Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum (The Story of Texas) – Austin, Texas

Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum (The Story of Texas) – Austin, Texas

 Now that you are in Texas you probably want to learn about the history of the state.  You can do that at the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum.  You can follow the development of the state from the time before the European exploration to the early 1970′s.  There is a 400 seat IMAX Theater featuring 2-D and 3-D films about the state for your enjoyment.  There is even the thrill of the shaking ground when a gusher from a Texas oil derrick blows and the take off of a Saturn V rocket leaves the Texas Plain.

 You will know you have arrived at the right place when  you spot the 35 foot talk bronze Lone Star sculpture at the front of the Museum.  Inside there are three floors of exhibits titled Land, Identity and Opportunity.  You will be surrounded by the sights, sounds and occasionally the smells of Texas history.  Each floor highlights important chapters in The Story of Texas through objects, media programs, and recreated environments.  The changing historical objects that are on display are loans to the museum and returned as new ones are obtained so that the picture is always fresh.

 There is a Star of Destiny Guided Tour for students from grades 4 – 7 using 4-D special effects of the "Star of Destiny" presentation in the Texas Spirit Theater and then Explore the Story in the exhibits with guided learning focusing on Encounters on the Land OR Building the Lone Star Identity with Museum educators who bring the story to life.  Reservations for this must be made at least 10 business days in advance by calling 512-936-4649.  A fabulous opportunity to gain Texas history for both the teachers and the students in Texas schools.

 Hours: Monday through Saturday 9 – 6 and Sunday 12 – 6.  The IMAX Theatre has evening show times after Museum operating hours.  Please call for information.  There is no late seating in the IMAX.  Please arrive at least 20 minutes f=before your scheduled show time.  The Museum is closed on New Years Day, Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve Day and Christmas Day.

 All children age 16 and under MUST be accompanied in the exhibits by someone at least 16 years of age.

 Admission: Adult (19 – 64) Exhibit Areas: $7; IMAX — $7; Texas Spirit – $5; Youth (5 – 18) $4, $5, and $4 respectively; Child (3 – 4) Free to exhibit area, $5 for IMAX and $4 for Texas Spirit; Senior (65+)/Military/College Students with valid ID are $6, $6 and $4.

Tickets for the IMAX are available at the ticket counter in the main lobby of the Museum, for advance ticket purchases call 512-936-4649 or toll free 866-369-7108.  Tickets are available by phone to individuals as well as groups.  No surcharge for this service.  The tickets ordered by phone are on a Will Call basis.

 All exhibits are accessible by elevators or stairs.  Elevators are available from the parking garage to the Plaza which leads to the Museum’s main entrance.  Service animals are welcome in the Museum (but no other pets).  Please make note that there are uneven floor surfaces in some Exhibit spaces.

There are a limited number of wheelchairs available on a first come first serve basis at the Visitor Information Desk and Ticket Center in the Museum’s First Floor Lobby.  There is no rental fee for wheelchairs; however, visitors must leave valid photo ID until the wheelchair is returned.

 Restrooms are located on all floors.  A family restroom is located on the first floor off the hallway between the First Floor Lobby and IMAX theatre lobby.

 Location: 1800 N Congress Ave., Austin, Texas 78711

 Phone: 512-936-8746

 Email: Contactus@TheStoryofTexas.com