Where are you able to spend a day digging for dinosaur fossils, gazing at a lock of Elvis' hair, celebrating the Day of the Dad and watching a film about cowboys, Indians and astronauts? It can only really be at Austin museums. The diverse array of Austin museums reflect the wacky, eccentric personality of this crazier-than-life Texas city.
Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum
The 35-foot-tall Lone Star outside the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum sets the tone for this shrine to all things Texas. It tells the tale of Texas ' colourful history, from the dinosaurs through First Americans and cowboys all the way to grease and varsities. Alone among Austin museums, the Bob Bullock State History Museum has an IMAX theater. Often showing 3D flicks, the IMAX theater features a film about the country's landscape and history, "Texas: The Big Picture", with educational and commercial releases. Three floors of interactive exhibits trace Texas ' history, from the interactions of explorers and natives, its years as an independent country to its oil, ranching, and high tech booms.
Mexic-Arte Museum
Although it's among the littler Austin museums, the Mexic-Arte Museum's focus on standard and contemporary Latino culture and art wins rave reviews for its quality and variety. The museum often introduces visitors to little-known facets of Mexican culture,eg ex-voto, or painted, votive offerings left for saints. Exhibits can range all the way from Aztec pottery to modern, multimedia works by living artists of Mexican origin. The museum's annual Day of the Dead festival has turned into a sizeable, preferred public event with a block-party feel. The state legislature has delegated this the Official Mexican and Mexican American Fine Art Museum of Texas.
Museum of Natural and Artificial Ephemera
This shrine to all things weird epitomizes the zany, independent spirit of the town, perhaps the most so of all the museums in Austin. This ecclectic museum is actually a labor of love by Scott Webel and Jen Hirt, who've turned their living room into a tribute to the dime museums of yesterday. You can find a tuft of Elvis' hair, recordings manufactured by spook hunters and a cigarette that could be the last one smoked by Marilyn Monroe. The museum owners will be first to tell you to take such claims with a grain of salt, the joys of this museum lies in oddity, not truthfulness. As of March 2012, the museum is open between 1pm and 4pm On Saturdays, and visitors can also call to schedule tours at other points in times.
Austin Nature and Science Museum
The Austin Nature and Science Museum teaches about the natural world through hands on exhibits and activities. In the sand Dino Pit, children can dig for fossils planted there, while oil paintings and a fossil display of dinosaurs teach children about the animals they're digging up. The walking trails are a great draw for parents with young children, who can let off steam and stop at the animal exhibits and displays on the way. The museum is home to rescued animals and birds, including raptors and even a Canadian bobcat.
Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum
The 35-foot-tall Lone Star outside the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum sets the tone for this shrine to all things Texas. It tells the tale of Texas ' colourful history, from the dinosaurs through First Americans and cowboys all the way to grease and varsities. Alone among Austin museums, the Bob Bullock State History Museum has an IMAX theater. Often showing 3D flicks, the IMAX theater features a film about the country's landscape and history, "Texas: The Big Picture", with educational and commercial releases. Three floors of interactive exhibits trace Texas ' history, from the interactions of explorers and natives, its years as an independent country to its oil, ranching, and high tech booms.
Mexic-Arte Museum
Although it's among the littler Austin museums, the Mexic-Arte Museum's focus on standard and contemporary Latino culture and art wins rave reviews for its quality and variety. The museum often introduces visitors to little-known facets of Mexican culture,eg ex-voto, or painted, votive offerings left for saints. Exhibits can range all the way from Aztec pottery to modern, multimedia works by living artists of Mexican origin. The museum's annual Day of the Dead festival has turned into a sizeable, preferred public event with a block-party feel. The state legislature has delegated this the Official Mexican and Mexican American Fine Art Museum of Texas.
Museum of Natural and Artificial Ephemera
This shrine to all things weird epitomizes the zany, independent spirit of the town, perhaps the most so of all the museums in Austin. This ecclectic museum is actually a labor of love by Scott Webel and Jen Hirt, who've turned their living room into a tribute to the dime museums of yesterday. You can find a tuft of Elvis' hair, recordings manufactured by spook hunters and a cigarette that could be the last one smoked by Marilyn Monroe. The museum owners will be first to tell you to take such claims with a grain of salt, the joys of this museum lies in oddity, not truthfulness. As of March 2012, the museum is open between 1pm and 4pm On Saturdays, and visitors can also call to schedule tours at other points in times.
Austin Nature and Science Museum
The Austin Nature and Science Museum teaches about the natural world through hands on exhibits and activities. In the sand Dino Pit, children can dig for fossils planted there, while oil paintings and a fossil display of dinosaurs teach children about the animals they're digging up. The walking trails are a great draw for parents with young children, who can let off steam and stop at the animal exhibits and displays on the way. The museum is home to rescued animals and birds, including raptors and even a Canadian bobcat.
About the Author:
Rachelle Meore has been fascinated by Austin fine arts and museums for several years. She has written op-eds and editorial pieces for many online publications. For more details about arts and Austin museums, please visit her site.
No comments:
Post a Comment