museum I have ever seen! The staff is very friendly and extremely knowledgeable. There are dozens of incredible displays with special attention given to the Pope's, President's, and the history of honoring people who have passed on. This museum is worth twice what the fee is for admission.

One of the best museums I've visited. Great history and not just of the funeral industry. A must see when you're in Houston.

I had heard good things about this museum and it took a tour with a Meetup group to visit it. It's quite big and worth a visit. Our docent was very knowledgeable. She talked about where the term "working the graveyard shift" comes from. I was impressed with the Popes' exhibit where they have some artifacts including the red leather shoes Popes have worn. There's a Day of the Dead, Egyptian embalming, Jazz Funerals of New Orleans, and Presidential Funerals exhibits. You can take a quiz on a TV screen on what is written on famous people's headstones. And finally, there are elegant hearses and different types of elegant coffins. While this museum is far north, it's worth visiting. As you exit, there's a gift shop including Day of the Dead souvenirs.

I love horror and all things spooky so I was super excited to visit this Museum. While death can certainly be those things, I actually found that they made it less "spooky" and much more informative/historic with their pieces. It was a nice surprise because those in my group who don't love "spooky" were able to learn & enjoy the museum just as much as those paranormal obsessed. The gift shop was fun and a great spot for Halloween gifts! I really enjoyed the look into how different cultures view/honor the deceased. It was informative, fun, and an affordable way to spend a few hours. I would suggest going because death is inevitable and this museum explores it in a peaceful way!

These guys put the "FUN" in FUNeral!! This is a great way to look at what'd otherwise be a grim part of life. I guess death is what unites all cultures- we all feel grief, and have our own rituals. This museum shows off some wild funeral facts, and shows how it's done. They have a mock crematorium where you can experience what it's like to have to burn a cadaver. It's really cool that they have so many life-sized dioramas doing different funerary tasks- embalming, mummifying, beatifying, whatever! The hearses are really cool- there's a big collection of important looking vehicles that'd otherwise be cool to ride around town in, except for the fact that you have to be, you know, well- dead. My favorite part of the museum is the part with the African and other imported exotic coffins- in the shape of crabs, fish, cars, boats- I love it! The funeral programs of the famous people were interesting- how everyone seems to have a cool quote that they put on their program. Something to think about. The gift shop was more skulls and less morbid than I'd think. It was more Dia de los Muertos kinda stuff, and less embalming fluids.

A excellent collection of the macabre. It contains a vast array of interesting elements of the funerary processes. Several hearses and carriages filled the floor. The history of embalming, the funeral rites of the papacy. Post-Mortem picture collections. It's all here for your...enjoyment? Well worth the trip.

This place was absolutely incredibly beautiful! There was so much to look at and so much to read about each exhibit. There were tons of old hearse to look at and take photos of. There's also a cute little gift shop. I would definitely be back and recommend this gorgeous museum.

Very interesting and fun place to visit . So many cool things to see and learn about.

Well not really knowing what to expect from a Museum such as this we thought why not give it a shot especially considering the admission is only $10. There are many exhibits such as Presidential Funerals, Papal Funerals, Vintage Hearses, 9/11 Tributes etc.. our favorite was the Presidential Funerals. It features the Hearse that was used for George Bush & Ford as well as old newspaper clippings from McKinleys & FDR's deaths and interestingly enough was the original "Eternal Flame" from JFK's tomb in Arlington Virginia. You can plan on spending 1-2 hours here. It also has a very unique gift shop to pick up a few trinkets. While in Houston give this Museum a try, you can't go wrong for $10.

beautiful museum with a vast collection of artifacts! they also have a cute gift shop

A quick note: mannequins are okay at clothing stores, not so much in a museum dealing with the topic of death. It's at least a little macabre (and possibly a bit creepy too). My expectation coming to this museum was to see different coffins and hearses. To my surprise, the museum was a whole lot more than that. There's still plenty of caskets and hearses, don't get me wrong. The museum covered death from many different approaches. For example, it talked about how different cultures view death, papal death, and presidential death. There was also an exhibit on how ancient Egyptians handled death and invented the preservation of a body. On that note, there is an exhibit on more modern embalming. There's even a gallery of well-known individuals that passed more or less in my lifetime (and I'm not that old). And, of course, various old hearses! The museum is very well organized and does a great job of illustrating and teaching this topic, something we all face at one point or another. (Now I have to contend with my keyboard suggestions being Halloween ready... in December.)

