The Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land is an adaptive reuse of the former Central State Farm Building, a 1940s prison dormitory that once served the Texas State Prison System. Located within Sugar Land’s Cultural and Entertainment District, the project preserves an important landmark while introducing a full-scale science museum to the community.

Client
City of Sugar Land and Houston Museum of Natural Science
Construction Delivery
CMAR
PGAL Scope
Full Architectural Services, Interior Design, Programming
Completion Date
2009
dinosaur exhibit

The building’s original character was retained while the interior was transformed into an open, light-filled environment for exploration. A new entry pavilion establishes a clear arrival sequence and central atrium, anchored by a sculptural stair and elevator connecting all levels.

Exhibit spaces include living displays, interactive stations, children’s galleries, and permanent fossil and mineral collections. Converting the compartmentalized structure into a walkable museum required removing masonry walls, replacing the slab, and mitigating hazardous materials. Each gallery was carefully planned to support structural loading and circulation.