Bullock Texas State History Museum

1800 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701, USA

Address:	1800 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701, USA
Phone:	+1 512-936-8746
Site:	thestoryoftexas.com
Rating:	4.4
Working:	9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 12–5PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 10

Jessica Milner

The theater: 4.5 starts Easily one of the best IMAX with laser screens and sound, Bob Bullock is one of the best Ive seen when compared to 15+ other IMAX theaters Ive visited in other cities. We were upset when they said theyd stop using it for popular cinematic releases, only educational showings (which are still shown and are amazing documentaries, see one if you have time!) but they soon came around and as of 2017 they show both again. Id give the theater a full 5 starts if you could call and reach someone at the theater, but its a minor complaint, go early if you want good seats, the line forms fast especially for openings weekends and peak times. The museum: 3-4 stars The museum is interesting but not a must see if you have limited time in Austin. My father in law really enjoyed the visit, and the huge bronze Texas star in front of the building is great for photos and near the state capital. Ive only gone through the museum once, but its a lovely building and holds lots items of western history, and reconstructions of what life was like during different eras of Texas, Native Americans, and Mexicos, histories amongst themselves and their relationships to the new U.S. Events: Parts of the building can be rented and used as banquet space, for charities, and other events held there...both with and without famous faces.

Ryan Hammond

One of our favorite locations in Texas is the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. This world-class museum features the history of Texas in a compelling way. Even if youre not really interested in the history of Texas, youll find out soon that youve been misguided about this amazing place. The story of Texas is one of the most compelling and riveting stories found in our amazing national journey and the Bob Bullock does a better job than any in telling these tales. Kids and adults of all ages will find the museum easy to digest and fun to experience. The displays have been masterfully constructed and the artifacts are carefully chosen to add wonderful color to the experience. Despite the excellent flow through the museum, its easy to miss out on one of the best parts - "The Star of Texas Theater". This interactive and Disney-like show requires an additional ticket to visit and is located on the second floor. I highly recommend this show. Its comparable to the American Adventure show you can see at Disneys Epcot. Of course, you can also catch a movie in the giant Imax theater as well. Check online for show times and hours.

A Private User

I visited this "museum" but if you want the truth about the history of Texas, read a book. This was not history. This was some White supremacists version of the "Glory of Texas" and how the "brave and valiant" Texans fought against the "dirty uncivilized" Mexicans. As an Hispanic, I would like to believe racism no longer exists in the Lone Star State but this is a clear reflection of the fact that it does. Going through each exhibit, it was painfully clear of the bias in this museum. One small picture of a rice paddy field to demonstrate the contribution of the Chinese compared to the huge statues of the "Texas Heroes". Save your $$$ and read a book or go to the Internet. It doesnt seem fair how this "museum" has gone out of its way to glorify the contributions of the White Texans and minimized the contributions of the minorities in Texas.

Aarika Marino

For anyone who is new to Texas or needs a refresher on their Texas state history, this is the place to go! The museum is divided into three levels of early Texas beginnings, the founding of Texas (including the famous battle at the Alamo), and Texas wealth and industry today. There is also a rotating exhibit on the first floor. I was really impressed by the recent Texas Music exhibit, celebrating all the great artists that were born and found their musical start here in Austin and throughout the rest of the state. Fun for the family continues with the free summer concert series on the lawn outside the main entrance of the museum. In addition to the music, you receive free admission to all the exhibits (excludes the IMAX).

Christian Janke

Hier kann man viel über die Entstehung von Texas lernen! Sehr zu empfehlen. Besonders auch den Film der zwar extra Gebühren kostet aber technisch auch sehr ansprechend ist. Das Gebäude, die Inneneinrichtung ist alles äußerst gepflegt. Unten kann man in einem Souvenirgeladen allerlei kaufen. Parken im hauseigenen Parkhaus möglich.

Michael Whitley

Bullock Museum was great for what it taught. There were a few things that would not be considered "PC" there in modern company, such as calling Native Americans "Indian" and small things like that. This is not why I docked a star. The reason for this lost star was the museum is really small and skips over Mexicos and Native Americans role in the formation of Texas borders. It also glazes over slavery and related history, which is notable since the KKK had a major presence in Texas, specifically Waco and the surrounding areas. The museum was free on the day we were there, which was Sunday - I believe for the first Sunday of the month so that was serendipitous.

Francie Whitfield

I love history and museums. I learned this Museum existed because of the brown sign I saw while driving north on Highway 35. The next day, on Wednesday, August 12, 2016, I had some spare time to stop in and visit. I only had about an hour and a half, but it was very much worth the admission cost of $12.00. I was even able to catch most of a Docent Guided Tour. I wish I could remember the Volunteer Docents name. He was an older gentleman, really sweet, very knowledgeable & knew how to tell the stories of the peoples lives. If I ever visit Texas again someday, I will have to come back and plan to spend a lot of time here - maybe a couple days!

Lisa Krauss

FANTASTIC gift shop -- go here. Perfect for souvenirs for everyone back home -- they stock home items that are actually useful, lots of books, posters, t-shirts, and amusing Texas-themed items. I stepped into the lobby to get out of the heat one day, and spent an hour in the shop! Other gift shops can be too focused on one location, but since this is the history museum for the whole state, this gift shop is all encompassing! Too bad they dont give a discount to UT students -- they could get a lot more revenue from that population -- but they did say they have a generous holiday sale between Thanksgiving and January.

Andrew Cedergren

I really enjoyed this museum. Its three floors of some pretty comprehensive Texas history. You really get a good perspective on why Texans have such pride in their state and identity, I had no idea the history the people and state went through. On the bottom floor you will find a large colonial ship, movie theater and a rotating exhibit I think (prohibition when I went). Second floor is the Wild West days, and about the land and farming. Up on the top you will find info closer to modern times about media, oil and war. Overall, well worth the money, for adults and kids.

Bernardo Martinez

Uno de los peores museos a los que ido en USA. Poco material histórico relevante, se puede aprender más con un buen libro o internet. Lo más rescatable es el cine que está anexo, dependiendo de la película en exhibición. Cuenta con restaurante, pero la comida no es buena.