For one day each year, all of the major museums in Austin open their doors to residents for free. Buckle up, art and science lovers, that day is this Sunday, Sept. 17.
The annual Austin Museum Day involves nearly 40 Central Texas museums, many of which also offer special programming and activities. Here’s what to know.
What is Austin Museum Day?
This year is the 26th anniversary of Austin Museum Day, which was founded in 1998 by the Austin Museum Partnership. This organization (also founded in 1998) is dedicated toward promoting and supporting local museums — Austin Museum Day is their signature event.
Which museums are participating?
Basically, all of them. Some have special pop-up activities planned. Here are a few to consider:
UMLAUF Sculpture Garden + Museum | 605 Azie Morton Rd. | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | See the sculpture garden’s new contemporary exhibition while you take in live demos and displays from more than 25 artists.
Neill-Cochran House Museum | 2310 San Gabriel St. | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Dig into a full day of activities including lawn games, ice cream-making, and art.
Mexic-Arte Museum at the Austin Central Library | 710 W. Cesar Chavez St. | 12 p.m.-3 pm. | Take in the Nuestro Mundo exhibit, try screen printing, and listen to music DJ Mierba Malita.
LBJ Presidential Library | 2313 Red River St. | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | Kids will be able to use instant cameras for a special scavenger hunt and use the photos to create memory books of the experience.
Jourdan-Bachman Pioneer Farms | 10621 Pioneer Farms Dr. | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | This immersive farmstead space will host activities, music, and food on Austin Museum Day.
Check out the full list of activations + openings online.
