Top 20 best museums in Austin

The Austin Aquarium, a for-profit institution, is situated in Austin, Texas, United States. It was officially opened to the public on December 12, 2013. The aquarium offers a unique opportunity for visitors to explore a diverse range of aquatic life.

This three-story abandoned construction was turned into a wonderful art project. Graffiti artists may display their works here legally.

The Elisabet Ney Museum, situated in Austin, Texas, is a dedicated space that showcases the life and works of the renowned sculptor, Elisabet Ney. The museum is housed in Ney's former studio, providing visitors with an intimate glimpse into the artist's creative environment. The museum's mission is to preserve and promote Ney's artistic legacy, offering a unique insight into her life and career.

The Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum, often referred to as the UMLAUF, is a unique combination of a museum and an outdoor sculpture garden. The main focus of the museum is on the artistic creations of the renowned American sculptor Charles Umlauf. The museum is a testament to Umlauf's artistic prowess and offers visitors a chance to explore his diverse range of works.

The Contemporary Austin, previously known as the Austin Museum of Art, is the main contemporary art museum in Austin, Texas. It comprises two locations and an art school. This museum reflects the spectrum of contemporary art through exhibitions, commissions, education, and its collection. It's locally referred to as The Contemporary.

The Mexic-Arte Museum, located in Austin, Texas, is a fine arts institution that focuses on showcasing and promoting both traditional and contemporary Mexican, Latino, and Latino art and culture. This museum is a platform for these cultures, providing a space where their art can be appreciated and understood by a wider audience.

The Harry Ransom Center, located at the University of Texas at Austin, is a unique institution that serves as an archive, library, and museum. It specializes in the collection of literary and cultural artifacts from the Americas and Europe. This makes it a fascinating destination for those interested in literature, culture, and history.

The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, located 10 miles southwest of downtown Austin, is the state botanical garden and arboretum of Texas. It is home to more than 900 species of native Texas plants in both garden and natural settings. The center is dedicated to inspiring the conservation of native plants and promoting the environmental benefits of native plant landscapes. It is also home to the most comprehensive native plant database in the U.S.

The Neill–Cochran House Museum is a historic home located in north-central Austin, Texas. This remarkable structure was designed and built by master builder Abner Cook in 1855. The house stands as a testament to Cook's architectural prowess, showcasing his signature 'sheaf of wheat' balusters and prominent Doric columns. The house was initially built as a suburban estate, years before the surrounding area was settled by other homes and businesses.

The Southgate Lewis House is a significant historical landmark located at 1501 East 12th Street, just a mile east of the Texas State Capitol in Austin, Texas. This location is easily accessible and offers a unique opportunity to explore a piece of African American history and culture in the heart of Austin's Black Cultural District.

The Texas Memorial Museum, a significant part of the University of Texas at Austin, was established in the lead-up to the Texas Centennial Exposition in 1936. This historical context adds a layer of cultural significance to the museum, making it a noteworthy destination for those interested in the history of Texas and its educational institutions.

The Zilker Botanical Garden, located in Austin, Texas, is a 31-acre botanical garden that specializes in local plants. This expansive garden is situated in a region with varied topography on the southern bank of the Colorado River, close to downtown Austin. The garden was established as a non-profit organization in 1955 and serves as the central hub of Zilker Park.

The Dolph Briscoe Center for American History offers a variety of exhibits to the public. These include permanent exhibits, touring exhibits, and even online exhibits. This means that even if you can't visit the center in person, you can still explore its collections online. The center's exhibits cover key themes in Texas and United States history.

The Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum, also known as the LBJ Presidential Library, is dedicated to the life and work of the 36th president of the United States, Lyndon Baines Johnson. It is a significant destination for those interested in American history, particularly the period of Johnson's presidency from 1963 to 1969.

The George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center is a significant cultural hub located in east Austin, Texas. The museum is housed in the former George Washington Carver branch of the Austin Public Library, adding a layer of historical significance to the site. Visitors can explore the rich cultural heritage preserved within its walls, making it an interesting destination for those interested in history and culture.

The Neill–Cochran House Museum is a historic home located in north-central Austin, Texas. This remarkable structure was designed and built by master builder Abner Cook in 1855. The house stands as a testament to Cook's architectural prowess, showcasing his signature 'sheaf of wheat' balusters and prominent Doric columns. The house was initially built as a suburban estate on a 17.5-acre plot, long before the surrounding area was populated by other homes and businesses.

The Blanton Museum of Art is not just a museum, but also a research center. It is part of the University of Texas at Austin, making it a significant part of the city's academic and cultural landscape. Visitors can expect to see a wide range of art exhibits, as well as benefit from the research and knowledge that the museum provides.