Bullock Texas State History Museum image

Bullock Texas State History Museum

Tourist attraction Museum History museum Local history museum

One of the Top rated Museums in Austin


Address

1800 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701

Website

www.thestoryoftexas.com

Contact

(512) 936-8746

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (6.1K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Thursday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Friday: (Good Friday), 10 AM to 5 PM, Hours might differ
  • Saturday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Sunday: (Easter), 10 AM to 5 PM, Hours might differ
  • Monday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Tuesday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Wednesday: 10 AM to 5 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: Texas (43) museum (38) history (32) exhibits (14) great (12) interesting (11) time (10) good (9) experience (9) visit (8)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Cheryl P. 1 year ago on Google
    No visit to Austin is complete without a stop at the Bullock Texas State History Museum. We visited on a Friday during the summer and there were no crowds. Laid out well, with interesting exhibits. The La Belle ship and Goddess of Liberty were two of our favorites. Several videos to take a rest while walking around four stories. Texas theatre and IMAX inside. We didn’t have time to take in a show, but there were several playing at convenient times. We grabbed a snack at the cafe and relaxed before heading back out into the heat!
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Bhuvanesh a. 1 year ago on Google
    The museum is amazing for the people who wants to know about Texas. They have very good movies and shows about the history of Texas. Definitely kids will learn a lot and good place to know all about Texas. Do visit with your kids
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mark O. 2 years ago on Google
    Texas history from Native Americans up through the space age is on display in this engaging Museum. It is arranged in a multitude of floors and Exhibits with many interesting artifacts and displays explaining the wide variety of History here in the Lone Star state. A couple of the attractions were not open due to the covid-19... But it is still well worth a visit! I really enjoyed the Native American and early Spanish history. There is excellent coverage of the oil business as well as the cowboy era. A lovely museum gift shop is available as well as clean restrooms. Elevators are available for those who may need them. Parking is available via a ramp on site, at rear of building.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Amber G. 1 year ago on Google
    A great hands-on experience of Texas history! Lots of great displays and video, as well as interactive video games. The first time I attended was with a group of 80 or so students, which was probably too many for the space. This time I went with a group that was small enough we could read and discuss the information in the various exhibits. It was cool to see so many of the things we had read and studied about
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 FIN K. 1 year ago on Google
    Texan view for their own history. Much focused on the Republic. Very good introductory and educational exhibition about Texas history. IMAX, just a few commercial films. Prices for movies are reasonable. Souvenir shop is also interesting. Will I come again? Do I recommend for a membership? If you are living here at least for years and need to buy Texas and Austin souvenirs a lot, Membership is a good choice I guess.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Claudia Andrew H. 9 months ago on Google
    The museum was an amazing tour. I had been there years ago with my now 21 year old son when they had a tour day when he was in first grade. Now we toured the museum with my daughter son-in-law and my granddaughters it was amazing. I hope to see that in time they will appreciate these type of outings and attend these facilities frequently. Thank you for such an amazing day at the museum so peaceful and very clean. Downside is the garage parking fee $15 be ready to pay that!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rover IRL (. 1 year ago on Google
    Really cool museum with lots of cool interactive displays. IMAX theater is definitely worth the trip!!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tavia P. 1 year ago on Google
    I really enjoyed my experience here. I wasn't expecting the remains of a ship to be housed here. There are plenty of places in the exhibit to sit down which is important when you have a disability. There are also elevators and ramps. I especially enjoyed the exhibits about the indigenous peoples. I only wish there was more about ancient indigenous culture. There's a section on how Texas became independent, civil rights, and Texas industries.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Valerie 1 year ago on Google
    My best friend was visiting from NY and is a museum fan. She picked here and it was a great experience, definitely be prepared for a good 4+ hours stay if you plan to read in detail or want to really pay attention. There was plenty to do once inside such a movies and a cafe, but the museum alone was worth it.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Angie N. 6 months ago on Google
    Watching eclipse from the museum. Lots of interesting exhibitions, well organized, really inspiring of Texas history and cowboys. I really enjoyed the short films of Texas history, such a beautiful and well made firm, the rattlesnake story was funny and the surprise part got me jump out of the chair! Amazing 3D technique and projector. love the storyline.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 George S. 1 year ago on Google
    Great place to get out of the heat. Some dated items, it's it's museum! Great gift shop with a very nice staff. The museum itself is laid out very nicely start at the top or start at the bottom. Loads of fun for the kids as well as adults. Parking is available nearby and an easy walk. The first Sunday of every month the museum is free for all!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Khaoula M. 2 years ago on Google
    The museum is big but the exposition is a little bit poor. Good for children.I believe Texas has richer history than what was shown I loved the small theaters where you can watch short movies about history. (I wonder why they didn't tell the whole story about San Jancinto battle and how it ended by taking the emperor of Mexico as a hostage, the history should always be cited as whole and complete)
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Christina M. 1 year ago on Google
    Three Floors of Texas History! This museum is incredibly well laid out! It's open in the center, so you can look up and down and see other exhibits peaking out of each floor. If you're interested in modern Texas History, start on the 3rd floor and work your way down; if you're interested in the expeditions that landed in Texas, start at the bottom, and work your way up. The "Shipwrecked" film goes with the "Belle" wreckage on the first floor; and I do recommend seeing it, especially if you have kids, as the film is told from the perspective of an 8 year-old settler who boarded the ship with his family. Excellent museum. Lots of interactive displays and videos mixed in throughout the artifacts. P.S. There is a small cafe on site.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 I. H. 1 year ago on Google
    This is a very neat museum. The first Sunday of every month is free :) Their IMAX theater is so great!! They open the seats from about thirty minutes before so if you want good seats, you want to be there a bit earlier and wait.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jorge L. F. 2 years ago on Google
    Awesome museum for all ages. You get to learn the history and facts of Texas. Very interesting and recommended. Staff is great, overall excellent!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kristina B. 11 months ago on Google
    Beautiful museum. The exhibits are engaging for both adults and kids and show different facets of Texas. We especially loved the 3D movie , was very informative and interesting. The museum is designed in a modern and inviting way. A fun trip and unique experience. (Pay what you wish if you ask at ticket counter :) great gift shop too.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Karthik R. 8 months ago on Google
    It is a Tribute to the Texas state history. Movies are very informational and interesting. Kid friendly. Would recommend it to ppl who want an exceptional educational experience of Texas and United States History. It is pretty spacious . They also have a nice cafe inside. The gift store inside was very well stocked with a large selection.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Janet M. 5 months ago on Google
    It's free on the 1st Sunday of every month. This is a must-visit if you're interested in the history of Texas or looking to get away from the heat. The Museum is rich in Texan history. Three floors were worth of Texan history, starting almost 13,000 years ago to today. The parking is located under the structure and closes at midnight.

