By Rachelle Meore
Where can you spend an afternoon digging for dinosaur fossils, staring at a lock of Elvis' hair, celebrating the Day of the Dad and watching a movie about astronauts, Indians and cowboys? It can only really be at Austin museums. An ecclectric array of museums in Austin reflect the eccentric, wacky character of this crazier-than-life Texas locale.
Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum
The 35-foot-tall Lone Star outside the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum sets the tone for this homage to all things Texas. It tells the tale of Texas ' colorful history, from the dinosaurs through Native Americans and cowboys all of the way to oil and universities. Alone among Austin museums, the Bob Bullock State History Museum has an IMAX theater. Often showing 3D movies, the IMAX theater features a film about the state's history and landscape, "Texas: The Big Picture", with both educational and commercial releases. 3 floors of interactive exhibits trace Texas ' history, from the interactions of explorers and natives, its years as an independent country to its oil, ranching, and high tech booms.
Mexic-Arte Museum
Though it's among the smaller Austin museums, the Mexic-Arte Museum's focus on conventional and recent Latino culture and art wins rave reviews for its quality and variety. The museum often introduces visitors to little-known sides of Mexican culture, such as ex-voto, or painted, votive offerings left for saints. Exhibits can go from Aztec pottery to modern, multimedia works by living artists of Mexican origin. The museum's annual Day of the Dead festival has turned into a large, popular 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 defines the crazy, independent spirit of the city, maybe the most so of all the Austin museums. This ecclectic museum is actually a labor of love by visionaries Scott Webel and Jen Hirt, who've turned their living room into a tribute to the dime museums of yesteryear. You will find a tuft of Elvis' hair, recordings made by ghost hunters and a cigarette that could 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 truthfulness. As of March 2012, the museum is open 1-4 p.m. 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, kids can dig for fossils planted there, while oil paintings and a fossil display of dinosaurs teach children and adults alike about the animals they're digging up. The walking trails are a great draw for parents with young children, who can let off steam and stop at the animal exhibits and displays on the way. The museum is home to rescued animals and birds, including raptors and even a Canadian bobcat.
Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum
The 35-foot-tall Lone Star outside the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum sets the tone for this homage to all things Texas. It tells the tale of Texas ' colorful history, from the dinosaurs through Native Americans and cowboys all of the way to oil and universities. Alone among Austin museums, the Bob Bullock State History Museum has an IMAX theater. Often showing 3D movies, the IMAX theater features a film about the state's history and landscape, "Texas: The Big Picture", with both educational and commercial releases. 3 floors of interactive exhibits trace Texas ' history, from the interactions of explorers and natives, its years as an independent country to its oil, ranching, and high tech booms.
Mexic-Arte Museum
Though it's among the smaller Austin museums, the Mexic-Arte Museum's focus on conventional and recent Latino culture and art wins rave reviews for its quality and variety. The museum often introduces visitors to little-known sides of Mexican culture, such as ex-voto, or painted, votive offerings left for saints. Exhibits can go from Aztec pottery to modern, multimedia works by living artists of Mexican origin. The museum's annual Day of the Dead festival has turned into a large, popular 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 defines the crazy, independent spirit of the city, maybe the most so of all the Austin museums. This ecclectic museum is actually a labor of love by visionaries Scott Webel and Jen Hirt, who've turned their living room into a tribute to the dime museums of yesteryear. You will find a tuft of Elvis' hair, recordings made by ghost hunters and a cigarette that could 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 truthfulness. As of March 2012, the museum is open 1-4 p.m. 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, kids can dig for fossils planted there, while oil paintings and a fossil display of dinosaurs teach children and adults alike about the animals they're digging up. The walking trails are a great draw for parents with young children, who can let off steam and stop at the animal exhibits and displays on the way. The museum is home to rescued animals and birds, including raptors and even a Canadian bobcat.
About the Author:
Rachelle Meore has been interested in Austin fine arts and museums for a few years. She has written op-eds and editorial pieces for many online publications. For full information about arts and Austin museums, feel free to visit her site.