Thea museum is fun. A quick walk-through, but it's really fun. So I do recommend it's not so big to…read moreactually take your time and read the plaques and take a lot of photos. Before you enter the museum here in this little gift shop so you are able to buy little interesting things if you wanted to. And then as you're going through the museum, you end up in another gift shop so you have two opportunities to buy weird objects. But we did enjoy it if we ever end up in Texas again we would honestly do it again

It is something to do when it's hot. The AC works except in the wax room. It smells awful!!!…read moreThey encourage you to take pics with King Kong which involves getting on knees and climbing up thru the hand. Well my dress had a dark brown wet stain on it as I stood up. Looked like poop -it wasn't but it sure looked like it. Bathroom out of order but they let me in and stain still there. So $25 for 2 to get in and I possibly ruined a brand new dress. Wasn't impressed at all by the place.

The Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center, located near Rainey street, is a wonderful…read morefocal point for Mexican Culture and the Arts. For three years it has been under renovation and expansion. According to Tina, one of the cultural center staff members, you can tell the new part as its constructed of brick, whereas the older part has a shell exterior. The cultural center has long been known for celebrations and special events. There is a Lady Bird Lake walking/running trail behind the cultural center. In addition, a mosaic snake runs the length of the external portion of the cultural center. The cultural and arts complex currently has three exhibits with the two smaller ones located on the first floor and the large exhibit on the second floor. This past weekend the cultural center celebrated Diez y Seis (Mexican independence day) with artists, dancers and musicians. The Mitote exhibit on the second floor highlighted beautiful artwork displays from the Cardenas family collection. This collection features beautiful and bold abstracts along with other pieces of art....such a captivating collection. As you drive in, you will see sign for a paid parking lot. If you turn to the right, you will turn directly into the free parking lot. Please note you need to obtain a parking pass which allows you unlimited free parking. Great visit...great collection...

Everyone was very nice and helpful. The artwork was amazing. Plenty of parking and food spots for a…read morefamily outing.

Community service is a fundamental part of who I am...part of my DNA. It dates back to when I was…read morea child and my mom used to take care packages to people who were sick and shut in. My mother always said and I believe that "we are all blessed to be a blessing to others." I judged the National Arts Competition (Theme: Unity through Art) today at the George Washington Carver Museum in East Austin, evaluating entries for creativity, content, and artistic ability. We received submissions from students at Bertha Sadler Means Academy for Young Women Leaders, middle school grades 6 through 8. We have also received submissions from 4th & 5th graders at Lee Lewis Campbell Media & Performing Arts Elementary School. This museum honors community, memory, and lived experiences. The museum started as Austin's first public library in 1926, later becoming the "Colored Branch" library when moved to East Austin during segregation. Then it evolved into the first African American neighborhood museum in Texas, which gives it a deeper sense of purpose. The exhibits are both informative and deeply moving. The storytelling offers context that connects local history to broader national narratives. The museum is well maintained and located in a historic Black landmark in Austin. Staff are friendly and informed, and rotating exhibitions provide fresh experiences with the permanent collections. In addition, admission is free, making the Carver Museum accessible for everyone. If you value history and culture, it's a worthwhile visit that educates and encourages dialogue in a respectful setting.

Hidden Gem Happen…read moreto come here for Museum Day. Never heard of it and it's wasn't on my radar. What a nice little surprise. It's a quaint museum with only two exhibits. One on American Slavery and the other on a rotating schedule. Riley Holloway's What I Carry exhibits was currently being displayed. Surprisingly there's no George Washington Carver exhibit outside of the children's room. You'll spend 20 minutes tops here. If you are in the area and have time to kill stop in by. It's also free! 8/10 Paintings

