The Bullock Texas State History Museum
1800 Congress Ave.
Located in the Museum District, the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum aims to collect artifacts and create exhibits that tell the story of Texas. Texas has a rich history that includes population by Native American tribes and colonization by the Spanish and Mexican governments before it became part of the United States.
As the official history museum for the state of Texas, all the displays are focused on teaching visitors about Texass past both good and bad. The exhibition space includes rotating special exhibits, artifacts, films and lectures, and a Texas artists series.
The Blanton Museum Of Art
The Blanton Museum of Art is a museum in Austin that boasts a permanent collection of more than 21,000 pieces in various art styles. Perhaps youre a fan of European renaissance and baroque paintings, mind-bending modern art, or works by Latin artists. Or, maybe you simply want to stroll around a gorgeous and diverse collection of pieces, The Blanton Museum in Austin has something for everyone.
One of the crown jewels in the group is by far the highly instagrammable Ellsworth Kelly Austin building that uses colorful stained glass to create an incredible atmosphere. The Blanton Museum Austin regularly hosts traveling exhibitions. And, as of March 2022, these include New Acquisitions from Contemporary Black Artists and Terry Allens MemWars, amongst many others.
Tickets and Schedule
The Blanton is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. But Wednesday through Saturday, this museum in Austin is open 10 am 5 pm. On Sundays, opening hours are slightly limited, with the museum open from 1 pm 5 pm.
Admission is free for children under 12, museum members, and those who hold a Teachers or Veterans ID. Tickets cost $12 for general admission, $10 for those 65+, and $5 for student admission.
Dont forget access to this Austin museum is free for everyone on Thursdays!
Experience A Free Symphony
Classical music lovers wont want to miss Austin Symphony’s Concerts in the Park, held on the lawn at the Long Center. On Sunday evenings during the summer, bring a lawn chair or blanket and kick back under the stars, listening to classical music while soaking in city skyline views.
SFC Farmers Market. Courtesy of the Sustainable Food Center, credit Buff Strickland.
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Joseph And Sussana Dickenson Hannig Museum
It was the former home of joseph and Sussana Dickinson and was built in 1869. Her former home was restored to preserve her legacy as she had survived the battle of the Alamo.
She was known as the messenger of the Alamo, as she carried the message about sam Houstons defeat. This was the victory of Houston against Santa Anna in the battle of San Jacinto.
What you will get to see:
Artifacts of Dickinson family, Hannigs furniture, get to know about exciting stories about the battle of the Alamo and its survivors.
Admission fee for the museum:
it has free tours from Wednesday to Sunday.
Address:
411E 5th st, Austin tx 78701, USA
Wondering how to plan a visit to the museums in Austin, dont worry, I got you covered!
Dont miss out on any of these fantastic galleries, as they are some of the best ones in Austin and have amazing artifacts, artworks, sculptures, theatres, and many more things to explore.
Come with enthusiasm, and you will leave with a lot of inspiration and knowledge about the history of Texas and other cultures. Also, you will get to see some of the most impressive architectures as well.
Texas Natural Science Center
2400 Trinity St. 512-471-1604 www.utexas.edu/tmm
One of the greatest things about living in a university town is that the wealth of knowledge within the campus community frequently ends up benefitting the community at large. Such is the case with the Texas Natural Science Center, which is located on the University of Texas campus and features exhibits on topics such as dinosaurs, gems and minerals, Texas wildlife and more. Special tours are also offered by appointment.
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The Contemporary Austins Laguna Gloria
3809 W. 35th St.
If you didnt get enough contemporary art at the Jones Center, more awaits you at Laguna Gloria, the Contemporary Austins waterside campus. The grounds of Laguna Gloria house the Betty and Edward Marcus Sculpture Park, an exciting collection of sculptures from modern artists. The museum’s large sculptures mimic everything from tree trunks to old cars. Check them out on a Thursday, when the Contemporary Austin waives admission to the grounds.
Landmarks Public Art Program
Public art has the power to evoke strong emotions, pique interest, and ignite the imagination in unexpected ways. The public art collection at The University of Texas at Austin is one of the most recognizable elements of the main campus, molding impressions and providing a unique backdrop for unforgettable encounters.
Hours of Operation: Tues Sat: 10 am 5 pm | Sun & Mon: Closed
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Its always a lovely experience to walk around a museum. Even lovelier are the museums in Austin, Texasand many of them are free admission or free on certain days and times. Thats what makes Austin such a fascinating city to explore with friends and the whole family. Known for its many attractions, eclectic music, lakes, and parks that are perfect for biking, hiking, swimming or boating, Austin is a great destination for culture and history, too. Simply plan each day and visit each museum for an exciting journey through Texas history, heritage, culture, arts, science, and technology. Read on further to know more about the best entry-free museums in Austin, Texas.
