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20 Best Museums in Austin, Texas for All Ages
Whether you’re an art lover, a science enthusiast, or simply someone looking for fun and educational things to do in Austin, the city’s museum scene has something for everyone. From renowned institutions to hidden gems, here’s a curated list of the best museums in Austin, Texas.
Editor’s Note: Our staff works hard to bring you the latest information. However, all information mentioned in this article is subject to change. As always, please confirm before heading out.
Also, a few links in this article may help The Austinot earn a small commission if you buy something using those links.
Free Museums in Austin
Texas Memorial Museum
Recently reopened, this natural history museum focuses on fossils, geology, and Texas wildlife.
- Highlights: Dinosaur skeletons, minerals, fossils
- Time Commitment: 1.5–2 hours
- Location: 2400 Trinity St, Austin, TX 78705
- Hours: Sunday 1 pm – 5 pm | Monday Closed | Tuesday – Saturday 10 am – 5 pm
- Admission: $10 General Admission, $6 Discount Ticket for ages 5-17 and 65+, and FREE for children under 5 and UT Austin faculty, staff, and students with a valid UT ID.
Austin Nature & Science Center
Image source: austintexas.gov
Located near Zilker Park, this center offers indoor and outdoor exhibits for all ages about local wildlife, geology, and sustainability.
- Highlights: Dino dig pit, wildlife exhibits
- Time Commitment: 1–2 hours
- Location: 2389 Stratford Dr, Austin, TX 78746
- Hours: Monday – Saturday 9 am – 5 pm | Sunday 12 pm – 5 pm
- Admission: Free
Austin Fire Museum (CLOSED/FOR RELOCATION)
Located in a functioning fire station, this museum features historical gear and celebrates the legacy of local firefighters.
- Highlights: Antique trucks, firefighter memorabilia
- Time Commitment: 30–45 minutes
- Location: 401 E 5th St, Austin, TX 78701
- Hours: Sat: 12 PM–5 PM; Limited access during emergencies
- Admission: Free
Texas Music Museum
A small but passionate museum preserving the state’s rich musical history, including jazz, blues, Tejano, and more.
- Highlights: Instruments, artist stories, memorabilia
- Time Commitment: 30–45 minutes
- Location: 1009 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78702
- Hours: Sat: 11 AM–5 PM
- Admission: Free
George Washington Carver Museum
Explores African American history and culture in Texas with rotating exhibitions and educational programs.
- Highlights: Art gallery, genealogy center
- Time Commitment: 1 hour
- Location: 1165 Angelina St, Austin, TX 78702
- Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday. Friday 10 am – 6 pm | Thursday 10 am – 9 pm | Saturday 10 am – 4 pm | Sunday Closed
- Admission: Free
Top Art Museums in Austin, TX
Blanton Museum of Art
Image source: Blanton Museum of Art Official website
Located on the University of Texas campus, this acclaimed museum houses more than 21,000 works from European classics to modern and Latin American art. The iconic Ellsworth Kelly-designed building, “Austin,” is a local landmark.
- Highlights: Modern art, European paintings, Latin American works
- Time Commitment: 1.5–2 hours
- Location: 200 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Austin, TX 78712
- Hours: Monday Closed | Tuesday – Friday & Sunday 10 am – 5 pm | Saturday 10 am – 8 pm
- Admission:
- Members FREE
- Adults $15
- Seniors (65+) $12
- Youth (6–17) $8
- Kids (5 & under) FREE
- UT-Austin ID FREE
- Non-UT Austin College w/ID $8
- K-12 Teachers w/ID FREE
The Contemporary Austin – Jones Center
Image source: The Contemporary Austin
A contemporary art space that features rotating exhibitions, rooftop installations, and works by local and global artists. A must-visit for art lovers.
- Highlights: Contemporary exhibits, rooftop art
- Time Commitment: 1–1.5 hours
- Location: 700 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701
- Hours: Wednesday 12 pm – 9 pm | Thursday – Sunday 12 pm – 6 pm
- Admission: Free on Wednesday evenings and Thursdays!
- Members FREE
- Adults $10
- Seniors $5
- Students/Educators (w/ID) $5
- Under 18 FREE
- Military (w/ID) FREE
- Museums for All (with EBT card and a photo ID) FREE
- Thursdays FREE
Mexic-Arte Museum
Image source: Mexic-Arte Museum
Dedicated to Mexican, Latino, and Latin American culture, this downtown museum offers vibrant exhibits and hosts events like Día de los Muertos.
