Where can you spend an afternoon digging for dinosaur fossils, looking at a lock of Elvis' hair, celebrating the Day of the Dad and watching a movie about Indians, cowboys, and astronauts? It can only ever be at the museums in Austin. The curious array of Austin museums reflect the wacky, eccentric character of this crazier-than-life Texas town.
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 story of Texas ' colorful history, from the dinosaurs through Native Americans and cowboys all the way to grease and varsities. Alone among Austin museums, the Bob Bullock State History Museum has an IMAX theater. Often showing 3D flicks, the IMAX theater features a film about the nation's landscape and history, "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 upon standard and recent Latino culture and art wins rave 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 range 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 big, well-liked public event with a block-party feel. The state legislative court has delegated 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 crazy, independent spirit of the town, maybe the most so of all the Austin museums. The Museum of Natural and Artificial Ephemera is essentially a labor of love by Jen Hirt and Scott Webel, who've turned their living room into a tribute to the dime museums of times past. You can find a tuft of Elvis' hair, recordings made by spook hunters and a cigarette that might be the last one smoked by Marilyn Monroe. The museum owners will be first to tell you to take such claims with a hint of suspicion, the joys of this museum lies in oddity, not reliability. As of March 2012, the museum is open 1-4 p.m. On Saturdays, and visitors can also call to schedule tours at different points in time.
Austin Nature and Science Museum
This museum teaches about the natural world through hands on exhibits and activities. In the sand Dino Pit, children can dig for fossils planted there, while paintings and a fossil display of dinosaurs teach them about the animals they are digging up. The walking trails are a great draw for mothers and fathers with small children, 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.
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 story of Texas ' colorful history, from the dinosaurs through Native Americans and cowboys all the way to grease and varsities. Alone among Austin museums, the Bob Bullock State History Museum has an IMAX theater. Often showing 3D flicks, the IMAX theater features a film about the nation's landscape and history, "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 upon standard and recent Latino culture and art wins rave 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 range 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 big, well-liked public event with a block-party feel. The state legislative court has delegated 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 crazy, independent spirit of the town, maybe the most so of all the Austin museums. The Museum of Natural and Artificial Ephemera is essentially a labor of love by Jen Hirt and Scott Webel, who've turned their living room into a tribute to the dime museums of times past. You can find a tuft of Elvis' hair, recordings made by spook hunters and a cigarette that might be the last one smoked by Marilyn Monroe. The museum owners will be first to tell you to take such claims with a hint of suspicion, the joys of this museum lies in oddity, not reliability. As of March 2012, the museum is open 1-4 p.m. On Saturdays, and visitors can also call to schedule tours at different points in time.
Austin Nature and Science Museum
This museum teaches about the natural world through hands on exhibits and activities. In the sand Dino Pit, children can dig for fossils planted there, while paintings and a fossil display of dinosaurs teach them about the animals they are digging up. The walking trails are a great draw for mothers and fathers with small children, 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.
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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