City: Austin, TX

Category: Tours & Attractions

Telephone: (512) 936-8746

Address: 1800 North Congress Ave.

Insider Pick:

Description: This museum was Bob Bullock’s dream. Who was he? Perhaps the quintessential Texas politician of the last half of the 20th century. Bullock rose to become the state’s lieutenant governor and was known for his tough politics and his unmitigated love of all things Texas. Former President George W. Bush, a Republican, credited Bullock, a Democrat, with being a major influence on his political life, and the two men grew to be very close. When “Governor Bullock”—all lieutenant governors in Texas are called “Governor”—set a goal, nothing could stop him. He decided the great state of Texas needed a museum, just as he decided the Texas State Cemetery where he now rests needed a much needed restoration. The building echoes the colors, textures, and style of the nearby Texas Capitol, and its huge star out front says “This is Texas!” The 3 floors inside celebrate Texas’s ancient cultures and pre-Republic days; the volatile days of the Republic of Texas, the state’s admission to the Union and the tragedy of the Civil War; and finally the energy that has made modern Texas. In addition to permanent exhibits, the museum has rotating exhibits on each floor. There is a cafe, an IMAX theater, plus the Texas Spirit Theater that echoes the traditional Texas town opera house and where an electronic Sam Houston introduces the audience to a colorful history of Texas. The museum is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon through Sat and noon to 6 p.m. Sun. Parking is available nearby or for a fee in the underground parking lot. Ticket prices are affordable. There are additional admission prices for the IMAX theatre and Texas Spirit Theater.