Wallace D. Wilson Museum

At The Texas Heart Institute (En español)

A museum with heart.

The Wallace D. Wilson Museum is a collection of art, devices, information and other objects that tell the story of Texas Heart Institute’s history and long legacy of firsts in cardiovascular discovery and care. Visitors have access to videos and interactive computer displays to learn more about the wealth of information contained within the museum, all of which demonstrate the advances in technology that have helped to improve the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of cardiovascular disease over the years.

Multimedia displays include an inside look at the anatomy of the heart and the sounds of heartbeats, as well as overviews of the development of all key supporting services at the Institute. Many of Texas Heart Institute founder and world-renowned heart surgeon Dr. Denton A. Cooley’s personal mementos and awards are also on display.

In addition to the information that covers the science and innovation Texas Heart Institute has led in the world of cardiovascular medicine, the museum is also home to the Celebration of Hearts art collection. Curated by the local Houston celebrity, Ms. Warner Roberts, the collection showcases more than 200 pieces of art donated – and in some cases created – by astronauts, athletes, U.S. Presidents and First Ladies, artists, actors musicians and many other generous individuals from around the world.

The artwork represents each individual’s personal interpretation of celebrating hearts, with pieces ranging from delicate crystal to granite sculptures and paintings. The Celebration of Hearts, which took more than two years to organize, is a special art exhibit and we are proud to have it on display for all visitors to experience.

The Wallace D. Wilson Museum is open to visitors 7 days a week, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., on the first floor of the Texas Heart Institute’s Denton A. Cooley Building. The museum is named for philanthropist Wallace D. Wilson whose generosity allowed us to establish this valuable public resource to tell the Texas Heart Institute story. The Houston Museum of Natural Science provided immeasurable support and guidance for its development.

Visit the Museum

Open every day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Support Texas Heart Institute

Because of the generosity of many individuals like Wallace Wilson, Warner Roberts and contributors to the art collection, Texas Heart Institute can further its goals of pioneering research and education for the prevention and treatment of heart disease. Learn more about how you can support the Institute.