So much larger and more interesting than you might have imagined. Exhibits on all aspects of funerals including a huge collection of hearses through the years, and very fascinating section on US Presidential funerals. Also, has a large Catholic section on popes and a copy of the Shroud of Turin. One disappointment: no inclusion of any Jewish funeral rites; not even a traditional Jewish wood coffin.

ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT HERE!!! One of the best museums I have ever been to. Very interesting and unique concept with a multitude of exhibits. 10/10 experience at a great price point. Free parking as well.

Didn't know what to expect but spent 2 hrs there and had to leave because they were closing. Was a lot more interesting than I expected and well organized. Will go back to finish the visit.

An interesting collection of many things related to funerals, from the history of embalming and death photography to the rituals surrounding the deaths and elections of popes. I particularly enjoyed seeing the variety of hearses throughout history, from sleighs to gorgeous automobiles.

Great experience! Took the day off from work to experience the Funeral Museum in Houston, Texas. I loved the Pope Exhibit and the Embalming. They had exhibits from the US presidents to Egyptian embalming. Definitely worth the trip!

You have to come and check this place out. Prior to getting married, I always thought old cemeteries were kinda cool. I've even gone to some of the older cemeteries in Houston and found some really neat Texas History monuments. You don't have to be Goth to like cemeteries! Especially older ones that people forget. I don't know...they're solemn places and who knows maybe a ghost or two are lonely. Hence why I always wanted to see this museum. I thought the idea was fascinating years ago and my husband was like...,"What...funeral museums. You've gone to cemeteries for fun?" Well, thankfully the Shroud of Turin exhibit was what made my husband realize, this concept is really cool. First, let's just talk about the museum concept itself. It's not like some weird creepy, "Hey look at dead bodies and headstones," kinda place. It gives this nice historical reverence to the practice of mourning throughout history and various cultures. You get to see replicas/authentic items related to presidential funerals, celebrities as we've made it part of American culture, ethnic funerals from Mexico all the way to indigenous tribes, and religious funerals such as that of the pope. There is so much to learn and experience, you'll find that everything is done in a tasteful and thoughtful manner. The Shroud of Turin exhibit is also exquisite. It examines Jesus from a historical perspective, torture and death methods used at the time, an authentic replica of the shroud from Turin, along with scientific information about it. You truly get to decide if the Shroud is legitimate based upon all the facts and data presented. You definitely need to come and experience this museum for yourself. It's a definite to go place for people in the Houston area.

So I saw a brochure for this place and just had to check it out It isn't creepy at all. Quite an impressive display of funeral memorabilia. Nice exhibits on presidential funerals as well as the Pope's who have passed. The hearse collection was impressive. Nice way to pass a rainy afternoon away. Check it out!

I was pleasantly surprised by this museum. I learned a lot. There were many exhibits to view. They had history of embalming, cremation, historic cars that were used as hearses and how they functioned. The other exhibits involved funeral details and memorial cards for things such as presidential funerals, famous people, popes, etc. We were there for about an hour and a half and just barely finished, so two hours is probably a good amount of time. Really great informative place. We were in town for the Final Four and this was on a list of to-dos. It was a great experience.

The museum is a great place but we will never go back again. I've been twice and both times the older lady at the front is incredibly rude. This time she overcharged us and then told us there was nothing she could do about it after I pointed out the pricing on the website. I then asked to speak with someone above her and she said I couldn't until Monday. Then proceeded to tell me to just pick something out of gift shop with equal amount of difference. My daughter picked a pop socket and then she rudely said to make sure it works because she didn't want anymore trouble! Completely ruined our visit to the museum before it even started!!!

