15 Museums Worth Visiting in Austin

Austin’s museum scene is as dynamic as the city itself. You’ll discover everything from provocative contemporary artwork and fascinating presidential archives to prehistoric dinosaur exhibits and colorful cultural displays. Whether you’re traveling with curious kids, diving into Texas history or simply seeking creative inspiration, the city’s museums deliver memorable experiences for every interest and age. Start planning your visit with our curated list of 15 museums.

Located on the campus of The University of Texas at Austin, the Blanton Museum of Art houses the largest and most comprehensive collection of art in Central Texas. It’s also one of the biggest university art museums in the country. Take in the permanent collection of over 21,000 pieces, rotating exhibits and special events. You'll discover European paintings, as well as modern and contemporary American and Latin American art. Insider tip: Admission is free on Tuesdays!

With two locations, The Contemporary Austin is the city's top institution for modern and contemporary artwork. Located in the heart of Downtown Austin, the Jones Center is hard to miss. Jim Hodges’ glittering outdoor installation, titled With Liberty and Justice for All, appears to be floating in mid-air and sets the tone for your visit. The 8,000-square-foot space showcases seasonal exhibits and educational events the whole family will enjoy. The historic Laguna Gloria villa grounds are dotted with outdoor sculptures by renowned international artists in a magical landscape right on the shore of Lake Austin. Wander on your own or sign up for the Drop-In Tour Program.

The UMLAUF Sculpture Garden + Museum, honoring the work of American sculptor Charles Umlauf, is a six-acre garden featuring Texas’ largest collection of touchable sculptures. Exhibitions of bronze and stone works by Umlauf and other contemporary artists provide an educational experience about nature and sculpture. 

A tribute to the Lone Star State’s musical legacy, the Texas Music Museum displays memorabilia from across genres, including country, blues, rock and Tejano. It’s a meaningful stop for music lovers to explore the roots of Austin’s “Live Music Capital of the World®” claim to fame.

The Mexic-Arte Museum in Downtown Austin offers a learning experience highlighting Mexican, Hispanic and Latin American art and culture. View traditional and contemporary works in seasonal and rotating exhibits and events. The museum is known for its popular annual Día de los Muertos celebration. Be sure to look for the colorful mural painted on the side of the museum.

Named after the state’s 38th lieutenant governor, Bob Bullock, the Bullock Texas State History Museum preserves Texas history through meaningful and educational experiences ranging from early Indigenous history to space exploration. Thought-provoking and culturally enriching exhibits, programs and events are offered for all ages. Don’t miss a stunning show at the Bullock’s IMAX Theatre or Texas Spirit Theater. And stop for a bite to eat at The Star Cafe, open for breakfast and lunch.

On the grounds of The University of Texas at Austin, the LBJ Presidential Library honors Lyndon B. Johnson, the 36th U.S. president. Engaging educational exhibits offer insight into the public-facing and personal lives of Lyndon and his beloved wife, Lady Bird Johnson. Learn about history-making decisions he faced regarding education, civil rights, the environment and healthcare. Insider tip: Anyone with “Lyndon” or “Claudia” in their name are admitted for free.

Housed at Camp Mabry in Austin, The Texas Military Forces Museum traces state military history from the Texas Revolution to modern conflicts. View memorabilia and exhibits inside and around the grounds. Tanks, helicopters, an F-16 training cockpit and military vehicles make it especially engaging for history enthusiasts. Admission and parking are always free.

One of Austin’s oldest surviving residences, the Neill-Cochran House Museum, dates to 1855. Guided tours of the Greek Revival home explore the lives of its early inhabitants, including blind boarding school students and enslaved people whose stories are thoughtfully presented in permanent exhibits.

Part living history museum, part hands-on educational site, Jourdan-Bachman Pioneer Farms in North Austin illustrates how pioneers lived in the Blackland Prairie during the 19th century. Highlights of the 90-acre attraction include the 1844 Tonkawa Indian Encampment, 1866 Kruger Farm and 1899 Sprinkle Corner village. Children especially love visiting the farm animals that reside in the 1850s barn. Visit the website for current hours and ticket prices. 

Dedicated to preserving African American history and culture in Central Texas, the George Washington Carver Museum, Cultural and Genealogy Center features art exhibitions, historical archives and community programs. Located in East Austin, one of the city's historic neighborhoods, the museum’s mission is to honor the contributions of Black people to Texas and the world. Admission is always free. Visit the website for current hours.

In two historic homes near Downtown Austin, the small but significant Brush Square museums celebrate distinguished literary figure O. Henry and Battle of the Alamo survivor Susanna Dickinson. The two museums offer year-round exhibits that give unique glimpses into their lives and 19th-century Austin. Admission is free.

Discover fascinating exhibits about ancient life, Texas wildlife and geology at the Texas Science & Natural History Museum on The University of Texas at Austin campus. The dinosaur exhibits, including the 30-foot Onion Creek mosasaur and marvelous mammoths, are favorites with kids and paleontology enthusiasts.

Unleash your child’s creativity, imagination and love of learning at Thinkery in the Mueller neighborhood. Hands-on learning experiences in 40,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space focus on science, technology, engineering, art and math activities for newborns to 11-year-olds. Reservations are encouraged. Learn about hours and ticket prices here.

The family-friendly Austin Nature & Science Center in Zilker Park combines indoor exhibits with outdoor exploration. Kids can dig for fossils, learn about native wildlife and explore nature trails. Admission is free.

A great time to visit Austin museums and cultural spaces is during Austin Museum Day, held on the second-to-last Sunday of September. The event, in coordination with the Austin Museum Partnership, features free admission, programs and activities.

Map out a memorable Austin trip with our creative itineraries that can help plan your visit.