  • 5/5 Jia L. 9 months ago on Google
    The Bullock Texas State History Museum in Austin is an exceptional tribute to the unique and vibrant history of Texas. It brilliantly curates the rich tapestry of the state's past, infusing every exhibit with detail and depth. From the sweeping three floors of interactive exhibits to the stunning IMAX Theatre, there's something for every history enthusiast here. The museum is home to a vast collection of artifacts that provide a tangible connection to Texas's past. The Story of Texas Cafe adds a delightful culinary twist to the visit. The museum staff are attentive and informative, enriching the experience with their knowledge. The Bullock Museum offers a comprehensive and captivating look into the heart of Texas history, making it a must-visit for residents and tourists alike.

  • 5/5 Albert M. 9 months ago on Google
    A well thought out museum that flows easily throughout the Texas historical time periods. The Star Cafe inside offers a nice lunch experience so you can eat and continue viewing the museum without leaving. It's a large museum and I would plan a minimum of four hours or the whole day to visit. Thus far, the best museum I've seen in Texas and I've seen many.

  • 5/5 Mary B. 9 months ago on Google
    Very interesting! Lots to see and enjoy! The video of the Mexican Texans is great!! Finally teaching of the many heroes that were of Mexican heritage that also wanted freedom from Mexico's government! The movies don't do them justice! Only concentrating on the anglo Americans. Thank you for this beautiful tribute!

  • 5/5 Sharon B. 6 months ago on Google
    The trip was my family's first time there. It's such a large, well ran, and Beautiful Museum. Kudos to the administration! From the curator, to antiquities, to marketing. They were personable and well versed. Wow, the gift shop even had copies of his biography: Jewel of the South, a civil rights biography of Rev. Dr. L.E. Bennett. The reason for our trip was to see the new exhibit on my Father, Rev. Dr. L.E. Bennett. It honored his life in civil rights in San Antonio, Texas, and how he integrated Southwestern Bell/ AT&T in the early 60s. My 88 year-old Mother loved it and talked to Dad's photo. That touched my heart. Thank you for collecting, recording, and safeguarding Texas History.

