Children's Museums

Independence Plaza

Name: Independence Plaza
Address: 1601 NASA Road 1, Houston, TX 77058, Houston, TX, US
Telephone: (281) 244-2100
Rating: 4.7

★★★★☆ 4.7 (2867 reviews)

📍 1601 NASA Road 1, Houston, TX 77058

📞 (281) 244-2100

🌐 spacecenter.org/exhibits-and-experiences/independence

Visit Website 📍 Get Directions

🕐 Hours

Monday	10 AM–7 PM
Tuesday	10 AM–7 PM
Wednesday	10 AM–7 PM
Thursday	10 AM–7 PM
Friday	10 AM–7 PM
Saturday	9 AM–7 PM
Sunday	9 AM–7 PM

⭐ Want to stand out? Get featured ⭐

About Independence Plaza

Independence Plaza is a children's museum in Houston, TX. Independence Plaza features the only Space Shuttle mounted on a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA) that the public can enter, making it a globally unique accessible exhibit. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,867 visitors.

Quick Facts

Venue Type: Science Center
Main Attraction: Shuttle replica Independence on NASA 905 carrier aircraft
Unique Feature: Only shuttle mounted on SCA that public can enter
Best For: All ages
Admission: Included with Space Center Houston general admission

💡 Did You Know?

⭐Independence Plaza features the only Space Shuttle mounted on a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA) that the public can enter, making it a globally unique accessible exhibit
⭐The 240-ton Independence Plaza complex is an international landmark visible immediately upon arrival at Space Center Houston
⭐Visitors can walk through the actual flight deck and mid-deck of orbiter Independence and explore its payload bay containing an artifact that actually flew on STS-49
🏛️The orbiter access arm on display was recovered from Kennedy Space Center launch pad 39B, providing visitors access to see authentic Space Shuttle-era launch infrastructure

💬 What Visitors Say

💬Plan to spend a full day if you want to explore all exhibits thoroughly. Reviews indicate visitors who check all corners and exhibitions can easily spend the entire day, so budget accordingly rather than planning a quick visit.
💡Don't miss the three tram tours offered at Space Center Houston - they are essential for fully grasping the scale of the exhibits like the Saturn V rocket. Book the Mission Control tram tour upon arrival as it requires separate reservations and can fill up.
🕐Arrive on a day with good weather to maximize your experience, as visitors specifically mention the exhibits and views are 'even better when the weather is fine' - important since Independence Plaza features open-air vestibules and external viewing areas.
💡Independence Plaza is visible immediately when entering Space Center Houston, making it easy to locate. It's the only shuttle mounted on a shuttle carrier aircraft (NASA 905) that the public can actually enter - a unique experience you cannot find elsewhere.
💡Bring comfortable shoes and be prepared for stairs - while elevators are available for ADA access to all levels of both aircraft, reviewers note that exploring both the shuttle replica and Boeing 747 involves significant walking and climbing throughout the 240-ton complex.