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Austin Museum Admission Prices

Planning a museum visit in Austin? Knowing the admission price before you go can make it easier to choose the right museum for your budget. Austin has museums covering Texas history, art, science, presidential history, and contemporary culture, with admission ranging from free to around $17 for adults at some of the city's major museums.

Below is a current guide to Austin museum admission prices, including adult and discounted tickets, free admission opportunities, and tips for saving money on your visit.

Austin Museum Ticket Prices at a Glance

Austin Museum Adult Admission Child Admission Free Admission
Bullock Texas State History Museum$17$11 (ages 4–17)Ages 3 & under
Blanton Museum of Art$20$10 (ages 6–17)Kids 5 & under; Free Tuesdays
LBJ Presidential Library$16$6 (ages 13–18)Children under 12
The Contemporary Austin$10Free (under 18)Thursdays; under 18; military with ID
UMLAUF Sculpture Garden + Museum$8$2 (K–12)Ages 0–4
Texas Science & Natural History Museum$10$6 (ages 5–17)Ages 4 & under; Free Fourth Sundays

Bullock Texas State History Museum Admission

The Bullock Texas State History Museum is one of the best choices for visitors who want to learn about Texas history. Its three floors of exhibits cover the state's people, culture, geography, and defining moments.

Current museum admission prices include:

  • Adults (18–64): $17
  • Seniors (65+): $13
  • Military: $13
  • College students: $13
  • Youth (4–17): $11
  • Children 3 and under: Free

Blanton Museum of Art Admission

Located on the University of Texas at Austin campus, the Blanton Museum of Art is a popular destination for visitors interested in European, American, Latin American, modern, and contemporary art.

Current general admission prices:

  • Adults: $15
  • Seniors 65+: $12
  • Youth ages 6–17: $8
  • Non-UT college students with ID: $8
  • Children 5 and under: Free
  • UT Austin ID holders: Free
  • K–12 teachers with ID: Free
  • Members: Free

The museum also offers Free Tuesdays, making Tuesday a particularly good day for budget-conscious visitors.

LBJ Presidential Library Admission

The LBJ Presidential Library and Museum gives visitors a look at the presidency of Lyndon B. Johnson, the civil rights era, the Vietnam War, and major events in 20th-century American history.

Current online admission prices:

  • Adults: $16
  • Seniors 62+: $12
  • Former/retired military: $8
  • K–12 teachers: $8
  • College students: $6
  • Youth ages 13–18: $6
  • Children under 12: Free

The library also offers special discounted admission on Tuesdays.

The Contemporary Austin Admission

For contemporary art, The Contemporary Austin operates two major locations: the Jones Center downtown and Laguna Gloria.

Standard admission is:

  • Adults: $10
  • Seniors: $5
  • Students and educators with ID: $5
  • Visitors under 18: Free
  • Military with ID: Free
  • Museums for All visitors with qualifying ID: Free
  • Members: Free

Both museum locations are free to everyone on Thursdays, while the Jones Center also offers free admission on Wednesday evenings. A ticket to one location includes admission to the other location within seven days.

Umlauf Sculpture Garden + Museum Admission

The UMLAUF Sculpture Garden + Museum offers a different type of museum experience, combining indoor galleries with an outdoor sculpture garden near Zilker Park and Barton Springs.

Current general admission prices include:

  • Adults: $8
  • Seniors 60+: $6
  • Active military and veterans: $4
  • K–12 teachers: $4
  • College students: $4
  • Youth K–12: $2
  • Children ages 0–4: Free
  • Members: Free

Harry Ransom Center: A Free Austin Museum

If you're looking for a free museum in Austin, don't overlook the Harry Ransom Center at UT Austin.

Admission to the Ransom Center is free, and visitors can explore exhibitions focused on literature, photography, film, art, and cultural history. It is an especially good option for travelers who want to add a cultural attraction to a downtown or UT Austin itinerary.

How to Save Money on Austin Museum Admission

Visit on a Free Admission Day

Several Austin museums offer recurring free days or free evenings. For example, the Blanton offers Free Tuesdays, while The Contemporary Austin is free to everyone on Thursdays.

Look for Student and Senior Discounts

Many Austin museums offer reduced admission for seniors and college students. Bring a valid ID so you can receive the appropriate discount.

Check for Children's Free Admission

Families can often save significantly because several museums offer free or reduced admission for children. For example, the Bullock offers free admission for children age 3 and younger, while the LBJ Presidential Library admits children under 12 free.

Consider Museum Memberships

If you're a local resident or plan to visit the same museum multiple times, membership can be a better value than buying individual tickets. Members at several Austin museums receive free admission along with additional benefits.

FAQ

How much does it cost to visit a museum in Austin?

Adult admission at major Austin museums typically ranges from free to about $17, depending on the museum. Discounts are commonly available for seniors, students, children, teachers, and military personnel.

What is the cheapest museum in Austin?

Several Austin museums offer free admission or very low-cost entry. The Harry Ransom Center is free, while UMLAUF Sculpture Garden + Museum currently charges $8 for adults and offers lower rates for seniors, students, teachers, youth, and military visitors.

What museums are free in Austin?

The Harry Ransom Center offers free admission. Other museums, including the Blanton Museum of Art and The Contemporary Austin, have designated free admission days.

Is the Blanton Museum of Art free?

The Blanton offers free admission on Tuesdays. It also provides free admission to several qualifying groups, including UT Austin ID holders, K–12 teachers with ID, young children, and museum members.

Is the Bullock Museum free?

The Bullock Museum is not generally free for adults. Current standard exhibition admission is $17 for adults, with reduced prices for seniors, military personnel, college students, and youth. Children age 3 and under are free.

Does Austin have free museum days?

Yes. Several museums offer recurring free days or special free-admission events. Check the individual museum's official website before visiting because free-day schedules and eligibility can change.