The Best Museums In Austin You Have To See

Whether you’re in Austin for the weekend or you call this weird city home, there are some places you just have to go and some a lot of those stops are museums. Scattered across this hill country city are some of the most intriguing, unique, and, well, weird museums in the state of Texas. Whether you’re looking to glimpse pieces of history or prefer admiring the unique art, Austin has you covered. These are the best museums in Austin you have to see.

The Blanton Museum Of Art

This lovely art museum sits just on the north side of the Capitol. While it showcases some of the most unique art exhibits in the state, the museum itself is a work of art. From the gradation of the blue walls that make you feel like you’re in the ocean to a modern sculpture that is also a building you can enter, there’s no shortage of wonder at the museum. One time I went, there was an immersive exhibit designed as a space for reflection. Just check the events calendar prior to going and be prepared for an interesting trip.

The Contemporary Austin

While the Blanton Museum has art from all periods, this museum focuses on the contemporary art. With indoor and outdoor exhibits, there’s no shortage of pieces to wow you. This museum also has two locations. The Contemporary Art Museum For Austin – Laguna Gloria by the lake and The Jones Center downtown. Wherever you are in Austin, there’s no excuse to not stop.

The Museum Of The Weird

If you’re looking for a museum true to the weird Austin culture, look no further than the Museum of the Weird. With a premier location on 6^th Street, this is truly a museum like no other. Located in the back of Lucky Lizard Curios & Gifts gift shop, all you have to do is pay admission and then you’re taken on a tour unlike anything you’ve ever gone on before. Encounter oddities like the Fiji mermaid and chubacabras, while also satisfying your inner nerd with UFO related pieces, taxidermy, and horror movie relics.

Thinkery

While technically a children’s museum, there’s no rule that it isn’t just as enjoyable for the kids at heart. This museum is everything you loved as a kid. There are hands-on activities and exhibits designed to inspire the mind no matter how old you are. This place is not to be missed if you’re looking for an engaging museum experience.

Bullock Texas State History Museum

Located right next to the Capitol Building, this museum is a walk through Texas History. This museum is filled with artifacts, art, and experiences like no other. It truly is a lot to take in, but so worth it. This museum has everything to do with Texas in it and more. Featuring several movie theatres, you can literally never run out of things to do at the museum.

Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum

The Austin culture is very outdoorsy and even the museums represent that, especially the Umlauf Sculpture Garden. Take a stroll through the greenery and relax surrounded by some pretty awesome sculptures. While most museums are a pretty chill experience, this one takes the cake. There’s just something about sculpture gardens that make you feel like Meg in that scene from Hercules.

The Mexic-Arte Museum

While this museum is easily missed walking down Congress Ave., it shouldn’t be. This art museum highlights Mexican culture. While smaller than some of the others, it still has so much to see. From entrancing exhibits to colorful pieces, you won’t regret stopping by this museum.

Do you know of any other museums in Austin worth a visit? Let me know in the comments below!

Featured image: https://blantonmuseum.org