Skip to Content

The Best Museums in Austin

Austin’s assortment of museums is just as eclectic as the city itself. From visual arts to history to just plain weird, here is our collection of the best museums to visit in town.

The Jones Center (photo by Rebekah Flake)

The Contemporary Austin – Jones Center

700 Congress Ave.

The ultimate destination for contemporary art in Austin, this museum is found on downtown’s Congress Avenue. Their array of artistic experiences includes expansive exhibitions, educational opportunities and artist-centric projects and collaborations. For those who crave a more natural setting, be sure to also visit the Contemporary’s Laguna Gloria Campus right by Lake Austin. Admission is free for all visitors on Thursdays from 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.


Photo courtesy of Mexic-Arte Museum

Mexic-Arte Museum

419 Congress Ave.

An homage to many of the rich cultures that make up Texas, this fine arts museum offers a thorough education and exploration of Mexican, Latino and Latin American art. Exhibits share traditions and talents from these parts of the world, as well as educational programming and cultural events. Look forward to their Viva la Vida festival, a must-see celebration to honor Día de los Muertos. Visits and tours are free on Sundays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.


Photo courtesy of Blanton Museum of Art

Blanton Museum of Art

200 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

With over 21,000 works, Blanton holds the largest public collection of art in Central Texas. Bask in the gathering of masterpieces from ancient pottery to abstract modern paintings, and everything in between. With stunning architecture, traveling exhibitions year-round and a massive inventory, this museum is an inspired haven for art lovers. Admission is free every Tuesday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.


Photo courtesy of Bullock Texas State History Museum

Bullock Texas State History Museum

1800 Congress Ave.

Whether you consider yourself a history buff or not, this museum is a must for anyone in Texas. Imbue yourself with the Texan spirit while gaining a deeper appreciation for the chronicles that made our state what it is today. Young ones can journey through the lives of cowboys, Native Americans, settlers and more with interactive storytelling and the museum’s grand IMAX theater. Admission is free on the first Sunday of every month for H-E-B Free First Sunday and they are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.


Photo courtesy of UMLAUF Sculpture Garden & Museum

UMLAUF Sculpture Garden and Museum

605 Azie Morton Rd.

Where art merges with experience, the UMLAUF Sculpture Garden and Museum offers its visitors a beautiful environment for reflection and recreation. The eight-acre location neighbors Zilker Park and showcases the works, studio and family home of sculptor Charles Umlauf, while also offering community-centric activities like artist talks, yoga in the garden and picnics. Members, children 12 and under, and active military personnel along with their families always enjoy free admission. Their hours are Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.


George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center (photo by Moyo Oyelola)

George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center

1165 Angelina St.

Contrary to what the name may suggest, this museum focuses not on one person, but instead on the contributions of Black people around the world. Positioned in East Austin, the center offers exhibits and social experiences such as book clubs, film screenings and dance performances, all to preserve and commemorate Black culture. Admission is free.


LBJ Presidential Library and Museum (photo by Jay Godwin)

LBJ Presidential Library and Museum

2313 Red River St.

Located on the University of Texas campus, the presidential library tells the history of the United States’ 36th president, Lyndon Baines Johnson, as well as stories of his wife, the beloved Lady Bird Johnson. With millions of historical documents, iconic photographs, telephone tapes and more, guests can learn about these figures who made their mark on our country, and on Texas specifically. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.


Thinkery (photo by Michael Gail Photography)

Thinkery

1830 Simond Ave.

The ultimate solution for a child in need of activity, Thinkery offers a stimulating environment that combines fun, education and creative expression into a museum experience. While targeting the age group of 0 to 11, the exhibits are engaging to visitors of all ages and educate on science, technology, engineering, math and the arts. Thinkery offers free admission on Tuesdays from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Sundays from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.


Photo courtesy of Harry Ransom Center

Harry Ransom Center

300 W. 21st St.

Located on the University of Texas at Austin campus, this humanities research center and art museum is a vast art hub. Satisfy your creative needs by roaming through the huge archive of books, manuscripts, photographs and artwork in a thoughtfully curated center. Visiting exhibitions, attending events and studying are all encouraged in this free admission facility.


Photo courtesy of Elisabet Ney Museum

Elisabet Ney Museum

304 E. 44th St.

This establishment honors the life and works of Elisabet Ney, a German sculptor who spent the later half of her life in Texas. Stroll through Ney’s home and studio to see her famous lifelike marble statues and enjoy an intimate look at the spaces where she worked. Admission is free, with visiting hours from Wednesday to Sunday, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.


Photo courtesy of Museum of the Weird

Museum of the Weird

412 E. 6th St.

This glorious tribute to the aura of Austin stands on East 6th Street. Filled with a random arrangement of trinkets and oddities, look out for bizarre gems like the two-headed chicken. Leave with your own handful of strange goodies from their gift shop. They’re on Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.


Photo courtesy of Laguna Gloria

Laguna Gloria

3809 W. 35th St.

Located on the shores of Lake Austin, this outdoor sculpture museum features local and regional artists and offers art classes for all ages. The historic grounds are perfect for peaceful strolls with your pets and inspiring creativity. After taking in the views, check out the museum shop or the onsite cafe Spread & Co. Admission is free for all visitors on Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.


Featured Properties

Swipe