Houston brings world-class culture to residents and visitors alike. From the finest museums, symphonies and operas to its libraries, Houston's cultural scene is well known for its breadth and diversity. In fact, more than 9 million attended arts and cultural activities in Houston in 2008.

Cultural highlights include:

• The museum of Fine Arts, Houston, the first art museum in Texas housing 57,680 works from antiquity to the present.
• The Houston Museum of Natural Science, which is home to the Burke Baker Planetarium, the Wortham IMAX Theatre and more.
• Resident companies in drama, ballet, opera and orchestra.
• A 17-block Downtown Theater District which is home to internationally-recognized performing arts organizations — Houston Symphony, Houston Grand Opera, Houston Ballet, Da Camera, Society for Performing Arts, Alley Theatre, Broadway in Houston, Theatre Under the Stars, and Uniquely Houston.
• The 130,000 sq. ft. Bayou Place entertainment complex, restaurants, movie theaters, plazas and parks.
• Over 8,300 food services and drinking establishments to choose from, featuring outstanding regional and traditional American dishes and diverse international cuisine.
• Nearly 100 libraries located throughout Houston's neighborhoods.

Visit the Houston GIS to view locations and see more information about selected cultural amenities.