So my plan was to originally visit for free because I heard they had an event on the weekend but…read moreThe Contemporary has TWO locations and it was free for the downtown museum only that day. This is Laguna Gloria, and it features sculptures all outdoors. We ended up paying since we were already there. BUT Laguna Gloria is FREE on Thursdays. Other days is $10 pp and if you didn't pay in advance online, they can take payment at the gift shop. Though, I'm not sure how they enforce it because it looks like you can just pass by the gift shop and enter the park. As a former art student, I just wasn't that impressed or intrigued by the art. You have to walk a ways away to visit the next sculpture. They provide a map at the gift shop, but since I'm not good at geographic directions, I just allowed my husband to plan the walking route for us. We got to see all the sculptures (there aren't a lot...15?) In total, we were probably there for less than an hour. I didn't understand some sculptures. I saw a lonely, abandoned light pole covered with spiderwebs and joked to my husband, "look at this artwork!" It turns out, it was actually art because there's a sign next to it introducing the art piece and everything. Awkward. Anyway...appreciated walking around the grounds. My favorite is the crying Miffy fountain, which is one of the first things you see when you enter the grounds. Street parking only (unless you are an art student or staff there).

The Contemporary is an outdoor museum that felt like a mini adventure all in one! We were greeted…read moreand given a map to all the installations on the property. Make sure to bring some sunscreen, water, especially on a sunny/hot day! There were several sculptures/ installations that were in shaded areas, but the sun can be very brutal since you will be outdoors. Not sure if there was parking on the property, but we parked down the hill and walked about 5 mins up.

The food was delicious the atmosphere and ambience is refreshing and relaxing…read more The Texas air and sunset, coupled with a lovely breeze from the fans around the upstairs rooftop patio had us set for the night. We will definitely be back it was a win-10/10!

Its been a long minute since i gave been here. Haven't returned since a bartender padded her…read moretip...by $30 several years ago. This is through and through a space to drink and socialize with "upscaled" yet overpriced gastropub fare. ($4 for tortilla chips geez) Staff is always pleasant and this visit was par for the course. Very competent in the art of mixology, every drink was made precisely. They have nudged me to coming back again in the future s

Let me start out by saying that, this is in Austin and you know what side of the political pendulum…read morethis city is in. I am on the other side of that. I speculated what type of humor / jokes they were going to portray in their acts and I was right. But here is the deal...If you are heavily on the right and you cant take a joke, or two, or several... do not come. They even made some jokes about their own side. The magic shows were great along with the entire show. Everyone was very nice, the food / drink service was good and the ambiance was nice. Very good spot for humor, but if you are easily offended, especially regarding political humor, just look somewhere else. I had fun and I can see myself going back. Thank you for the great time.

Loved this experience. This place has definitely been around for awhile and I can see why. Got…read morethere early to scope out the location and upon entering you provide your name and they provide a paper to give upon entering the show room. There was a group on the patio area where you can order tacos, I did not partake. Then the bar area inside. You can take drinks into the showroom as well. Scoped out the venue which was bigger than anticipated and really enjoyed the fish tank TVs. So fun! The show was entertaining and up to date with references all relevant to the current times. Everyone on stage was great and their chemistry can be seen. The audience was laughing 99% of the time and the show went back fast! I'd totally go back for a local Austin night out with good laughs.

I was in Austin just for one day and was able to visit for about an hour or so. It was a quick, but…read moreimpactful visit. I really enjoyed it. The museum is set up in very accessible way and not overwhelming. Since my time was limited I began with the top floor (Oval Office) and worked my way down. It was like stepping back in time. I also loved Lady Bird's office, as well. The main hall with each US President's photo was minimalistic, but majestic enrobed in Travertine. The museum is a must-see for anyone interested in Presidential history or a walk down cultural memory lane. All The Way With LBJ!

I absolutely love this library (Lyndon B. Johnson). I visited once before relocating to Austin and…read morenow that I live within walking distance, I often take family and friends who come to visit. It's an important museum that houses millions of photos, videos, documents, etc. with regard to the Civil Rights Movement, Vietnam War, LBJ's presidency, and so on. There are exhibits displaying information on Medicare and its beginnings. The Oval Office replica is pretty cool to see. So many things to check out including, you guessed it, a gift shop! This is a "not to be missed" museum.

