The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum

The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum is located in downtown Austin, just blocks from the Capitol building and down the street from the University of Texas campus. It offers interactive exhibits that explain Texas history and an IMAX theater.

The Essentials

Address: 1800 N. Congress Avenue
Phone: (512) 936-8746
Hours: Museum is open from Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is closed on Mondays. The IMAX Theatre stays open later.
Parking: The museum has an underground parking garage with an entrance located off 18th Street. Parking in the museum garage during business hours is $15 and is free after hours. The area also has many street parking meters available.

The Museum

The museum opened in April of 2001. It was the brainchild of Bob Bullock, Texas' 38th Lieutenant Governor. Here's the museum's official mission statement: "We create experiences that educate, engage, and encourage a deeper understanding of Texas."

Outside of the museum is a bronze Lone Star sculpture that is 35 feet tall. The inside is very elegant; upon walking in, there is a magnificent rotunda with beautiful terrazzo floor. It almost feels like you are in the Capitol building.

Exhibits

Each floor of the Bullock Museum covers a different aspect of Texas history.

The first floor is about land and covers the first meetings between Native Americans and Europeans, early settlers and missions, and the mapping of the state.

The second floor is about identity and discusses Texas history and the significant battles and people who made the state what it is today.

The third floor is focused on opportunity, exploring how Texans have adapted to the land and how oil changed the state. It also covers important technology from Texas, Texas-led explorations and other Texan achievements.

IMAX Theater

The Bullock museum's IMAX theater was one of the first IMAX theaters in Texas, and one of few in the world. The theater seats 329 guests and houses the biggest IMAX screen in the state at six stories high and 84 feet wide. Guests can enjoy sharp and vivid images, as well as immersive audio.

Check out what's currently playing on the IMAX showtimes page on the museum website.

The Texas Spirit Theater

The Bullock Museum's Texas Spirit Theater is one of the most beautiful multimedia experiences in Austin. The special effects create a life-like experience, where visitors can experience things like lightning, intense rain, and other conditions. The theater hosts daily screenings and also hosts special events, including premieres, special features, and signature programs.

This 200-seat theater is the only multi-sensory theater in Austin.

Museum Store

On the first floor of the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, you will find the Museum Store. It is filled with Texas-themed goodies, such as clothing, ornaments, books, movies, jewelry, music, home décor, and kitchenware.

You can also shop online.

Museum Cafe

If you get hungry while you’re at the museum, go to the second floor and grab a bite at at The Star Café. You can choose to eat inside or outdoors. The restaurant offers salads, sandwiches, baked potatoes, and desserts. There is also a children’s menu.

The café is open Tuesday–Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is closed on Mondays.