City: Houston, TX

Category: Tours & Attractions

Telephone: (281) 876-3063

Address: 415 Barren Springs Dr., at Ella Blvd.

Description: The National Museum of Funeral History, located in north Houston, stays true to its slogan: “Any Day Above Ground is a Good One.” This museum has the potential to be depressing, but most guests describe the exhibits as interesting and unexpected. Founded in 1992 by Houston funeral director Robert L. Waltrip, the museum traces the funeral industry’s long history with a re-­created 1900s casket factory that features artifacts from actual casket factories. Also on display are caskets used around the world and information about the burials of public figures, such as President John F. Kennedy. The museum hosts special exhibits and honors leading funeral and cemetery industry icons in the National Museum of Funeral History Hall of Fame. Perhaps the most amusing—yes, amusing—permanent exhibit here is the collection of over-­the-­top fantasy coffins created by Ghanaian sculptor Kane Quaye. These coffins resemble animals such as fish, lobsters, and roosters, as well as material objects such as airplanes and cars. Admission is $10 for adults, $9 for seniors and veterans, $7 for kids 3 to 12, and free for kids under 3. There’s free parking in the museum parking lot.