- Highlights: Folk art, photography, cultural exhibits
- Time Commitment: 1 hour
- Location: 419 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701
- Hours: Monday – Thursday 10 am – 6 pm | Friday – Saturday 10 am – 5 pm | Sunday 12 pm – 5 pm
- Admission: Sundays are FREE for everyone
- Adults $8
- Senior Citizens $5
- Active Military & Veterans $5
- Students $5
- Ages 12 & under $1
- Mexic-Arte Members FREE
UMLAUF Sculpture Garden & Museum
Image source: UMLAUF Sculpture Garden & Museum
An open-air garden and indoor space showcasing the work of Charles Umlauf and other modern sculptors.
- Highlights: Outdoor sculptures, rotating art shows
- Time Commitment: 1 hour
- Location: 605 Azie Morton Rd, Austin, TX 78704
- Hours: Monday Closed | Tuesday – Friday 10 am – 4 pm | Saturday – Sunday 11 am – 4 pm
- Admission:
- Adult — $8
- Senior (60+) — $6
- Active Military & Veterans — $4
- K-12 Teacher — $4
- College Student — $4
- Youth (K-12) — $2
- Child (0-4 Yrs) — Free
- Members** — Free
Image source: austintexas.gov
Dougherty Arts Center
The Dougherty Arts Center (DAC) serves as a vibrant hub for Austin’s arts community. The DAC offers a variety of visual, performing, and digital arts experiences.
- Highlights: The DAC features the Julia C. Butridge Gallery, which hosts diverse art exhibitions, a 150-seat theater for performances, and a robust arts education program offering classes and workshops for all ages.
- Time Commitment: Visitors typically spend 1–2 hours exploring the gallery and attending events or classes.
- Location: 1110 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
- Hours of Operation: Monday–Thursday 10 am – 10 pm | Friday: 10 am – 6 pm | Saturday 10 am – 4 pm | Sunday Closed
- Admission/Pricing: Admission to the Julia C. Butridge Gallery is free. Fees for classes and events vary.
Cool Interactive & Science Museums in Austin
Thinkery
Image source: Thinkery
A STEAM-focused museum perfect for families and kids. Thinkery encourages hands-on learning with exhibits on science, technology, engineering, arts, and math.
- Highlights: Hands-on science exhibits, water play
- Time Commitment: 2–3 hours
- Location: 1830 Simond Ave, Austin, TX 78723
- Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Weekends 10 am – 5 pm | Tuesday & Friday 10 am – 7 pm
- Admission: $18.95 (Ages 1+) | Free (Members)
Texas Memorial Museum
Recently reopened, this natural history museum focuses on fossils, geology, and Texas wildlife.
- Highlights: Dino dig pit, wildlife exhibits
- Time Commitment: 1–2 hours
- Location: 2389 Stratford Dr, Austin, TX 78746
- Hours: Monday – Saturday 9 am – 5 pm | Sunday 12 pm – 5 pm
- Admission: Free
Austin Nature & Science Center
Image source: austintexas.gov
Located near Zilker Park, this center offers indoor and outdoor exhibits for all ages about local wildlife, geology, and sustainability.
- Highlights: Dino dig pit, wildlife exhibits
- Time Commitment: 1–2 hours
- Location: 2389 Stratford Dr, Austin, TX 78746
- Hours: Monday – Saturday 9 am – 5 pm | Sunday 12 pm – 5 pm
- Admission: Free
Bullock Texas State History Museum
Image source: Bullock Texas State History Museum FB
A visually striking museum that chronicles the dynamic story of Texas through multimedia exhibits and artifacts.
- Highlights: 4D Texas Spirit Theater, IMAX cinema
- Time Commitment: 2–3 hours
- Location: 1800 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701
- Hours: Daily 10 am – 5 pm
- Admission:
- Adult $15
- Student, Military, or Senior (age 65+) $11
- Youth (ages 4-17) $9
Quirky & Specialty Museums in Austin
Museum of the Weird
Image source: Museum of the Weird
One of the most unusual Austin museums, it features oddities like shrunken heads and paranormal artifacts.
