Austin is a city that has become recognized as an outstanding avenue for the music and movie industry to thrive in. Austin is also recognized for the University of Texas and the Texas Longhorns. Another aspect that Austin is not quite so famous for is the cultural and artistic segment. Austin offers a diverse and exciting mix of museums and art galleries dedicated to offering a unique view of history, art and nature. Starting with The Austin Children’s Museum, The Mexic-Arte Museum, and The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum to The Harry Ransom Center at U.T. to name only a few. These are only a sample of the many museums and galleries that are located in Austin.

The Austin Children’s Museum provides a creative environment for children and their families to learn and play that encourages the expression of ideas for a new generation. Austin Museum of Art is divided between two locations. With one centrally located downtown, the museum provides an array of informative and informal artistic encounters that encompasses a broad audience. This museum offers opportunities for hands on artistic experiences that include tours, performances and talks. The other location is the beautiful Laguna Art Museum overlooking Lake Austin. Visitors can take a stroll through the flourishing 12 acre grounds and view the revitalized historic gardens dotted with wonderful sculptures. Once inside the beautifully restored 1916 Italianate-style villa, that was once home to Clara Driscoll, the guest are invited to attend informal discussions about art and nature. Laguna Gloria is also home to The Art School, where adults and children are encouraged to express themselves among the more than 400 classes taught annually. Laguna Gloria also offers a serene setting for parties and gatherings.

The Mexic-Arte Museum is dedicated to educating this community by showcasing Mexican, Latino, and Latin American art and culture, both traditional and contemporary. The Mexic-Arte Museum has exhibits that are some of the finest of established and emerging artists from the U.S. Mexico and Latin America. The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum is --The Story of Texas –with interactive exhibits, shows and an IMAX theater. The LBJ Library and Museum offers a spectacular look at the life and presidency of President Lyndon Baines Johnson (LBJ).

Local residences such The Residence of the French Legation has been wonderfully restored and furnished to its’ original time period, as the residence of the charge de affaires who represented the French Government to The Republic of Texas in 1840-1841.There is the O’Henry Museum, showcases artifacts and memorabilia at the restored home of William Sidney Porter, who was a master of short stories, writing under the name of O’Henry. The Elizabet Ney Museum is the former studio and portrait collections of 19 century sculptor Elizabet Ney. Elizabet Ney and her husband were instrumental in early Texas history and the creation of Texas state universities and numerous fine arts associations.

The University of Texas at Austin offers an array of exceptional art and natural science museums and libraries. The Texas Memorial Museum houses the Texas Natural Science Center. The Center provides exhibits and educational programs that emphasize the natural forces that affect our changing world. Two exceptional museums located at U. T. are The Blanton Museum, offers over 17,000 works of art, inviting everyone to experience an extraordinary connection to art and ideas. Take a visit to the Harry Ransom Center, a humanities research museum and library which houses such items as the Gutenberg Bible and the First Photograph. Whatever your taste or personal attitude, Austin offers museums that provide visitors with a thought provoking personal experience or just a quite way to spend an afternoon.