We had time for one museum while on our trip and so we picked Bullock Texas State History Museum…read more This was a great choice that we made and certainly something to explore. The History History and the contemporary history that is all laid out here is very well presented and in the contemporary part it felt like you were reading, observing and strolling from decade to decade. A wide range of topics and different vantage points of Texas is explored here which makes it very fascinating and was mind broadening as we progressed through the displays and artifacts. I didn't know a whole lot about Austin City Limits and all of the musicians and musical acts that played there which was very much a learning experience and perhaps one of my favorite sections of the museum. Definitely worth going to if you are in Austin and wanting to take in some history and culture that makes up the state and the city.

I visited the Bullock Texas State History Museum with my husband and parents on the first Sunday of…read morethe month which allows you free entry! The museum is an homage to Texas history and culture. The current special exhibit showcases Texas Festivals from highly decorated parade floats, pageant costumes, and competitive eating! This museum is great. It's also across the street from the Blanton Art Museum and a quick walk down to the Capitol Building so you can make a it a day of Austin must-sees especially if you're visiting for the first time.

The Blanton Museum of Art is delightful way to spend a few hours in admiration of art. The Blanton…read moreMuseum of Art complex is divided into three main areas; namely; 1) ticketing office and gift shop, 2) the stand alone building and 3) the galleries. Important to note...entry into The Blanton Museum of Art is free on Tuesdays or as a member and discounted if you attend UT or a senior citizen. Getting a ticket gets you into the house and galleries was a pretty straightforward process. The first impression is the towering 3-story 12 "petals", which look like white lillies to me. They have hundreds of holes that cast a cool shadow beneath them. Fun fact: When it rains in the petals, water funnels to to an underground collection system. According the museum docent, the stained glass building was designed by Ellsworth Kelly is supposed to be a place of contemplation...similar to a church except different as she is an atheist. Similar remnants of churches are present...stained glass windows, a semi redwood cross at the center of the building (not fully formed but certainly the focal point of the room) and simple black and white paintings. The Blanton Museum of Art, founded in 1963, is a shared museum between Austin and the University of Austin. Their 22K+ art pieces include modern and contemporary American and Latin American artworks. In addition, they also feature Italian Renaissance and Baroque paintings, prints and drawings. Inside the galleries the staircase area is a work of art itself. The collections are breathtaking, contemplative and captivating. Such a fun way to spend the afternoon...

Blantons is great break from the sun, and a small taste of a variety of classical and contemporary…read moreart. The staff were super friendly. Griffin was a fantastic behind the desk guy. Samantha and Abby were nice docents. Each said hello, were welcoming, and shared their favorite pieces, and spoke competently about the art they were watching over. I got the opportunity to see various immersive works. Ellesworth Kelly has his own building of stained glass images, black and white tiles, and a male totem. My favorite work was in the modern section, but it looked like a classical piece. Pilgrims by Coronel. It looked like a bunch of guys in big hats collaged together - but it's just folks walking by each other. It was a good mix of various eras and modes of art. The light was warm, but not overpowering. And the A/C is working. In the middle of the summer, that last point is a must. As one of the Blue Star Museums, it sponsors a service member and up to 5 other folks entrance into the museum to see the exhibits. It's easily a great hideout from the heat and free for military during the summer. Recommend.

Absolutely amazing experience! I didn't know what to expect. I thought I can get a kit online but…read morethis experience was way better. We did the Intro to Mosaic where our teacher talked about how to choose a substrate, cut the pieces, and glue them on. I love the variety of the different pieces that they offered!

I went to this mosaic workshop and honestly, it was such an amazing experience…read more The space is very well equipped. They have so many colors and materials to choose from and everything is so organized. The people who work there is always walking around offering help and suggestions so you never feel lost. They also gave us mocktails and had snacks available, which made the experience even better. Everything was really good. If you like arts and crafts, this is such a fun activity. It's very relaxing, I felt so calm while working on my piece. Time definitely goes by so fast when you're focused and creating. Just a heads up, they include different mold sizes with your reservation, but if you choose a bigger one than what's included, they do charge extra. Overall, I loved it. It's perfect for a date night or for having a fun time with a group of friends. I would definitely do it again