Texas Memorial Museum: Natural History

Did you know the Texas Memorial Museum, in Austin, Texas, welcomed around 35,000 visitors yearly? It was before it had to close in 2022. This place is on the University of Texas campus. It shows us the beauty of natural history across paleontology, geology, and biology.

The museum, created in the Art Deco style by John F. Staub and overseen by Paul Cret, opened its doors on January 15, 1939. In 2023, it got a new name: the Texas Science & Natural History Museum. It aims to provide an educational adventure into the beginnings and development of nature. Thanks to its mix of science and culture, it won “Best of Austin” awards three times, in 2002, 2005, and 2012. This makes it an essential place for learning in Texas.

Key Takeaways

• The Texas Memorial Museum is located at the University of Texas at Austin and focuses on natural history.
• The museum features exhibits in paleontology, geology, and biology, offering a glimpse into the planet’s past.
• Designed in Art Deco style by John F. Staub with supervision from Paul Cret, the museum opened in 1939.
• Free admission events like H-E-B Free Fourth Sundays and Dinosaur Day aim to make the museum accessible to all.
• The museum received several “Best of Austin” awards, showcasing its cultural and scientific importance.

The History of the Texas Memorial Museum

The Texas Memorial Museum began as part of the Texas Centennial Exposition in 1936, showcasing the state’s vast history. It was first thought of in 1926 with Pearce leading the Texas Museum Association. The museum got $225,000 from the Texas Centennial Celebration Bill of 1935, highlighting its value in Austin history.

In January 1936, President Franklin D. Roosevelt started the construction of the museum. The U.S. Congress also helped, giving $3 million in 1935 for the Texas Centennial Exhibition, including $300,000 for the museum. Finished in August 1938, the museum opened on January 15, 1939, within the University of Texas. It quickly became key in education.

The museum originally featured different exhibits, including Texas history and anthropology. In 2001, it shifted to focus on natural history. This change meant moving some exhibits to places like the Bullock Texas State History Museum. Even with a big funding cut in 2013, the museum kept going.

In 1984, the Friends of Texas Memorial Museum was created to help support the museum. By 1986, a foundation was also established. The museum closed in 2022 for major renovations but reopened in 2023 as the Texas Science & Natural History Museum.

The museum has been praised for its dedication to natural history, winning several “Best of Austin” awards. By 1990, its collection included over 4.5 million specimens.

Rooted in Austin history and events like the Texas Centennial Exposition, the museum educates people about the natural world. It continues to be important to the University of Texas and the community.

Exhibits at the Texas Memorial Museum

When you enter the Texas Memorial Museum, it’s like starting an adventure through time. You’ll see things from millions of years ago to today’s wildlife in Texas. The museum’s exhibits teach visitors about the long story of evolution in an engaging way.

Dinosaur Exhibit

In the Dinosaur Exhibit, you travel back to when dinosaurs roamed the Earth. It focuses on paleontology and has interactive stuff for all ages. You can even learn to identify fossils with a real paleontologist.

Texas Wildlife Exhibit

This exhibit shows the amazing wildlife in Texas. It takes you across different habitats, from deserts to forests. You’ll learn about Texas animals in a fun and beautiful way.

The Evolution Exhibit

The Evolution Exhibit is all about life’s history on Earth. It shows how life has changed over time, with interactive exhibits on evolution. Everyone can understand the big changes in life through cool displays and diagrams.

Special Events and Programs

Discover the fun at the Texas Memorial Museum with its cool special events and educational programs. Each event caters to family activities, student interests, and those who love to learn. This approach turns the museum into a lively spot for community engagement, not just a place to see exhibits.

H-E-B Free Fourth Sundays

The H-E-B Free Fourth Sundays are a big hit. Every fourth Sunday, the museum drops its entrance fee. This lets families explore educational programs and exhibits for free, showing the museum’s commitment to everyone.

Dinosaur Day

Dinosaur Exhibition draws fans young and old. It features hands-on activities like live fossil checks and educational stations. Here, everyone can dive into the world of dinosaurs, combining fun with learning as part of the museum’s key offerings.

UT Austin SEC Celebration

The UT Austin SEC Celebration shines a light on the museum’s bond with the University of Texas. It blends academic fun with school pride. Visitors enjoy themed events that mix sports and science, highlighting the museum’s vital place in university life.

Visitor Information

Want to plan a visit to the Texas Memorial Museum? Here’s what you need to know to make the most of it. The museum welcomes visitors from Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It’s also open on Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Closed on Mondays and some holidays like June 19, 2024, and July 4, 2024, planning is key. Admission costs $5.00 for adults, but there are discounts for seniors, SHSU faculty, and kids. Infants and SHSU students get in free. Remember, bring your card for payment.

Location and Directions

The museum stands at 2400 Trinity Street in Austin, Texas, a notable spot. There’s plenty of parking near the Katy & E. Don Walker, Sr. Education Center. Yet, the Sam Houston Memorial Museum and Wigwam Neosho Museum Store have limited spots. Get a visitor map at check-in spots to navigate the big, fifteen-acre grounds. Maps on your phone might get you lost, so using a museum map is best.

Accessibility and Amenities

The Texas Memorial Museum works hard to be open and enjoyable for everyone. It has good facilities and offers booked group tours for a fun, learning experience. You can even rent spaces for events like meetings, weddings, or parties. For questions or more info, call 512-471-1604 or email at tmminfo@austin.utexas.edu. Enjoy Austin’s rich history and culture as you explore the museum.