Where can you spend a day digging for dinosaur fossils, looking at a lock of Elvis' hair, celebrating the Day of the Dad and watching a movie about astronauts, Indians and cowboys? It can only ever be at Austin museums in Texas. An ecclectric array of Austin museums reflect the wacky, eccentric character of this crazier-than-life Texas city.
Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum
The 35-foot-tall Lone Star outside of the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum sets the tone for this tribute to all things Texas. It tells the tale of Texas ' colourful history, from the dinosaurs through Native Americans and cowboys all of the way to grease and colleges. Alone among Austin museums, the state history museum has an IMAX theater. Regularly showing 3D pictures, the IMAX theater features a film about the nation's landscape and history, "Texas: The Big Picture", along with both educational and commercial releases. 3 floors of interactive exhibits trace Texas ' history, from the interactions of explorers and locals, its years as an independent country to its oil, ranching, and high tech booms.
Mexic-Arte Museum
Although it's among the littler Austin museums, the Mexic-Arte Museum's focus upon conventional and up to date Latino culture and art wins enthusiastic reviews for its quality and diversity. The museum often introduces visitors to little-known aspects of Mexican culture, for example ex-voto, or painted, votive offerings left for saints. Exhibits can range all the way from Aztec pottery to modern, multimedia works by living artists of Mexican origin. The museum's yearly Day of the Dead holiday has turned into a sizeable, well-liked public event with a block-party feel. The state legislature has designated this the Official Mexican and Mexican American Fine Art Museum of Texas.
Museum of Natural and Artificial Ephemera
This shrine to all things weird epitomizes the crazy, independent spirit of the city, maybe the most so of all the museums in Austin. This museum is basically a work of love by Scott Webel and Jen Hirt, who've turned their living room into a tribute to the dime museums of times past. You will find a tuft of Elvis' hair, recordings made by ghost hunters and a ciggie that might be the last one smoked by Marilyn Monroe. The museum owners will be the first to tell you to take such claims with a grain of salt, the fun of this museum lies in eccentricity, not reliability. As of March 2012, the museum is open between 1pm and 4pm On Saturdays, and visitors can also call to arrange tours at other times.
Austin Nature and Science Museum
The Austin Nature and Science Museum teaches about the natural world through hands on exhibits and activities. In the sand Dino Pit, youngsters can dig for fossils planted there, while a fossil display and oil paintings of dinosaurs teach them about the animals they are digging up. The walking trails are a great draw for moms and pops with small children, who can let off steam and stop at the animal exhibits and displays along the way. The museum is home to saved animals and birds, including raptors and even a Canadian bobcat.
Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum
The 35-foot-tall Lone Star outside of the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum sets the tone for this tribute to all things Texas. It tells the tale of Texas ' colourful history, from the dinosaurs through Native Americans and cowboys all of the way to grease and colleges. Alone among Austin museums, the state history museum has an IMAX theater. Regularly showing 3D pictures, the IMAX theater features a film about the nation's landscape and history, "Texas: The Big Picture", along with both educational and commercial releases. 3 floors of interactive exhibits trace Texas ' history, from the interactions of explorers and locals, its years as an independent country to its oil, ranching, and high tech booms.
Mexic-Arte Museum
Although it's among the littler Austin museums, the Mexic-Arte Museum's focus upon conventional and up to date Latino culture and art wins enthusiastic reviews for its quality and diversity. The museum often introduces visitors to little-known aspects of Mexican culture, for example ex-voto, or painted, votive offerings left for saints. Exhibits can range all the way from Aztec pottery to modern, multimedia works by living artists of Mexican origin. The museum's yearly Day of the Dead holiday has turned into a sizeable, well-liked public event with a block-party feel. The state legislature has designated this the Official Mexican and Mexican American Fine Art Museum of Texas.
Museum of Natural and Artificial Ephemera
This shrine to all things weird epitomizes the crazy, independent spirit of the city, maybe the most so of all the museums in Austin. This museum is basically a work of love by Scott Webel and Jen Hirt, who've turned their living room into a tribute to the dime museums of times past. You will find a tuft of Elvis' hair, recordings made by ghost hunters and a ciggie that might be the last one smoked by Marilyn Monroe. The museum owners will be the first to tell you to take such claims with a grain of salt, the fun of this museum lies in eccentricity, not reliability. As of March 2012, the museum is open between 1pm and 4pm On Saturdays, and visitors can also call to arrange tours at other times.
Austin Nature and Science Museum
The Austin Nature and Science Museum teaches about the natural world through hands on exhibits and activities. In the sand Dino Pit, youngsters can dig for fossils planted there, while a fossil display and oil paintings of dinosaurs teach them about the animals they are digging up. The walking trails are a great draw for moms and pops with small children, who can let off steam and stop at the animal exhibits and displays along the way. The museum is home to saved animals and birds, including raptors and even a Canadian bobcat.
About the Author:
Rachelle Meore has been fascinated by Austin fine arts and museums for several years. She has written op-eds and editorial pieces for many online publications. For more details about arts and Austin museums, please visit her site.
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