Houston has a deep connection to all things space, making it an ideal destination to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the moon landing and capture some out-of-this-world photos. A constellation of Instagram-worthy, space-inspired art, murals and exhibits awaits, so grab your camera and head to these unique Space City locales. Can you check all of them off your list?
Challenger at Aerospace Avenue
Learn about aviation history and snap a shot of the street signs that mark the intersection of Challenger and Aerospace Avenue – the location of the Lone Star Flight Museum.
James Turrell “Twilight Epiphany” Skyspace
The magical sunrise and sunset LED light show at James Turrell’s Twilight Epiphany Skyspace is an out-of-this world experience worth capturing.
Lunar Footprint at Tranquillity Park
Take your shoe selfie up a notch by stepping onto this bronze recreation of the famous booted footprint Neil Armstrong left at the Moon’s Tranquility Base 50 years ago.
Metallographic Cosmos Mural at George R. Brown Convention Center
The spheres in this mural by Britt Thomas look a lot like moons, but they’re actually enlarged images of millimetric welding spatter particles.
#McDHoustonWall in EaDo
Ignore the fact that this huge mural by Gonzo247 was commissioned by McDonald’s and features McDonalds fries. You’re here for the astronauts – two of them – waiting to serve as the colorful backdrop for your pictures.
Saturn Mural at Rocket Park
Strike a pose by the live-size, black-and-white mural depicting NASA’s Saturn V rocket. Then, check out the collection of real rockets in Rocket Park.
MaRS (Mayfield and Ragni Studio)
You haven’t arrived to Mars or anywhere space related, really, but the wall that bears the name of this award-winning architectural design firm on Mercer Street is worthy of a picture.
“To the Moon and Never Back” Sign at Present Company
Montrose patio bar Present Company is an Instagrammer’s haven, but your mission is to take a picture of the sign with a half moon and an illuminated caption that reads “To the Moon and Never Back.”
“Woman on the Moon/Mujer en la Luna” Mural at 8th Wonder Brewery
A work by Houston artist Sylvia Roman (aka Donkeemom), this empowering mural featuring a pink astronaut packs some serious girl power.
I ❤️HOU Mural at Social Beer Garden HTX
Inspired by the 50th anniversary of the moon landing, this mural by Houston artist Alex Roman Jr., aka Donkeeboy, is as Instagrammable as they come. Find it outside Social Beer Garden in EaDo.
Astronaut Mural at FM Kitchen & Bar
If it wasn’t obvious, we like astronaut murals around here. This one is visible from the parking lot of FM Kitchen & Bar. Snap away!
Astronaut Mural at The Ratchet Hatchet Axe House
Celebrate that you survived axe throwing by snapping a shot in front of this axe-wielding astronaut by Donkeeboy.
Astronaut Statue at the George R. Brown Convention Center
"Houston, the Eagle has landed.” Neil Armstrong’s famous phrase is on the base of this astronaut statue found on the first floor of the George R. Brown Convention Center.
Lunar Rover at the George R. Brown Convention Center
Capture a piece of history by photographing NASA’s Lunar Space Rover, on display at the George R. Brown Convention Center through August. Since the rover is parked in front of the Metallographic Cosmos mural (see above), you can knock out two items from this list in one shot.
Moonwalking Cow at IAH (Bush Intercontinental Airport)
If you fly in or out of Bush Intercontinental Airport’s Terminal A, make sure to pose for a picture next to the eight-foot, fiberglass sculpture of a cow in astronaut gear.
A photo with Orbit
Orbit, the extraterrestrial mascot of the Houston Astros, is always having fun at Minute Maid Park. Try to find him during a game or check out a list of his upcoming appearances.
A photo with Spacey Casey
Spacey Casey is on a stellar mission to find and do all things space and Houston. Follow their whereabouts and try to score a photo.
Neil Armstrong Statue at Minute Maid Park
Off to the ballpark? Don’t miss your chance to get a picture of the highly realistic, 3-D-printed statue of Neil Armstrong’s iconic space suit.
“Space City” Mural at Rice Village
Glam it up in front of this Michael C. Rodriguez mural of a female astronaut with the Houston skyline. It’s located on Amherst by the stairs near SusieCakes and Shake Shack in Rice Village.
Elevators at the Marriott Marquis
Behind the doors of each of the elevators at the Marriott Marquis, you’ll discover some pretty cool images of astronauts in space. You know what to do.
“Moon” at the Houston Museum of Natural Science
The gigantic and stunning moon sculpture by Luke Jerram features detailed imagery of the lunar surface. It may be the closest you’ll ever come to the surface of the moon.
Space Train IPA Can Selfie
With its cool astronaut graphics, a can of Space Train IPA by Eureka Heights Brewing Company is the perfect accessory for a space-themed selfie.
SkyWaves at River Oaks District
Inspired by the flag placed on the moon by Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong, this installation of 60,000 hand-cut Mylar flags make a striking backdrop for your next Instagram pic.
Space Bear Mural at Shake Shack Montrose
This mural by artist Michael C. Rodriguez adds a bear to the collection of cosmic animals depicted around Houston that you should photograph. Find it outside Shake Shack’s Montrose location on Westheimer and Montrose.
