John P. McGovern Museum of Health and Medical Science

The Health Museum (also known as “The Health Museum”) opened on November 16, 1969, at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Over the course of 21 years, it provided quality information on health education and the human body. After a successful multi-million-dollar campaign, the John P. McGovern Building was constructed in Houston’s Museum District, and the museum officially opened on March 16, 1996. In late 2001, the John P. McGovern Museum of Health and Medical Science was dedicated in Dr. McGovern’s honor to recognize the contributions of Dr. McGovern to the Museum’s success, which have helped educate and entertain hundreds of thousands of children and families by providing innovative exhibits and interactive programs on health and medical science. In July 2017, The Health Museum became a Smithsonian Affiliate, the first in the Houston Museum District. Two years later, in November 2019, the museum celebrated its 50th anniversary in Houston’s museum community. Today, the Health Museum remains a favorite educational destination among many Houstonians, as it continues to inspire interest and foster curiosity in health, the human body, and medical sciences to individuals of all ages.