  • 5/5 Marton T. 4 months ago on Google
    Impressive museum and event space in downtown Austin, hosting the annual space conference! Parking is possible in the adjacent garage, for varying rates.

  • 5/5 Pepe P. 4 months ago on Google
    Went during the shark exhibit. Great stuff. My kid loved it. Pretty interactive. Would recommend for any age. Looks like a lot of thought went into the setup they have. 🦈 The most important thing I would say is make sure you take change. Quarters especially to park outside of the museum at a meter. I paid $4 for 3 hours. Instead of paying $15 for parking in the museums garage. That should be free with admission.

  • 5/5 Anurag 4 months ago on Google
    Excellent exhibits, layout and the accompanying information to each exhibit was succinct and paints a good picture of the era. A well thought out museum where you flow easily through time especially in the colonial history (first/ground floor) and lone star history (second floor). Their sharks section, which seemed out of place (I guess the place is aimed at families with little children), has a few noteworthy fossil reproductions, including a couple which are 250-150 million years old. The ancient history + colonizers section had interesting exhibits about the French and Spanish expeditions to colonize north America. Second floor was all about the lone star state, and about the wars between the Mexicans, US colonizers, and Native Americans. It also had exhibits talking about immigrants such as the Chinese who built railroads and ran businesses, and about the history of slavery and racism. Third floor was all about culture, farming, animal husbandry, oil and gas, and NASA's presence and missions from the state. Overall a great experience. Can be covered in 1.5 hours if you read quickly. Recommend 2.5 hours if you want to take your time.

  • 5/5 Merideth O. 8 months ago on Google
    A wonderful museum filled with Texas history. The best part was seeing the hull of La Salle’s ship the La Belle. It’s incredible. It has interactive features throughout the museum. Take your time, watch the short videos, and disk it all in.

  • 5/5 Daniel M. 1 year ago on Google
    One of the best Texas themed museums in the state! This museum is state of the art, is incredibly updated, and I have so much to see with multi levels to explore! The staff we’re all helpful. There’s so much to interact with for adults and kids alike. I can see that I learned so much about Texas history the good and the bad. I highly recommend that all tourists and Texans a lake visit this museum at least once in their life it is awesome!!

  • 5/5 Kelley 11 months ago on Google
    Such a cool museum ! I really enjoyed getting to learn and have a better understanding of Texas History. It’s cool to see all the amazing things that have happened within the State of Texas. Really clean, tons of details, and really interesting exhibits and hands on learning opportunities. Definitely worth a visit !

  • 4/5 Irma Z. 2 years ago on Google
    great historical museum. it's a bit hokey and kid-oriented but nevertheless really a terrific museum. as of this writing, fabulous exhibition of Masonic and Odd Fellows Folk Art.

  • 5/5 Mike H. 1 year ago on Google
    Visited this museum today and was pleasantly surprised. Laid out chronologically with many interactive stops along the way. Very well done with great pieces. Highly recommend. Did not get to finish all the exhibits after spending over 2.5 hrs. Will be back

  • 5/5 Gabrielle D. 1 year ago on Google
    Came in late afternoon, didn't have enough time to read through all the history and see every single artifacts. It closed at 5pm..so definitely will come back to continue where i left off. It is a well made museum to tell the people the detailed history of Texas. Very interesting.

  • 5/5 Ian B. 1 year ago on Google
    Great place to find out about the history of Texas. Lots of great exhibits. As visitors to Texas we really appreciated the way the exhibits were set out to tell the story of the history of Texas. The gift shop was well worth a browse with lots of ideas for momentos. The treat was that entrance was free on the first Sunday of each month. Thank you HEB.

  • 5/5 Sam C S. 1 year ago on Google
    It was great to learn about Texas history. They do an excellent job of covering everything from ancient times to now. And while I do believe some of their exhibits need an update on their choice of language, they have clearly made an effort to make sure to discuss the struggles and inequality that still exist today and leave you with a hopeful sense of how Texas can be better moving forward.

  • 5/5 Gina H. 2 years ago on Google
    Great experience and necessary stop when in Austin. Someone who didn’t grow up in Texas I missed Texas history in school, it was fascinating to learn and see the history here. We did a self guided tour, but hopefully they have guided tours available other times as well.

  • 4/5 C D. 1 year ago on Google
    Pretty good museum and decent size - only issue I had was finding bike parking (there was none) so I had to lock on a trash can. But we went on the free entrance on Sunday which is once a month. Definitely worth a visit!


Call (512) 936-8746 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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