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Step into a bygone era, back to 1850s, when the iconoclastic German sculptor, Elisabet Ney moved to Austin. Elisabet Ney Museum is her historic home and studio that showcases her portrait collections and artworks and her legacy. For art enthusiasts, this museum is a brilliant exploration of the famed Neys sculptures in bronze, marble, and plaster, plus medallions, tools, and personal effects. Further, this museum also features works of other contemporary artists within the building and on its grounds. In fact, the museum enjoys many historic designations and admission is free.
Elisabet Ney Museum
Opening hours: Wed – Sun: 12pm – 5pm
Price: Free
Jordan Bachman Pioneer Farms
Austins Jordan Bachman Pioneer Farms is a living history museum. It documents the history of Texas as a whole and has activities to satisfy even the most discerning of tastes. With six historic themed areas ranging from an 1841 Tonkawa Encampment to a rural village from 1899, its never been easier to take a walk through time.
Nature lovers will feel energized in the 90-acre wooded Austin museum site, while history buffs will love the chance to live like a Texan pioneer. And, children wont want to leave the Scarborough Barn where you can make friends with all the farm animals. The Pioneer Farm also offers some great classes, including banjo lessons and a chance to test your aim on the archery range.
Groups and Individual Admission
The Pioneer Farm museum in Austin is open 10 am 5 pm Tuesdays through Sundays for school tours and Thursday through Sunday for general admission.
Tickets are available on-site, and children ages two and under are free. Tickets for adults cost $8, $6 for children ages 3-17 and seniors ages 65+. However, if youre bringing a group of family and friends, admission for groups of 20 or more is $5 each.
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Austin Nature And Science Center
2389 Stratford Drive
Enhance your next trip to Zilker Park by paying a visit to the Austin Nature and Science Center. Located on the western edge of Zilker, the center provides Austinites with interactive and educational exhibits on nature, teaching the public about everything from sundials to prehistoric creatures. The centers wildlife exhibits spotlight animals native to Central Texas, and a tree trail provides a spot to catch some shade while learning about the flora native to Austin. Entrance to the Austin Nature and Science Center is always free.
Lbj Presidential Library & Museum
This museum, exhibition space and research centre has much to offer on the life and legacy of the US’s 36th president, Lyndon Baines Johnson, who took office after JFK’s assassination and whose tumultuous tenure included such highs and lows as the Great Society social reforms and the escalation of the Vietnam War. And don’t miss the creaky a little bit creepy animatronic LBJ, spouting Texas folkisms and tall tales. The library is on the east side of the University of Texas campus, but it’s worth the 10-minute walk across campus to the College of Communication’s Walter Cronkite Plaza to take in Ben Rubin’s outdoor installation “And That’s the Way It Is”, a text-based electronic tribute to the legendary anchorman whose 1968 broadcast on Vietnam hastened the end of the war. 2313 Red River St, University of Texas campus, +1 512 721 0200, lbjlibrary.org, free. Open 9am-5pm daily
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South Austin Museum Of Popular Culture
1516 S. Lamar Blvd. 512-440-8318 www.samopc.org
This little museum encourages people to come visit Thursday-Sunday between 1 p.m. 6 p.m. or by appointment and chance. That pretty much sums up a visit to the South Austin Museum of Popular Culture: Its quirky, its random and its fun. Founded in 2004, the museum was created to pay homage to Austins unique culture, particularly the artwork created to promote the music scene over the years. If you love Austin, you have to stop in. Seeing is believing.
Umlauf Sculpture Garden + Museum
Presenting outstanding art casually set in a shaded garden of native Texas plants, the UMLAUF is offering hourly docent-led tours for groups of 10, a pop-up market, and a special installation for Austin Museum Day. Kids can also use supplies to make coffee filter crafts and participate in scavenger hunts. While the indoor gallery remains closed, visitors can register for their outdoor tour here. 605 Azie Morton Road, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
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Welcome To The Contemporary Austin
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU SOON AT OUR TWO LOCATIONS: THE SCULPTURE PARK AT LAGUNA GLORIA OR THE JONES CENTER DOWNTOWN
Currently on view at Laguna Gloria
Currently on view at the Jones Center
Please read our Visitor Guidelines below prior to reserving your admission ticket. These include COVID recommendations intended to keep both you and our staff safe. Masks are currently encouraged at both locations while indoors.
The Thinkery Childrens Museum In Austin
Its known as the premier childrens museum in Austin. The Thinkery is a science museum made for fun and educational family days out. With permanent exhibits covering everything from currents, and light, to transport and nutrition, its easy to spend a whole day wandering and wondering in this Austin museum.
For little ones, there are many exhibits specially designed for toddlers and under 6s. But older kids will also feel right at home in the innovators workshop and sprawling backyard playground.
