MONTROSE. Part of the Menil Collection, this contemporary structure fashioned of glass and stone houses the western hemisphere's only intact Byzantine frescoes. The two 13th-century works were stolen from a chapel in Cyprus and cut apart to be sold. Acquired by the museum with the blessing of the Church of Cyprus, the dome and apse were restored and are now housed in this custom building, which approximates the size and shape of the original chapel.

MUSEUM DISTRICT. Incredibly well-attended, this colorful, popular museum is clearly designed for kids. Like most facilities of its type, it promotes experiential learning and offers lots of interactive exhibits. Science, culture, geography, and creativity are all given due reverence, and featured displays include Babbling Bayou (water exploration), EcoStation (an outdoor nature center), and Cyber Clubhouse (computer play). Traveling exhibits ensure that nothing ever gets stale for visiting young ones.

MUSEUM DISTRICT. Occupying a highly visible stainless steel structure in the Museum District, CAMH is dedicated to the art of our era, especially that of the last forty years. Its scope is national and international, and while the facility doesn't acquire art, it does present fascinating exhibitions that illuminate the multitude of connections between art and life. A great place to expand your own definitions of art and to challenge your appreciation of what's beautiful.

MONTROSE. This addition to the Menil museum complex houses large canvases and sculptures by contemporary American artist Cy Twombly. The building, designed by Renzo Piano, is in itself fascinating. Especially interesting is an inventive light-filtering system that diffuses natural light through a series of mechanical louvers and stretched cotton fabric.

KATY. Intrigued by Chinese history and culture? Want to check out a scale model of Beijing's Forbidden City ­ in Houston? Head to this three-acre site in Katy, which presents what was the royal stronghold for 500-some years. The complex showcases a recreated Forbidden City in 1/20th scale and features miniature palaces, a terra-cotta army (6000 strong, in 1/3rd scale) dating from the third century BC, weapons and architecture rooms, the First Emperor's Tomb (Emperor Qin Shihuang), and the Lodge of the Calming of the Heart (a vacation home). Guided tours only.