I love this museum. If i could, i would live in this museum. absolutely worth a visit. first off, hearses! just the sheer amount of hearses & how beautiful all of them are! my favorite is the hearse from 1921, but all of them are amazing! they have both horse drawn & motor hearses. they also have quite a few coffins, but definitely more hearses- just based on my memory. they have exhibits on popes through the year, difference cultural burial practices, jazz funerals, presidential funerals & more! one of their newest exhibits is about post mortem photography, and while it is small, it is incredibly enjoyable! the gift shop is also awesome! my favorite is their posters. definitely worth checking out! i've been twice.

Omg, one of the coolest experiences I've had in Houston so far! WOW. Who knew funeral history could be so cool? This museum is fun, interactive and there's LOTS to see in a tiny space. You'll see some beautiful and unusual coffins, you'll learn funeral history, you'll get to see funeral customs from around the world, you'll get to see funerals of the STARS, and when you're done with all that you can still tour the gift shop. I really had a blast. I went on a weekday so it was fairly empty in there which was great! Please note, you buy tickets, enter AND exit through the gift shop--i was a bit confused by that for a min I loved the funeral museum, my only critique is that, it should have more exhibits! It's a small one for sure but there's enough to see. It was an inexpensive and fun experience that I wouldn't mind doing it again when friends come to town.

This is such an interesting stop for locals and visitors alike! Full of facinating stories and funeral artifacts Lots of hearse, both simple and very ornate, very old and not so old Funerals for US presidents. Pope's, International Funerals along with celebrity Funerals Embalming, funeral dress is a small part of this most interesting museum Gift shop Reasonable prices Wheelchair accessible

was honestly pretty cool , I like places like this . if your into informational or I guess " off putting " then you should def go for a simple little experience

This museum surprisingly has a little bit for a lot of interests. Car enthusiasts? Yep. Presidential history buff? Yep. Catholic? Yep. Interested in the somewhat macabre? Oh, yeah, they've got you covered too. The first thing to know is this place is huge! There are new wings and exhibits around every corner. We spent about 2 hours here and felt the admission fee was appropriate for the quality and size of the museum.

The museum is tastefully done and very informative of post-death procedures. For example, I found the evolution of medical equipment and post-mortem standards to be very interesting. I didn't find anything to be overly sensitive and the experience is safe for families.

The National Museum of Funeral History has America's largest collection of historical funeral service items that includes coffins, funeral buggies, funeral programs, etc. My husband and I came to this museum on a Wednesday, around 1 pm and stayed for about 2 hours (this place is bigger than it looks from the outside). This museum does an excellent job in letting you learn about coffins and hearses that have occurred in history that includes the funeral process of the Pope and past presidents. There is also some really cool looking caskets that include one made with money, one that looks like a car and fantasy caskets from Ghana (in which they look like animals. Check out my photos). There is also a special exhibit that remembers a lot of celebrities (new and old). With 15 permanent exhibits, I am sure you will find it to be interesting and informative. This museum is not morbid and has a great layout for you to wander at your own pace. I highly recommend this place and hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Admission is only $10 for adults. But students may get a $1 discount, you just have to ask.

Amazing exhibits and funeral cars! I'm so impressed with the detail, information and care put into the displays. Wonderful work and a great informative attraction. The Tall Man from Phantasm should be featured in a future exhibit

I had a few hours to kill before my flight from George Bush Airport left, so I took an Uber here. It was so much fun! I've always been a fan of the macabre, but I was surprised how lighthearted and educational this place was. I'd recommend it to anyone.

Interesting museum to say the least! Don't know how to really rate something that is very different from anywhere I've been but here I am rofl! I'm not sure what I was expecting to see but this place was both scary and intriguing at the same time. I came on a rainy day so it wasn't very many people there. Initially, I didn't see anyone so I almost left! Yes I was too scared to tour this museum alone- it was dimly lit and felt very much like touring a funeral home by yourself and double yes I've seen too many scary movies and quickly realized how real shit was once I got there lol! The wood carved hearses were cool as were the carnival ride looking caskets. This was definitely added to my list of odd places that I've been!

