7 Little-Known Museums In Texas Where Admission Is Free
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Museums aren’t just for school field trips – they actually make wonderful family outings, as well. These seven little-known museums in Texas are fun, educational, and best of all, free!
Art and nature converge in the most beautiful way at this sculpture park nestled on seven sprawling acres. You'll also see a spring-fed pond, playground, massive oak trees and other native flora, and a bevy of wildlife. Address: 13333 TX-71, Bee Cave, TX 78738.
Located in downtown Beaumont, the Fire Museum of Texas is the place to learn all about the fire service and its rich history. Marvel at fire engines and equipment dating to 1856, as well as a plethora of other exhibits and hands-on activities. You'll even see the world-famous 24-foot-tall fire hydrant donated by the Walt Disney Company for the re-release of 101 Dalmatians in 1999. At the time of construction, it was the world's largest fire hydrant! Address: Address: 400 Walnut Street, Beaumont, TX 77701. Hours are 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.
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Nicknamed the "Garage Mahal," this eclectic museum emphasizes—you guessed it—cars. Like an episode of Pimp My Ride, the cars are true works of art on wheels. The museum offers a platform for artists that are rarely, if ever, acknowledged by other cultural institutions, promoting awareness of the political, economic, and personal dimensions of art. Address: 140 Heights Boulevard, Houston, TX 77007. Hours are 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday.
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Locomotive enthusiasts, rejoice! At the Interurban Railway Museum, you'll learn all about electric rail travel, marvel at a working "O" scale model train, and enjoy several interactive exhibits. You can even tour a vintage Railway Post Office car (pictured above.) Address: 901 East 15th Street, Plano, TX 75074. Hours are 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday and Friday, 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Thursday, and 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. Saturday.
Spanning an impressive 45,000 square feet, this historical museum is a must-visit for war buffs. In just a couple of hours, you'll explore the rich military history of Texas from 1823 through today. With tanks, helicopters, weapons, and myriad other relics, the museum walks visitors through many of the important battles the Lone Star State has been involved in. Address: 2200 West 35th Street Building 6, Austin, TX 78703. Hours are 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Rothko Chapel is a non-denominational chapel that doubles as a modern art museum. Shaped like an octagon inscribed in a Greek cross, the building features 14 black, but color-hued paintings on the inside. Whether you're in search of a peaceful oasis for worship, meditation, or self-reflection, look no further than Rothko Chapel. Address: Address: 3900 Yupon Street, Houston, TX 77006. Hours are 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday.
Along with being among the most significant works of architecture in recent history, this underrated museum hosts some truly incredible works of art. You'll see myriad notable pieces, including Michelangelo's first known painting, The Torment of Saint Anthony. It's the only one of his paintings on exhibit in the Americas! The museum also features a library with close to 60,000 books, periodicals, and auction catalogs. The permanent art collection is always free to visit. Address: Address: 3333 Camp Bowie Boulevard, Fort Worth, TX 76107. Hours are 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday and Saturday, 12 p.m. until 8 p.m. Friday, and 12 p.m. until 5 p.m. Sunday.
How many of these free museums in Texas have you visited? Did we leave out your favorite? Let us know in the comments section below, and check out our previous article for another museum that deserves a spot on your bucket list.
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Featured Addresses
400 Walnut St, Beaumont, TX 77701, USA
13333 TX-71, Bee Cave, TX 78738, USA
140 Heights Blvd, Houston, TX 77007, USA
901 E 15th St, Plano, TX 75074, USA
2200 W 35th St building 6, Austin, TX 78703, USA
3900 Yupon St, Houston, TX 77006, USA
3333 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA