The building is 170 metres tall and has five floors. 3) It is a simple cube shape made from concrete and glass and surrounded by landscaped gardens. A 54 foot long escalator runs along a 150 foot glass tube on the outside of the building. The museum’s modern, man-made appearance contrasts with its natural landscaped gardens. 4) These are designed to symbolize the natural environments of Texas: forest, and desert. In the centre of the forest area is a plaza with a café and a water feature. The desert landscape includes native grasses and rocks. 5) These represent the flora (plant life) and geology of the region.