THE MUSEUM IS CLOSED MONDAY, MAY 30.

Due to a power outage, the Witte Museum will be closed today while crews work to restore power. We apologize for this inconvenience.

If you pre-purchased tickets online, we will be in contact tomorrow to discuss your options.

The museum is scheduled to be opened Tuesday from 10 am – 6 pm.

Now Open

May 21 – September 5, 2022

The Power of Poison

Step into the mist and vines of Colombia’s Chocó Forest—where many things might harm or heal you—and discover The Power of Poison. Poisonous plants appear on magical parchment, poison dart frogs hop near toxic caterpillars, and the role of poison in nature, literature, history and human health surrounds you in this captivating exhibit.

An “…elaborate…alluring…theatrical exhibition…” ~The New York Times

Poison in Nature

Discover how poison helps shape an environment while walking through a re-creation of a remote Columbian rainforest.

Witte Tales

Explore ways that local plants and animals—including rattlesnakes, poison ivy, and even the monarch butterfly—have developed toxic adaptations to survive and thrive in Texas.

Poison in Myth & Legend

Turn the pages of an enchanted book and explore the role of poison in familiar stories such as Snow White, Macbeth, and Alice in Wonderland.

Detecting Poison

Play detective by finding clues about various toxins and poisonous creatures to help solve puzzling cases of accidental poisoning.

Victims and Villains

Get a glimpse of some of history’s most notorious and puzzling poison cases—from Emperor Nero to artist Francisco Goya—in an age before scientists developed reliable forensic tools.

Poison for Good

Learn how plant and animal toxins are being studied as sources for life-saving new drugs and see live animals whose toxins have been studied for medical applications.

The Power of Poison is organized by the American Museum of Natural History, New York (amnh.org).

Related Events & Camps

May 24 – Home School Day: Power of Poison Edition (Educational programming for K – 12)*
May 26 – Cocktails & Culture: Pick Your Poison (For Guests 21+)*
June 5 – STEAM Sunday: Fun with Fangs (For Families)
June 13 – 17 – Witte Museum Camp: Pick Your Poison (ages 9 – 12)*
June 27 – July 1 – Witte Museum Camp: Pick Your Poison (ages 6 – 8)*
July 10 – STEAM Sunday: Foliage Folios (For Families)
August 7 – STEAM Sunday: Dose Detective (For Families)
September 1 – Home School Day: Power of Poison Edition (Educational programming for K – 12)
September 4 – STEAM Sunday: Kickin’ Kidneys (For Families)

*Event ticket includes admission to The Power of Poison

Share the Wonder & Enter Win A Family Membership

Post a photo of your visit to The Power of Poison on Instagram and tag @WitteMuseum with the hashtag #PowerOfPoison before July 1st to enter to win a one-year Family Membership to the Witte Museum.

Terms & Conditions: There is NO purchase necessary to claim the giveaway prize. You must be 18+ to enter. One winner will be randomly selected. This giveaway is not sponsored, endorsed, or administered by Facebook or Instagram. Any page reaching out to you other than @wittemuseum is a scam. Do not give them your personal information.

Exhibition Highlights

Find Out More

Poison ~ Wonder with the Witte Podcast

Join us for the inaugural series of the Witte Museum’s Wonder with the Witte Podcast, featuring poison, where we’ll explore what makes poison so dangerously alluring. A companion to The Power of Poison exhibition, at the Witte Museum for a limited time.

The Witte

Where You Are

Special Thanks

The Power of Poison is generously supported by Mary Pat and Mike Bolner and Dr. John C. Browning, MD, FAAD, FAAP, MBA of Texas Dermatology and Laser Specialists.