It's a story of innovation and originality; a tale both timelessly classic and bracingly modern. Houston's arts scene has long captivated the hearts and minds of its residents, producing cutting-edge performances, dynamic exhibits and generations of artists at the top of their field. But as the nation's fourth-largest city has grown and diversified, so too has its role in the art and culture world.

Houston is one of only a few places in the nation with resident, professional companies in the four major disciplines of performing arts—ballet, opera, symphony and theater. The Downtown Theater District sets the stage for everything from Broadway to Beethoven, boasting a half-dozen performance spaces and a state-of-the-art Center for Dance.

When it comes to the visual arts and museums, Houston is in a class all its own. The city's expansive Museum District offers 18 cultural institutions within walking distance of one another, from the Museum of Fine Arts Houston (the largest in the Southwest) to The Menil Collection—widely considered one of the greatest art collections of the 20th Century.

Did you know that when locals and visitors alike stay in Houston hotels, a portion of what they spend actually helps fund arts organizations around the city? So each time you check in, you're giving back to organizations such as Houston Ballet, the Children's Museum of Houston and Alley Theatre.

Here's what you can do: Book their weekend "staycation" in one of Houston's great hotel properties. You can also encourage family and friends to come for a visit and stay in a hotel. And finally encourage your company, professional organization or other groups you belong to to hold their next meeting or conference in Houston.