23 Museums In TEXAS (Fun, Beautiful, & Captivating)
Texas has all the fun activities you can imagine, whether on vacation or you are a resident.
Life can get overwhelming, and what better way to let off some steam than to experience the beauty in a museum?
Museums are much more than places where artifacts are preserved and exhibited to the public.
Depending on the kind of experience you seek, museums are a great place to visit whether you want to learn something new or have fun.
Do you know what is great?
They are open to everyone, and you will surely have a great time.
This article has curated a list of top-rated museums in Texas that promises a fun and memorable experience.
Keep reading to discover them!
And by the way, you may also want to check out the best Places to Visit in Texas.
Museums in Austin, Texas
1. Blanton Museum of Art (University Art Excellence)
The Blanton Museum of Art is right on the University of Texas campus and is known as an outstanding University art Museum in Texas.
Upon entry into the lobby, you are instantly captivated by a beautiful installation of blue walls of ombre shades aimed to create a waterlike look.
The museum provides a captivating and thought-provoking collection of art, drawings, and paintings.
This collection ranges from contemporary to European and modern works from different eras and cultures.
You can take in several beautiful art pieces in an hour or two, just enough time to keep you busy and entertained simultaneously.
With an all-year-round of exhibitions, you will surely discover new and old art pieces on a visit to the museum.
There should be nothing stopping you.
Visit a museum today and have fun!
Address: 200 E Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard, Austin, TX 78712, United States.
2. Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum (Interactive History Experience)
With three beautiful floors of the exhibition and a bronze star right at the center on the exterior, no visit to Texas is complete without a tour of the Bullock Texas state history museum.
Named after the 38th lieutenant governor of Texas, the Bullocks is a few blocks north of the State Capitol in Texas.
A distinctive feature of the museum is displaying and interpreting the original history and culture through artifacts and exhibitions.
The hallmark of the museum is its dedication to an interactive audience through story-telling, short films, and live actions, making it perfect for adults and kids.
You can take advantage of the free entry offered on the first Sunday of every month.
If you are in Texas, check this one out!
Address: 1800 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701, United States.
3. Mexic Arte museum (Mexican-American Fine Art Hub)
The Mexic Arte Museum dates back to 1983 when three artists established it.
It has become a go-to place in Austin for art and history lovers.
Since its establishment, it has become one of the foremost Mexican-American fine art museums in the United States.
The museum educates and enlightens its audience by showcasing traditional and contemporary art and culture of the Mexicans, Latin Americans, and Latinos.
Its offers various outstanding educational programs, exhibitions, and events to provide a better insight into the culture and art of Mexico.
Another good thing is that anyone can visit the museum, from tourists to visitors and children.
If you are looking for a Mexican art museum in Texas, the Mexic Arte should be at the top of your list.
Address: 419 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701, United States.
4. Thinkery (Family-Friendly Science & Art)
What better place to have family time than to visit the Thinkery Museum in the Mueller neighborhood of Austin, Texas?
With 40,000 feet of space, the Thinkery is a place to enjoy a perfect blend of fun and education.
The museum provides an excellent learning experience through varieties of hands-on activities and also offers STEM programs for kids.
It also displays many exhibits to explore water, current, art illumination, light, and more.
These interactive activities will spark creativity and innovation in your kids’ minds.
Yes, Austin’s children’s Museum, Thinkery, is focused on the kids.
With special events offered in the evenings, adults are kept in the loop and are sure to have a lot of fun too.
Looking for a fun and exciting adventure with science and art?
Visit the Thinkery!
Address: 1830 Simond Ave, Austin, TX 78723, United States
5. Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum (Lush Gardens & Outdoor Art)
The Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum are close to Zilker Park in the Barton Springs neighborhood.
There are a lot of things to enjoy about this garden and museum.
It has a beautiful landscape filled with lush gardens, a pond, an outside pavilion, a waterfall, and a visitor center.
The major highlight of this museum is the display of over 50 unique sculptures by Charles Umlauf, a great American artist, and some other sculptors.
Umlauf is also a great spot for a picnic and other outdoor activities.
You can also enjoy monthly family day events and lectures on their artworks free of charge.
If you love arts and gardens or want to get some time away from home, check out the Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum.
Address: 605 Azie Morton Rd, Austin, TX 78704, United States
6. Lyndon Baines Johnson Presidential Library and Museum (American History Insights)
The Lyndon Baines Johnson Presidential Library and Museum, commonly known as the LBJ Presidential Library, is named after the 36th President of the United States.
You can find this historical gem on the University of Texas Campus.
What better place to know about American history than a museum with a library?
In this museum, you will find over 45 million pages of historical documents, including that of President Johnson and associates of his administration.
