Houston Fire Museum celebrates grand reopening after $5.7M renovation

The Houston Fire Museum has officially reopened to the public. The 125-year old former fire station hosted a grand reopening Oct. 12 after being closed for four years.

What we know

The historic fire station and museum closed in 2020 to undergo a $5.7 million renovation and restoration. Renovation efforts included changing the infrastructure, the interior design and the exterior facade.

The museum now includes:

• Restrooms that are compliant with the Americans With Disabilities Act
• A centralized HVAC system and a modern fire suppression system
• A designated private room for celebrations, including children's birthday parties
• An outdoor courtyard with an inflatable fire safety house
• A renovated first floor room with interactive activities and a virtual firefighter presentation
• Display cabinets with vintage toys, fire helmets and an exhibit on 9/11

In case you didn't know

The Houston Fire Museum used to be the location of Fire Station No. 7, located at 2403 Milam St. The downtown Houston building is affectionally known as the "Old 7's" and is the city's oldest firehouse still standing.

The building opened in 1899 and functioned as an active fire station until 1969, when it was replaced. In 1926, a new No. 7 Fire Station was built on Elgin Street, and the Old 7's became the Houston Fire Museum.

The building is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is a Texas Historic Landmark and a city of Houston Protected Landmark.

• Reopened Oct. 12
• 2403 Milam St., Houston
• www.houstonfiremuseum.org