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A Fin-tastic Experience: Sharks! at HMNS

By Isabella Barcenas, Contributing writer and Naama Machol, Contributing writer | June 6, 2023

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Buzz interns, Naama Machol and Izzy Barcenas, pose next to the Megalodon after a fun day at the exhibit.

As you step into Sharks! The Meg, The Monsters, & The Myths, you feel as if you are swimming into the great deep sea ready to embark on your underwater adventure. The Houston Museum of Natural Science’s newest exhibit offers a unique immersive experience that is great for the entire family. Individuals of all ages can explore an all-time favorite topic – sharks! This exhibit features everything from artifacts to life sized replicas, to hands-on experiences, and more.

Explore the new "Sharks! The Meg, The Monsters, & The Myths" exhibit at the Houston Museum of Natural Science alongside Buzz summer interns Izzy Barcenas and Naama Machol. (Video: Izzy Barcenas)

The first creature encountered in this exhibit is none other than the Megalodon. The Megalodon is believed to be one of the largest sharks to have ever lived. Evidence suggests that it was around 50 feet in length and that it could weigh up to 75 tons. The good news for us is that it went extinct 2.5 million years ago! This life-size replica of a female Megalodon is truly the star of the show. Individuals who walk past always stop to take a picture with her, because how could you not pose next to one of the most enormous predators in the sea? A crowd- favorite pose to strike was the “I’m screaming because I’m about to get eaten by the Meg” pose.

Grandmother and grandson, Laura and Hayes Kilgore, enjoy their day together at the museum learning about sharks together.

The exhibit features several other life-size models, galleries, picture opportunities, and interactive games. There were also many “fun facts” about sharks spread throughout the exhibit that are sure to catch the attention of the entire family. For example, did you know that you are more likely to die from infectious mosquitos than get bitten by a shark or that a shark can’t smell a single drop of blood from hundreds of miles away?

“Sharks! The Meg, The Monsters, & The Myths” Exhibit at the Houston Museum of Natural Science

The Houston Museum of Natural Science debuts its new exhibit “Sharks! The Meg, The Monsters, & The Myths” on Friday, May 26.

A final unique feature of the exhibit is that as guests are about to leave, they get the opportunity to pet a live shark! In separate, temporary tanks, the museum holds Bamboo and Epaulette sharks, which guests can touch. There is also a tank of sea urchins and crabs which visitors can observe as well. Be on the lookout for the museum’s permanent, bigger tank that will be installed in July.

Ticket prices are $35 per adult and $27 per child. Find more information on this new exhibit here.

During her visit to the exhibit, Naama Machol takes in the beautiful, detailed scenery that helps transport visitors into the deep ocean.
Museum volunteer, Mary Brisco, is in charge of a crowd favorite in the exhibit – the shark petting tanks.
Izzy Barcenas thinks long and hard as she plays the interactive trivia game at the exhibit.
The Megaladon replica takes center stage as it is featured in the middle of the exhibit and is a “jaw-some” photo opportunity for guests to enjoy.
In this tank, visitors can touch live Epaulette sharks!
Naama Machol builds up the courage to pet the live Bamboo sharks.