Here's a real treat and a delight to write about. We found the Oscar Monnig Meteorite Museum totally by accident. I love astronomy and have been attracted to the skies for a long time. I am not terribly knowledgeable about what all is where when I look up, but when you think about the fact that with a good pair of binoculars or telescope, you can actually see something (the Andromeda Galaxy) that is NOT in our galaxy, that's pretty amazing.

Lots of spring & summer nights, RJ & I have spent the evening sitting out on out patio. On good, dark evenings, we've seen meteors, satellites, the Space Station --- just all sorts of things!

When I came across the Oscar Monnig Meteorite Museum as I was researching a totally unrelated topic, I was happily surprised. Not only was it in North Texas, it was in Fort Worth at TCU. How could I have missed this jewel?

Well, we had to go.

The museum is located in the Sid Richardson Science Bldg. at the south end the TCU campus. Even though there are signs pointing the way, we did have a bit of trouble finding where to go. Once we got there, we were amazed. Not only is the museum a treasure, it's free!



Oscar Monnig was born, raised and lived in Fort Worth all his life. Anyone from there will know Monnig's Department Stores. Monnig always had a curiosity for the skies and in the 30's, he began collecting meteorites, amassing the most extensive collection of his time. He spread the word that he was looking to purchase meteorites thru his travels and locally in newspapers and even in his department stores.

His collection grew and he managed to acquire several very prominent pieces. In the 70's and 80's, Monnig began to donate his collection to TCU so that it could live on and benefit the city that had always supported him.

The museum proudly shows off about 10% of the total collection. There are specimens from all over the world and some, quite old. We saw a few dating back to the 1400's. One we marveled at was a piece of a meteorite that is actually from Mars - AND you are able to touch it. How many people can say they have touched Mars? You can...if you go!

The museum is small but extremely nice. There are audio wands available if you would like. They have a short film showing all the time thats very informative. The meteorites are beautifully displayed, with the information beside it as to it's name, where it's from and when it was found. I never knew there were so many kinds of meteors- so many compositions and the slices of each showing the incredible patterns & mixes of metal and minerals. It certainly had us astounded.

Specimen of meteorite found in Alhumada, Mexico - 1909

The Oscar Monnig Meteorite Museum
  2950 W.  Bowie (corner of West Bowie Street and Cockrell) in the Sid Richardson Science Bldg.
  Fort Worth 76109
  817-257-MARS
Admission FREE. Open to the public Tuesdays thru Fridays 1PM to 4PM. Saturdays 9AM - 4PM.
Closed on university holidays

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