You also get to view the permanent collections of cultural and historical exhibits on display all year round.
Isn’t that amazing?
Get your tickets on the LBJ website and experience what it feels like to be President Johnson.
And, oh, a little birdie says tickets are half the price on Thursdays.
You are welcome.
Address: 2313 Red River St, Austin, TX 78705, United States
Also see our article on Planetariums in Texas.
Museums in Houston, Texas
1. Houston Museum of Natural Science (Science Lover’s Paradise)
Houston Museum of Natural Science is right across from Hermann Park and a must-visit for any science lover and a great spot for kids and adults.
There is never a moment at this museum as there is so much to see and explore.
The museum has many art facilities and exhibits focusing on scientific and natural topics to expand your knowledge, a souvenir shop, and fine dining options.
You will be mesmerized by the museum’s four floors of natural science exhibit halls and collection of rare mineral gems.
The museum has the Burke Baker, a planetarium, a theatre, and a cockerel butterfly center.
You get to discover some astonishing permanent exhibits of your choice ranging from Dinosaurs to Texas wildlife.
The Museum of natural science is a place to be!
Address: 5555 Hermann Park Dr. Houston, TX 77030 United States.
2. Museum of Fine arts, Houston (Oldest & Largest Art Museum)
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, also known as MFAH, is the oldest and one of the largest art museums in Texas and is right at the center of Houston Museums districts.
MFAH has three buildings with arts and exhibitions from different eras and cultures, a fountain, two cafes, a sculpted garden, two nearby house museums, two libraries, two schools of art, a gift shop, and a cinema.
Stay calm; the museum is relatively easy to get around.
It has many elevators, ramps, and hallways, and the staff is always available to help.
The museum has over 65,000 works from antiquity to modern and contemporary times.
Be sure to be hooked by the various American arts, paintings, photography, decorative arts, drawings, and Pre-Columbian and African gold.
Address: 1001 Bissonnet St, Houston, TX 77005, United States.
3. The Contemporary Art Museum, Houston (Exciting Contemporary Artworks)
The Contemporary Art Museum is a non-profiting institution that has exhibited one of Texas’ most exciting contemporary artworks in Houston since 1948.
It is a must-visit museum in Houston and offers free admission, making it a great spot to return to again continually.
Its two well-lit open galleries display exhibitions of paintings, photographs, visual arts, videos on design, music, textiles, fashion, and many more, which would entertain you.
The museum also provides thought-provoking education programs and lectures on past and present visual arts, should you be interested.
Your visit is only complete when you stop by the museum shop at the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston before leaving.
There, you will find many art-made items and prints, books, jewelry and accessories, and educational toys for kids.
Address: 5216 Montrose Blvd, Houston, TX 77006, United States.
4. The Menil Collection (Private Art Repository)
The Menil Collection is a private repository that preserves the artworks of founders John de Menil and Dominique de Menil.
When you step into the museum, to your right is a radiating reflective pool installed in honor of Martin Luther King, a unique sculpture by Barnett Newman.
The main gallery building stands as the highlight of the complex and has four other museum buildings.
Spanning over 30 acres of land, the Menil has almost 19,000 paintings, drawings, photographs, prints, drawings, sculptures and books from all over the continent.
Its beautiful display of collected artworks in a serene atmosphere makes the museum a must-visit.
The museum also offers public programs which aim to enlighten, educate, and stimulate its audiences.
Do you know what’s better?
Menil’s admission and public programs are free of charge.
Address: 1533 Sul Ross St, Houston, TX 77006, United States
5. Holocaust Museum, Houston (Fourth-Largest in the U.S.)
Holocaust Museum in Houston is the fourth-largest in the United States, with four extensive permanent galleries, a cafe, a research library, and classrooms.
The beauty and design of the Holocaust museum will wow you.
It has an aesthetically pleasing building that stands out on the street of the Houston museum district.
Holocaust Museum, Houston, as the name suggests, retells the tales of the holocaust and pays tribute to the six million Jews and other victims and survivors of the tragic event.
Like any other holocaust museum, the museum takes you on an emotional rollercoaster.
Still, here, exhibits are presented in a way that educates and inspires the public about the need to embrace peace and harmony in society.
You also see artifacts, prints, and photographs from the holocaust.
Visit the Holocaust Museum, Houston, if you want to learn more about the tragic events of the holocaust.
Address: 5401 Caroline St, Houston, TX 77004, United States
Also see our article on Aquariums in Texas.
Museums in San Antonio
1. San Antonio Museum of art (5,000 Years of Culture)
This Museum of Art in San Antonio is a perfect location for arts enthusiasts and families with young children.
It is in a building along the San Antonio river walk that was once a lone star brewery.
The museum has artifacts of over 5,000 years of culture, making it a world-class museum.