I just visited this museum during my trip to Houston. I thoroughly enjoyed the exhibits. The curators did a fantastic job. Highly recommend.

This was one of the most fascinating museums I have ever seen it may sound morbid but actually it is quite interesting and informative and you learn a lot of knowledge about things that you never even think about I highly recommend this as a Stop when you're in Houston

With our trip to the Coast cancelled due to the incoming Hurricane the wife found this spot in a pinch...I was like..."You want to go Where??"....I was very skeptical when she told me...but I couldnt be any more pleased with our visit...Some of the neatest displays we have seen...The U.S. Presidents displays were great...Some great Classic Cars as well...Civil War Display was interesting....Lots to see, and great info....Well worth the time and the price and Highly recommend stopping to checking it out...Very, Very Cool Place!!

At first I was a bit skeptical of visiting this place. . .thinking it would be a bunch of tombstones every where! HA!! Totally opposite. Its so much history to be learned and it was done with a nice touch. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and will probably visit again. If you are fascinated by death. . .this is your place. What I liked most were the cars and carries that carries the caskets. OMG! They are super cool and I totally don't want a regular looking Cadillac hearse when I go. . .I need that tall black carriage with the black rims at the exhibit! One of the people I went with was raving about the Undertaker Root Beer. Finally, I tried it. YES!!! It was that good. You should get some too.

Wow - this place was very cool. It seemed a bit weird when I first heard that our group (an RV rally) was planning a visit to this museum. Once there, the docent walked us through a portion of the facility. He had a lot of knowledge of Arlington Cemetery and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. All of the artifacts (hearses, creamatories, and other stuff) was pretty fascinating. We spent about 90 minutes but could have easily spent another 60 there. I'd recommend this place to others.

This truly was an amazing experience, 10/10 for sure. I was really impressed on the scenes they had, that took place back In the 1800s when someone died such as the civil war, made you feel like you were actually there. Lovely experience and plenty to explore for an affordable price.

Interesting but some displays like the very large one on the pope and celebrity deaths seemed like a stretch and just something to fill the space of this museum. I liked the displays with the hearses and the history of the different methods for dealing with the dead. It was very educational. When in Houston this is a bit out of the way, north of the city - given the horrendous traffic this may not be worth the trek. There is a discounted admission for those 55 years and older.

The greatest thing about this museum is that it is not morbid nor gruesome. It's an educational experience. If you're open to seeing how the timelines of funeral ceremonies have passed on throughout the years this is the place to be. You see every style hearse and their evolution of design. They have funky coffins as well. LOTS of them. My favorite exhibit was the Pope's. The entrance fee is $10 per adult and worth it! "Any day above ground is a good day" We live to die!!!

This place is wonderful, extremely detailed and interesting. We've gone several times. For $10 admission you really get so much.

We have been trying to get to this museum for 2 years. Finally made it today to specifically see 2 exhibits, Dia de los muertos and The Pope exhibit. We were very pleased to see the effort and detail put into this museum. Admission is 10.00 for adults 7 for kids 7-12 and free for 5 and under. There was also an additional 5 buck fee if you wanted to tour the family hunted house. There are lots of hearses and caskets to see.We thoroughly enjoyed the presidential section as well. There were actual memorial pamphlets to the funerals of Reagan, Ford and others. The tomb of the unknown soldier and Vietnam exhibit were kind of Eye tearing for me somewhat personal for me. Papal exhibit was lovely nice actual papal mobile on display. Also depicted scenes of John Paul canonization were explained in great detail so much to see and describe. The dia de los muertos exhibit had an actual alter and Home depicted like it be seen in a Latin American country or even USA. I can't go on on how wonderful this museum is too much to describe. You would have to come and see for yourself! Make the trip really!

Suprisedly bigger than I expected. It was a fun 1-2 hour visit on the weekend with exhibits featuring American history of funerals, Egyptian embalming, international funerals and much more! It also has a little scavenger hunt for kids and anyone who likes checking out all the details :)