Space Center Houston is Houston’s first Smithsonian Affiliate museum. Smithsonian Affiliates share exhibits and collections, collaborate on research projects and develop innovative education strategies with the Smithsonian.
Space Center Houston is the Official Visitor Center of NASA Johnson Space Center, the home of astronaut training, International Mission Control and human space exploration.
Space Center Houston strives to ensure that the nonprofit is an accessible and accepting destination. That essential work has been recognized by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards. The science and space exploration learning center is the first of its kind to be designated as a Certified Autism Center by the IBCCES. The certification process involves rigorous training for staff, inspections and improvements that enable Space Center Houston to better welcome and accommodate guests with autism spectrum disorder and other sensory and cognitive challenges.
Space Center Houston launched its rebrand in October 2022. In May 2023, the work around that rebranding project was recognized at the Houston chapter of the American Marketing Association’s annual Crystal Awards. Space Center Houston won in the following categories:
The TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award celebrates outstanding hospitality businesses listed on TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel site. Space Center Houston has earned the award six years in a row based on consistently great reviews from TripAdvisor travelers.
An article in Condé Nast Traveler named Space Center Houston as one of the most spectacular museums in the world.
The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) awarded Space Center Houston’s Independence Plaza with the industry’s highest honor. The colossal exhibit earned the Impact Award and Best New Product for Displays and Sets. The Impact Award, one of the most distinguished of the international Brass Ring Awards program, is given to a category winner that had or will have the most impact on the future of the industry. The Best New Product for Displays and Sets Award recognizes excellence in the theming and design of an exhibit or attraction.
The innovative construction of Independence Plaza won the Silver Award in the Mechanical Electrical and Plumbing Category for Space Center Houston contractor MLN Company. Independence Plaza required 80 tons of air conditioning, 1,565 feet of sprinkler piping, and 8,970 pounds of duct work.
Space Center Houston was selected as one of the best places to work in the Houston area by the Houston Chronicle. The Top Workplaces are based solely on the results of an anonymous employee survey measuring several aspects of workplace culture including alignment, execution and connection.
The Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce recognized Space Center Houston for hosting the Epicurean Evening event highlighting local cuisine and businesses annually at Space Center Houston.
The TripAdvisor Bravo Award recognizes attractions with a significant number of “excellent,” five-star reviews from visitors.
Space Center Houston received the Lian Top Choice award in the tourist attraction category after receiving positive reviews from judges and Asian visitors.
Constant Contact recognized organizations for e-marketing outreach and engagements efforts. Space Center Houston was in the top 10 percent of Constant Contact clients in relation to how it interacts with subscribers.
Houston Press named Space Center Houston the best tourist attraction in 2006 and 2014.
An article about Houston in USA Today dubbed Space Center Houston as “The Big Draw” in Houston in 2014 and named the center the number one attraction in Houston.
The Texas Office of the Governor recognized Space Center Houston for the center’s efforts during Shuttlebration weekend securing, transporting and displaying the high-fidelity shuttle replica Independence.
Friendswood Independence School District and Career and Technology Education recognized Space Center Houston as a vital link for students as a connection between academics, business and the community.
The city of Houston recognized Space Center Houston for outstanding achievements.
Space Center Houston received this prestigious award for its “Outstanding Support of NASA.”
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