National Museum of Funeral History

Fantastic collection celebrating the final send-off

Category Unique Collections

Image of National Museum of Funeral History located in
Image of National Museum of Funeral History located in Image of National Museum of Funeral History located in
Unique Collections http://atlasobscura.com/category/museums-and-collections/unique-collections

Nestled in a quiet neighborhood of Houston, Texas, the National Museum of Funeral History hosts an unlikely collection celebrating our final send-off.

From a visual history of embalming to African fantasy coffins, the museum is a fascinating look at the history, science, and art of death. Featured in its unique collection is JFK's original eternal flame, a diverse array of of funeral programs from famous people, and a collection of beautiful hearses, both horse-drawn and motorized, including a tragic funeral bus which more than lived up to its name.

The specially designed funeral bus was meant to carry both coffin and mourners, but—when climbing a steep hill in San Francisco—it tipped over, sending both the living and the dead flying onto the street. It was quickly retired from service.

The museum is also home to a school that teaches embalming.

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  • Hours Mon - Fri 10am - 4pm, Sat & Sun 12pm - 4pm
  • Website National Museum of Funeral History
  • Address 415 Barren Springs Drive , Houston, Texas, United States
  • Cost Adults $10, Seniors/Veterans $9, Children 3-12 $7, Children 0-3 Free
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  • & Anonymous September 22, 2009
    Wonderful idea for a museum. Its a part of our history that captures the generations. http://www.scitexas.com
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