Where can you spend an afternoon digging for dinosaur fossils, gazing at a lock of Elvis’ hair, celebrating the Day of the Dad and watching a production about Indians, cowboys, and astronauts? It can only ever be at the museums in Austin. The curious array of museums in Austin reflect the eccentric, wacky personality of this crazier-than-life Texas locale.
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 homage to all things Texas. It tells the story of Texas ‘ colorful history, from the dinosaurs through Native Americans and cowboys all of the way to grease and varsities. Alone among museums in Austin, the Bob Bullock State History Museum has an IMAX theater. Regularly showing 3D flicks, the IMAX theater features a film about the country's history and landscape, “Texas: The Big Picture”, together with educational and commercial releases. Three 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
Although it’s among the smaller Austin museums, the Mexic-Arte Museum’s focus on traditional and up to date Latino culture and art wins positive reviews for its quality and variety. The museum frequently introduces visitors to little-known facets of Mexican culture,eg 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 become a big, popular public event with a block-party feel. The state legislative court 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 unusual epitomises the zany, independent spirit of the town, maybe the most so of all of the museums in Austin. This museum is actually a labor of love by Scott Webel and Jen Hirt, who have turned their living room into a tribute to the dime museums of times past. You will find a tuft of Elvis’ hair, recordings manufactured by ghost hunters and a ciggie that could be the last one smoked by Marilyn Monroe. The museum owners will be first to tell you to take such claims with a touch of suspicion, the joys of this museum lies in oddity, not veracity. As of March 2012, the museum is open between 1pm and 4pm On Saturdays, and visitors can also call to schedule 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 babies, who can let off steam and stop at the animal exhibits and displays on the way. The museum is home to saved animals and birds, including raptors and even a Canadian bobcat.
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 full information about arts and Austin museums, come visit her site.