San Antonio Museum of Art holds one of the largest and most comprehensive collections of art, portraits, and sculptures representing histories and cultures from different eras and regions.
From its permanent collection of ancient Greek, Egyptian, Asian, Latin American, and Roman arts, you have just enough variety of exhibitions for your viewing pleasure.
Plan a visit to the San Antonio Museum today and see these beautiful works of art and portraits up close and personal.
Address: 200 W Jones Ave, San Antonio, TX 78215, United States.
2. McNay Museum (Diverse Paintings & Sculptures)
Artist Marion Koogler McNay founded the McNay Art Museum in 1954, and it stands as Texas’s first museum of modern art.
Standing elegantly on a 45,000-square-foot complex, the museum has well-lit galleries for exhibitions, a research library, learning centers, and lecture halls.
With its diverse paintings and sculptures, the McNay always has something new to discover.
Upon entry, you get to behold a calming and beautiful landscape of lush lawns, gardens, and architecture that has enchanted visitors for many decades.
Not only are you entertained by the display of over 20,000 works of art and sculpture, but you also get to take advantage of the educational programs and resources the museum offers.
Visit the McNay Art Museum and explore the wonders of art and history.
Address: 600 N New Braunfels Ave, San Antonio, TX 78209, United States.
3. Briscoe Western Art Museum (Foremost Western Art Museum)
Briscoe Western Art Museum is one of the foremost Western art museums in the United States and is another beautiful place to visit.
The wide array of Western arts and artifacts in this museum aims to educate and bring to life the many stories, vast history, and a lot of diverse cultures that have shaped the American west into what it is today.
Its many collections of sculptures, paintings, prints, and digital photographs are just enough to keep you entertained for an hour or two.
The museum also features gorgeous statues of famous public personalities from the history of Texas that would catch your attention, as well as many wildlife images worldwide.
Step into the world of the American West by visiting the Briscoe Museum.
Address: 210 W Market St, San Antonio, TX 78205, United States
Also see our article on Playgrounds in Texas.
Museums in Fort Worth
1. Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth (Beautiful Glass & Steel Museum)
Address: 3200 Darnell St, Fort Worth, TX 76107
Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth is arguably one of the most beautiful museums in Texas.
The stunning exterior is made with glass and steel and designed by a renowned architect, Tadao Ando.
Natural environments surrounding the museum would leave you mesmerized just as much as the works of art in it.
Apart from the beautifully lit gallery space, the museum also features a stunning reflective pond, a theatre, a souvenir shop, an education center, and a café.
The museum displays one of the most impressive international modern and contemporary art collections in the United States.
Despite the display of over 3,000 objects of art, sculptures, paintings, and photographs, you can tour the modern art museum in two hours.
A stop at the Modern art Museum will be worth your time.
2. Kimbell Art Museum (Elegant Masterpiece Building)
The building of the Kimbell Art Museum is an elegant masterpiece designed by Louis I. Khan and is a work of art itself.
This world-class museum opened in 2002 and is notable for its comprehensive European collection and modern architecture.
It is owned and operated by the Kimbell art foundation, set up by Kay and Velma Kimbell in 1936.
Apart from the European pieces for which it is well known, it preserves many other works from different regions and eras, from ancient to modern times.
The museum also hosts a collection of classical antiquities, African and Asian arts, travel art exhibitions, and educational programs.
Be sure to get your ticket and take a visit to the Kimbell art museum if you are a lover of architecture and design.
Address: 3333 Camp Bowie Boulevard, Fort Worth, TX 76107, United States.
3. Amon Carter Museum of American Art (Focus on American Artists)
Amon Carter Museum of American Art is close to the Trinity River in the cultural district of Fort Worth, Texas.
The elevation at the entrance of the building gives you a fantastic view of the Fort Worth sky.
It has a permanent collection of works from paintings to sculptures, photographs, prints, and other works on paper by leading American artists.
The Amon Carter Museum centers on displaying the artworks by the foremost American artists, especially from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, to its audience.
This museum is unique because it preserves more than 300 works of two great American artists, Fredrick Remington, and Charles Russell, portraying the Old West and how it has evolved.
If you are a fan of art or would like to dive into the world of Western art, Amon Carter Museum is the perfect place.
Address: 3501 Camp Bowie Blvd. Fort Worth, TX 76107, United States.
Also see our article on Ghost Towns in Texas.
Museums in Dallas, Texas
1. Perot Museum of Nature and Science (Mind-Blowing Science Experience)
Prepare for a mind-blowing experience at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science.
Every display, from the crystals to the fossils and dinosaur area, is packaged into five floors of fun and adventure.
The escalator on the exterior of the building gives you a stunning view of downtown Dallas as you make your way up.