Hours and Admission
The museum is closed on Mondays, but general admission runs from Tuesday Thursday, 9 am to 3 pm, 9 am-5 pm on Fridays, and 10 am 5 pm on weekends. Saturdays offer special admission for ages 0-36 in a designated time slot between 8 am 10.30 am. Theres even a free community night on Sundays between 3 pm 5 pm.
Admission is free for children 23 months and under, and for everyone else, tickets are $14 each. Book your tickets in advance online to avoid disappointment, as walk-in opportunities are limited.
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Blanton Museum Of Art Hours And Admission Prices
From works by Rembrandt and Picasso to modern Latin American sculpture to contemporary video installations, you can find it at the Blanton Museum of Art, the world-class art museum located on the campus of The University of Texas. Boasting approximately 20,000 works from around the world and across centuries — including Austin, the iconic building designed by the renowned Ellsworth Kelly — the museum is must-see for visitors to Austin.
The museum is open during COVID-19 at lessened capacity and with advanced, timed tickets required. Visit www.theblantonmuseumisopen.org to reserve tickets and plan your visit to Austins art museum.
Free Museums In Austin
The museum scene in Austin may not be as robust as Dallas or Houston, but what it lacks in numbers it makes up for in diversity. After all, where else can you learn about wacky popular culture, dinosaurs and history of Texas all in one afternoon? From the sprawling, high-tech Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum to the cool Harry Ransom Center, theres a little something for everyone in Austin. Even better, many of the attractions are free or charge only a nominal fee. Just be sure you check on hours before you go, as they are sometimes subject to change.
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Hey Culture Buffs These Are The Best Museums In Austin
Sure, Austin has been at the center of a cultural movement for decades now, but this town has more to offer than just keepin it weird . As you might expect from the Texas state capital and the home of the University of Texas, the Austin museum scene is strong.
Next time youre in the mood for some art, history, and culture , head to one of the best museums in Austin. Here are our 10 favorite places to soak up some culture in the capital.
A Guide To 40+ Austin Museums
There is no shortage of museums in Austin, Texas. The city is home to the Blanton Museum of Art, the LBJ Presidential Library, the Thinkery, and the Bullock Texas State History Museum, among others. Whether youre interested in art, history, or science, theres a museum in Austin that will fit your interests.
Whether youre a native Texan or a visitor to the Lone Star State, check out some of Austins fantastic museums. And, were here to make it super easy for you to do just that, as we have a list of more than 40, and an in-depth look at three of the best.
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Enjoy An Outdoor Performance
Enjoy free shows in beautiful outdoor settings around Austin. The annual Zilker Summer Musical offers live theater from July-August on an outdoor stage at the Hill Country Galleria. ACL Radio and the Long Center have teamed up to present a free, weekly outdoor live music series. The Drop-In will showcase a diverse lineup of Austins favorite and emerging artists from May September in the heart of downtown.
Explore The Free Museums In Austin
Visiting museums is a great way to have fun and learn new things at the same time. As the capital of Texas, Austin is home to some fantastic museums and many of them are free! Weve created a fun printable checklist of Austins free museums to help you explore the city and decide which great museum to visit next.
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Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum
Image Credit: Temple Railroad and Heritage Museum Facebook Page
Temples historic Santa Fe Depot is home to the Temple Railroad and Heritage Museum. The permanent displays focus on railroad operations and travel, with a focus on the Santa Fe Railway. A variety of shifting temporary exhibits, as well as teaching activities and special events, are all held at the museum.
Timings: Tues Sat: 10 am 4 pm | Sun & Mon: Closed
So which Austin museum do you plan to visit at as part of the Blue Star Museums program? Let us know in the comments section below.
Austin Parks And Recreation Department
Since 1928, the Austin Parks & Recreation Department has been the custodian of the citys public lands. As a result, they safeguard parks and the urban forest. Trails are preserved, and they provide a range of sports, recreation, educational enrichment, artistic programs, cultural experiences, and natural and aquatic activities.
Timings: Mon Fri: 8 am 5 pm
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Emma S Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center
The center is a tremendous resource for the community, and visitors to learn and participate in classes and programs that foster a meaningful understanding and appreciation of not only Mexican American, but also Chicano and other Latino cultures. The programs and educational curriculum include the areas of visual art, theater, dance, literature, music, multi-media and the culinary arts.
The Bullock Texas State History Museum Downtown Austin
It started in 2001, and the texas state history museum is one of the most impressive museums in Austin.
Its situated in the heart of downtown Austin, Texas. It conducts exhibitions that celebrate the beautiful story of texas history and culture.
What you will get to see:
This place has three floors and consists of historical artifacts, cafes, Imax theatre. It also partners with 700+ museums, archives, and libraries to showcase the rich history through artifacts in the texas history galleries.
Admission fees for the museum:
Adults- 13 $
senior citizens & college students- 11$.
This is the entry fee for museums only, and film theatres have different prices.
Address:
1800 north congress avenue, Austin Tx 78712, USA
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