13 Best Museums in Austin for Art, History & Fun

Located on the University of Texas Campus, the recently renovated Blanton Museum of Art is a beautiful space offering incredible collections of art.

With ever-changing exhibits, The Blanton displays art from a diverse range of cultures, time periods, and artists.

The Blanton’s current temporary exhibits include a film and video gallery, a major exhibition, a paper vault, and a contemporary project.

Every second weekend of each month, The Blanton Museum of Art hosts “Austin’s biggest all-day art event” complete with live music, tours and talks, art activities, and more.

With two stories and 8,000 square feet of exhibition space, The Contemporary on Congress Avenue offers rotating exhibitions of world-class new age art.

Currently, the museum is hosting three different temporary exhibits, including paintings, sculptures, and other visual art installations.

The Contemporary also has a second location at Laguna Gloria with an outdoor sculpture park.

The Jones Center Downtown is also home to a beautiful rooftop that hosts exhibition-related films, performances, family programs, tours, and more.

Located on Congress Avenue, the Mexic-Arte Museum has been sharing Mexican, Latino, and Latin American art and culture since 1984.

This museum is currently displaying one temporary exhibit alongside its permanent installation: The Origins of Medicine by Rafael Navarro Barajas.

Alongside rich culture and art, the Mexic-Arte Museum also offers events such as poetry readings, cultural celebrations, and artist residencies to keep culture persevered and celebrated.

The Bullock Texas State History Museum, located just a few blocks north of the Capitol building, offers a rich and immersive exploration of Texas’ multifaceted history.

Spanning three floors, the museum presents a comprehensive journey through the state’s past, beginning with Indigenous cultures and continuing through Mexican independence, the Texas Revolution, the oil boom, and into modern cultural developments.

The exhibitions are thoughtfully curated and enhanced by interactive screens, videos, and detailed signage, ensuring an engaging experience for visitors of all ages.

A particular highlight is the La Belle exhibit, which features the preserved hull of French explorer La Salle’s 17th-century shipwreck.

Special exhibitions also rotate throughout the year, offering fresh perspectives on historical narratives.

Friendly and knowledgeable staff enhance the welcoming atmosphere. Amenities include a reasonably priced café with scenic views and a well-stocked gift shop featuring unique souvenirs.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply looking for a place to explore and learn, the Bullock Museum is a must-visit destination in Austin.

The LBJ Presidential Library, located on a 30-acre site at the University of Texas campus in Austin, is a remarkable institution dedicated to preserving and presenting the life and legacy of President Lyndon B. Johnson.

The library offers a compelling and immersive experience of American political history. Its vast archival collection includes historical documents, photographs, recordings, giving visitors a rare and detailed insight into his presidency and the era in which he served.

The museum spans three main floors and features a well-produced introductory film with extensive exhibits on Johnson’s life.

One of the highlights includes a full-scale replica of the Oval Office as it appeared during his presidency, along with Lady Bird Johnson’s actual office, which offers stunning views of downtown Austin.

The facility is well-organized and clean, with friendly, knowledgeable staff and docents who enhance the visit.

The LBJ Library is a must-see destination in Austin, offering a deeply informative and enjoyable experience for anyone interested in American history, politics, or the legacy of one of the nation’s most impactful presidents.

The George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center is a significant cultural and historical institution located in East Austin.

The museum is dedicated to preserving and celebrating African American history and culture, particularly within Texas. They offer an engaging and educational experience that can be explored in under an hour.

The museum features a variety of curated exhibits, including those focused on the Black journey from slavery to Juneteenth, the civil rights movement, and influential Black women in history.

In addition to its exhibits, the museum functions as a community hub with a full-service library that emphasizes Black authors, artists, and creatives from both Austin’s past and present.

It also offers free meeting space for public organizations, further cementing its role as a vital community resource. While the museum is relatively small in size, it provides a wealth of information and an atmosphere that encourages learning and reflection.

The facility is clean and well-maintained, with friendly staff and ample parking. Admission is free, making it an accessible and meaningful destination for anyone interested in African American history and cultural contributions in Texas.

Texas Science & Natural History Museum is located on the University of Texas at Austin campus.

The museum offers an engaging and educational journey through the natural history of Texas, from the formation of Earth to the age of dinosaurs and into the present day.

Spread over four levels, the museum features a wide range of exhibits that appeal to both adults and children. Visitors begin their experience on a lower level, home to an impressive paleontology exhibit with full skeletons of prehistoric species that once roamed Texas.

The museum also includes exhibits on native wildlife, and ancient geological transformations. A unique paleographic timelapse animation on the main floor features Texas’s shifting environmental identity over millions of years, and a well-stocked gift shop adds to the experience.

Interactive elements throughout the museum, such as touchable fossils and a scavenger hunt, make it especially appealing for young children and families.

The museum is compact yet rich in content, offering a curated introduction to paleontology, geology, and biology without overwhelming visitors.

With affordable parking conveniently located nearby and tours led by staff, Texas Science & Natural History Museum serves as a valuable local resource and an accessible, family-friendly destination.

Thinkery is located in the Mueller neighborhood just north of downtown Austin. It’s an exceptional children’s museum that blends education and play across 40,000 square feet of interactive space.

