Austin has a variety of awesome museums where you can explore Texas history, browse amazing art collections, try hands-on science activities — and so much more. The best news is that you can visit almost all of our area museums for free! You just need to know when to go. Bookmark this page as your handy guide to which dates and times allow free admission.
— Blanton Museum of Art
Free Admission: Thursdays, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; plus extended hours ’til 9 p.m. every third Thursday of the month
— Bullock Texas State History Museum
Free Admission: The First Sunday of every month, 12 – 5 p.m.
— The Contemporary Austin – Laguna Gloria
Free Admission: Tuesdays, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; also free drop-in tours at 1 p.m. the first Sunday of every month.
— The Contemporary Austin – Jones Center
Free Admission: Tuesdays, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.; also free drop-in tours at 1 p.m. the first Sunday of every month.
— Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum
Free Admission: Children 12 & under always free as well as Active Military & their families. Free for all on Family Days, 2nd Sunday of each month, 12 – 4 p.m.
— Mexic-Arte Museum
Free Admission: Sundays, 12 – 5 p.m.
— LBJ Library & Museum
Free Admission: On the following days: Martin Luther King Day, Presidents Day, Explore UT, Memorial Day, The Fourth of July, August 27 (LBJ’s birthday), Veterans Day, and Austin Museum Day
— Thinkery
Free Admission: Community Nights on Wednesdays, from 4-8 p.m., admission by donation (suggested: $1 per person). Thinkery also invites all families with Electronic Benefits Transfer cards, WIC cards, STAR cards, CHIP cards, and MAP identification cards to show their card(s) to receive FREE General Admission tickets. (Special programs and events excluded.) Thinkery’s Museum for All discount can only be applied at Admissions, not online
–> Always Free: The list below includes museums that are always free to visit!
- Texas State Capitol
- Texas Capitol Visitors Center
- Elizabet Ney Museum
- Texas Military Forces Museum
- Austin Nature & Science Center
- Harry Ransom Center
- Splash! Exhibit at Beverley Sheffield Education Center
- Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center
- George Washington Carver Museum
- Williamson Museum
We hope you get out there and soak up some culture with the family! Have fun!