Once there, you can enjoy varied hands-on science activities, permanent interactive exhibits, and even a 3D theatre.
Apart from the museum, The Perot set up a discovery camp for children to learn.
The museum also offers STEM programs to the kids to enable them to experience the Perot uniquely.
Perot Museum is perfect for family and friends to enjoy a fantastic time and memorable activity.
It would be best if you did not think twice about planning the visit now!
Address: 2201 N. Field Street, Dallas, TX 75201, United States.
2. Dallas Museum of Art (Free Admission With Online Reservation)
Dallas Museum of Art is a large museum in the art district in downtown Dallas of, Texas, United States.
It’s a perfect place to visit to get out of your house for alone or family time.
With an impressive collection of over 25 000 artworks cutting across more than 5,000 years, this museum of art preserves some of the most amazing classic pieces.
This collection ranges from American to African, Ancient Mediterranean, Asian, European, and Contemporary Arts, Decorative Arts and Design, and the Wendy and Emery Reves Collection.
Don’t worry about getting bored; the exhibits are beautifully and descriptively displayed to give you a fantastic experience of the fine art museum.
Admission to the museum is free, but a reservation on the website would be advisable to experience all the fun!
Address: 1717 North Harwood Dallas, Texas 75201
3. Frontiers of Flight Museum (Premier Aviation & Space Museum)
Also called the premier aviation and space museum in Texas, Frontiers of Flight Museum is nothing like you have ever seen in Texas and would delight you if you love anything aviation.
The museum enlightens and educates the public on the rich history of aviation from the 1920s to World War II and modern times.
Space exploration mainly showcases the role of Dallas/Fort Worth in aviation.
It features an impressive collection of aviation artifacts and space vehicles.
You will find the 100,000-square-foot museum near the Dallas Love Field Airport.
It also features ample space with over 30 aircraft and space vehicles, a discovery area for children.
Not to worry about getting overwhelmed; all facilities are on a single floor and easy to get around.
If you are in Dallas, Texas, you should check out this incredible museum of flight!
Address: 6911 Lemmon Ave, Dalla, TX 75209, United States.
Also see our article on Haunted Houses in Texas.
Museums in Tyler, Texas
1.Goodman-LeGrand House and Museum (Historic Antiques & Artifacts)
If you are a fan of antiques and everything historian, then the Goodman LeGrand Museum is perfect.
The home, built in 1859, has had many residents and visitors and is now a historic gem in Texas.
After the Goodman-LeGrand family who owned the Home passed on, the family’s daughter, Sallie, gifted it to the city of Tyler, Texas, for the people’s enjoyment.
Many historical artifacts like the grandfather’s clock, hand-made furniture, paintings, and photographs are present in the home.
The garden and park are also open to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery of fragrant flowers and high trees.
This Historic home is perfect for walk-in tours, family time, and other special events such as weddings, meetings, and charitable events.
And oh, it is free!
Address: Goodman Park, 624 N Broadway Ave, Tyler, TX 75702, United States
2. Cotton Belt Depot Museum (Dedicated to Trains & Railways)
Originally a railway hub, St Louis and Southwestern Railway donated the Cotton Railway deport to the City of Tyler in 1988.
The railway depot bore the name ‘cotton railway route’ then because the rails ran through the Southern United States region where Cotton was the main cash crop.
Cotton belt railway depot and Tyler transit offices now occupy the building after it was renovated and reopened to the general public in 2003
Although small, the museum has everything you might want to learn about trains, rails, and tracks.
The museum has a collection of four large model train layouts, uniforms, hats, photographs, etc., that previous employees of the depot and rail fans have donated.
It also features some hand-crafted trains and lots of other railway items.
Address: 210 E Oakwood St, Tyler, TX 75702, United States
3. Tyler Museum of Art (Family Days With Interactive Activities)
Tyler Museum of Art is a small museum on the Tyler Junior Campus that focuses on preserving and interpreting visual art.
With two main exhibition galleries, the museum has a permanent collection of over 800 works of art, such as paintings, prints, photographs, and sculptures of many renowned artists.
The museum holds Family days at least four times a year, where families are encouraged to learn the art through many interactive and adventurous hands-on activities.
It also has a café, library, classrooms, and a gift shop which are easy to get around.
Entry into the museum is free for students and also children under the age of 12.
Whether on a solo tour or with family, a day at Tyler Museum of Art will surely be memorable.
Address: 1300 South Mahon Avenue, Tyler, TX, United States.
If you liked this article, you may also like to read about the best Outdoor Activities, Dog-friendly Activities, and Beaches in Texas.
Looking beyond Texas? Check out our article on the best Museums in Illinois and New York’s finest Museums.