Designed primarily for younger children, the museum features a wide range of hands-on exhibits that encourage learning through exploration, engineering challenges, and creativity.

From gears, pulleys, and building stations to an indoor water system and outdoor play areas, every corner of Thinkery invites kids to dive into science, technology, and imaginative play.

Highlights include storytime sessions, a popular play kitchen, and even a treehouse.

The space is well-maintained and staffed by friendly, attentive team members who help make the experience smooth and enjoyable for both kids and parents.

The museum is highly recommended for families seeking an engaging, educational outing. It’s particularly popular on weekends, where advanced ticket purchases are advised.

With its vibrant atmosphere and variety of thoughtfully designed activities, Thinkery is a true gem for families in Austin.

Nestled on the western edge of Zilker Park, the Austin Nature & Science Center has been a beloved educational and recreational resource in Austin since 1960.

Dedicated to fostering appreciation and stewardship of the natural world, the center offers a variety of hands-on exhibits, engaging educational programs, and outdoor activities for visitors of all ages.

Admission is free, though donations are highly welcome. The center features a variety of unique attractions, including wildlife enclosures housing rescued animals that are being rehabilitated or cannot return to the wild.

Visitors can also explore stroller-friendly hiking trails, a beautiful dry creek bed, and a massive “dino dig” pit that’s especially popular with kids.

Inside the visitor center, guests will find a seed library, an apiary, educational displays, and interactive learning stations.

With clean, well-maintained facilities and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, Austin Nature & Science Center offers an inspiring blend of science education and outdoor adventure.

It’s a hidden gem in Austin and a must-visit destination for families looking to connect with nature in a meaningful, affordable way.

The Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum, located next to Zilker Park in Austin, offers a serene and inspiring retreat that blends art, nature, and history.

Centered on the works of renowned American sculptor Charles Umlauf, the museum features both indoor exhibits and an outdoor garden filled with his expressive bronze and stone sculptures.

Beyond its permanent collection, the museum also features rotating exhibits that highlight other artists, providing guests with the opportunity to experience a variety of artistic styles and voices.

The beautifully landscaped grounds are complete with winding paths, tranquil ponds, mature trees, and even a small waterfall. These features create a peaceful, forest-like atmosphere that invites quiet reflection and leisurely exploration.

Visitors can enjoy a self-guided tour with provided sculpture guides that offer background and context on Umlauf’s life and artistic contributions.

Family-friendly programming, including storytime, arts and crafts, pottery, and even chess, makes this space engaging for all ages. The friendly and knowledgeable staff enhance the welcoming environment.

Whether you’re an art lover, a nature enthusiast, or simply looking for a quiet place to unwind, the Umlauf Sculpture Garden is a great place to visit.

The Museum of Illusions Austin is located in The Domain and offers an engaging and mind-bending experience that delights visitors of all ages.

Packed with interactive exhibits, illusion rooms, and perspective-warping installations, the museum challenges perceptions and invites guests to explore the science behind visual tricks.

From rotating tunnels and gravity-defying spaces to holograms and thought-provoking optical illusions, every room offers a unique opportunity to be amazed and puzzled.

The museum blends entertainment with education, making it a fun and enlightening outing whether you’re with friends, family, or on a date.

The atmosphere is upbeat and photo-friendly, with plenty of picture-perfect setups designed to capture the most surprising effects. It’s recommended to set aside at least an hour to fully enjoy all the exhibits and photo opportunities.

The Museum of Illusions is a hidden gem that combines fun, creativity, and a touch of science for a truly memorable experience.

Whether you’re looking for an educational outing or just want to be wowed, it’s a must-see Austin destination.

Located on the iconic 6th Street in downtown Austin, the Museum of the Weird is a quirky, entertaining destination that perfectly captures the city’s “Keep Austin Weird” spirit.

Tucked behind an unassuming storefront, this surprisingly large three-story museum offers a fascinating collection of oddities, curiosities, and classic sideshow-style exhibits that range from vintage medical displays to cryptids, wax figures, and even a frozen caveman.

Highlights include two-headed animals, movie props like a puppet rig from Gremlins, and a creepy-yet-fun wax museum.

The museum is an affordable and lighthearted stop that’s ideal for families, visitors, or locals wanting to explore something offbeat and fun.

Guests are encouraged to take photos throughout their visit, and the experience wraps up with a live mini-show that adds an extra layer of entertainment.

Despite its compact entrance, the museum opens up inside and offers about an hour of exploration filled with oddball charm, spooky artifacts, and a touch of humor.

The friendly staff and prime location make it a memorable addition to any Austin itinerary.

Whether you’re a fan of the bizarre or just looking for something different, the Museum of the Weird is a must-see for anyone wanting a truly unique experience.

Typically having one exhibit at a time, this small museum promotes community, understanding, and appreciation for new ideas in contemporary art created by women.

Opening in 1978, Women & Their Work has been serving Austin art and culture for nearly five decades.

The current exhibit hosted at Women & Their Work is an immersive experience by Ranran Fan that combines visual art and technology to give room for audience engagement.

While this is one of Austin’s small galleries, the work is inspirational nonetheless.