- Highlights: Freak show artifacts, wax museum
- Time Commitment: 30–45 minutes
- Location: 412 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78701
- Hours: Monday – Thursday 10 am – 7 pm | Friday – Sunday 10 am – 9 pm
- Admission: $12.99 Adults | $8.99 Kids under 8.
Texas Toy Museum and Arcade
Takes you on a nostalgic trip through a display of vintage toys, action figures, comics, and arcade machines.
- Highlights: Playable arcade games, classic toys
- Time Commitment: 1–2 hours
- Location: 312 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701
- Hours: Monday – Thursday 10:30 am – 9:30 pm | Friday 10:30 am – 12 am | Saturday 10:30 am – 12 am | Sunday 10 am – 12 am
- Admission: $10 adults
Austin Fire Museum (CLOSED/FOR RELOCATION)
Located in a functioning fire station, this museum features historical gear and celebrates the legacy of local firefighters.
- Highlights: Antique trucks, firefighter memorabilia
- Time Commitment: 30–45 minutes
- Location: 401 E 5th St, Austin, TX 78701
- Hours: Sat: 12 PM–5 PM; Limited access during emergencies
- Admission: Free
LBJ Presidential Library
Image source: LBJ Presidential Library
Explore the life and legacy of President Lyndon B. Johnson with engaging exhibits and rotating displays.
- Highlights: Oval Office replica, civil rights era artifacts
- Time Commitment: 2–3 hours
- Location: 2313 Red River St, Austin, TX 78705
- Hours: Daily 9 am – 5 pm
- Admission:
- Adult $16
- Senior $12
- Former/Retired Military $8
- K-12 Teachers & Staff must show a valid ID $8
- College Student (non-UT Austin with valid ID) $6
- Youth $6
- Child FREE
Neill-Cochran House Museum
Image source: Neill-Cochran House Museum
A historic Greek Revival home with period furniture, rotating exhibits, and a restored slave cabin.
- Highlights: 1800s architecture, African American history
- Time Commitment: 1 hour
- Location: 2310 San Gabriel St, Austin, TX 78705
- Hours: Wednesday – Sunday, 11 am – 4 pm
- Admission:
- General $10
- Seniors $8
- Students with ID $8
- Members & children under 12 are free
- Blue Star Family members are free
Texas Music Museum
A small but passionate museum preserving the state’s rich musical history, including jazz, blues, Tejano, and more.
- Highlights: Instruments, artist stories, memorabilia
- Time Commitment: 30–45 minutes
- Location: 1009 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78702
- Hours: Sat: 11 AM–5 PM
- Admission: Free
George Washington Carver Museum
Explores African American history and culture in Texas with rotating exhibitions and educational programs.
- Highlights: Art gallery, genealogy center
- Time Commitment: 1 hour
- Location: 1165 Angelina St, Austin, TX 78702
- Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday. Friday 10 am – 6 pm | Thursday 10 am – 9 pm | Saturday 10 am – 4 pm | Sunday Closed
- Admission: Free
Texas Military Forces Museum
Image source: Texas Military Forces Museum
Showcases the history of the Texas National Guard and military contributions through weapons, uniforms, and tanks.
- Highlights: War artifacts, tanks, aircraft
- Time Commitment: 1.5 hours
- Location: 3038 W 35th St, Austin, TX 78703
- Hours: Daily 10 am – 4 pm
- Admission: Free
Harry Ransom Center
A humanities research library and museum featuring literary archives, photography, and cultural exhibits.
- Highlights: Gutenberg Bible, rare manuscripts
- Time Commitment: 1–1.5 hours
- Location: 300 W 21st St, Austin, TX 78712
- Hours: Monday Closed | Tuesday – Friday 10 am – 5 pm | Weekend 12 pm – 5 pm
- Admission: Free
Tips for Visiting Fun Austin Museums in 2025
- Plan ahead: Check hours and ticket info online.
- Look for free days: Many best museums in Austin offer free admission on specific days.
- Bundle your visit: Several Austin, Texas, museums are walkable from downtown, great for day trips.
From immersive art to scientific wonders and quirky curiosities, Austin museums reflect the city’s vibrant and diverse culture. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or you’re a local exploring new places, these are the best museums in Austin, Texas, to add to your list.
Looking for fun things around ATX? Check out our weekly updates with the best picks for Things to Do in Austin this Weekend — all curated by a local.
