FAQ
Planning Your Visit
How much time should I allow to see the entire museum?
Each visitor moves at a different pace. Spend a few hours or the whole day. Or become a Member and come back again and again!
Is admission to the special exhibit included with the regular admission ticket?
Yes! Your ticket will get you in to see all three floors of the main exhibits, plus any special exhibitions. Admission for the Texas Spirit Theater and IMAX Theatre are separate.
Can I rent a wheelchair?
Wheelchairs are available at the Visitor Information Desk and may be rented for free. Please be prepared to leave an ID until you return the wheelchair.
Can I park in the lot across the street from the Museum?
The surface lot across Congress Avenue does not belong to the Museum and is actually a state lot. Park in the Museum garage and get your car out of the hot sun!
Do I need reservations for the IMAX Theatre?
While it is recommended that visitors make reservations to ensure seating, reservations are never required for regular public showings of either the IMAX films or the Texas Spirit Theater presentations. Weekend shows and feature films are more likely to sell out.
Where is the Museum located?
1800 North Congress at Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard
General Museum Information
Can I get a private tour of the exhibits?
Museum docents provide free Walk-Up Tours on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 11 am and 2 pm to the first 15 people to meet at the tour sign in the Grand Lobby.
Reserved tours for your group of 10 or more may be arranged by calling (512) 936-4649.
Does the Museum offer group discounts?
Yes! Groups of 20 or more may receive special rates.
Is the Museum open on holidays?
The Museum is closed on Easter, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. Please check the IMAX Theatre showtimes page for special holiday hours.
Does the Museum have any free days?
The Museum provides free admission to the Exhibits on the first Saturday of each month from 2 - 6 pm. Regular admission prices still apply to the Texas Spirit Theater and IMAX Theatre. Starting July 7, First Saturday is moving to Sundays - make sure to mark your calendar.
Is the Museum within walking distance of the Capitol?
The Museum is four blocks north of the Capitol.
How tall is the Bronze Star on the Plaza?
The Bronze Star sculpture is 35-feet tall and one of the most photographed spots in Austin!
What important event took place today in Texas history?
May 18, 1912 – At the christening of the USS Texas, a camera captured what is thought to be the first motion pictures of a US Navy ship-launching.
Does the Museum allow bridal portraits inside the Museum? On the Plaza?
Wedding portraits may not be taken in the Museum unless an event related to the wedding (rehearsal dinner and/or reception) is under contract to be held at the Museum. Arrangements for wedding portraits for brides who a signed contract with the Museum for an event must be made with the Special Events Office.
Can I take photos in the exhibits?
Photography and videotaping is not allowed in the Museum exhibit spaces and theaters to protect the artifacts, the copyright privileges of their creators and lenders, and the safety of our visitors. This policy includes camera phones, camcorders, and still cameras using both film and digital formats.
Why does the Museum charge admission?
The Bullock Museum is the official State History Museum of Texas, but is self-supporting. Because we receive no operational funding from the State of Texas, all our revenue comes from admission fees, memberships and donations, retail sales, and event rentals. By visiting and supporting the Museum, you are helping us to share the Story of Texas with generations of Texans through outstanding exhibitions and programs. Click here to made a fully tax deductible contribution to the Museum.
Can I donate an artifact to the Museum?
The Bullock Museum is non-collecting, meaning that every artifact you see during your visit is borrowed from other museums, state agencies, historical sites, or private collectors. The IRS prohibits museums from appraising or assigning monetary values to artwork, historical artifacts, or manuscript materials. For appraisals, please contact an independent appraiser, which you can locate through one of these national appraiser organizations:
- American Society of Appraisers (ASA)
- Appraisers Association of America (AAA)
- International Society of Appraisers (ISA)
Call (512) 936-4610 if you have an artifact or collection that you wish to donate to another museum. Since the Bullock borrows artifacts from institutions across the state, we may be able to recommend a possible home for your object/collection.
Who is Bob Bullock?
Bob Bullock was Texas' 38th Lieutenant Governor and the driving force behind the creation of the Texas State History Museum.
Special Events
Can I choose my own caterer?
The in-house and preferred caterer for the Museum is Catering by Rosemary. The use of another caterer is permitted only with prior approval from the Museum's Events Office. A fee of 12% of the total catering costs will be charged to the event holder for use of all outside caterers. Any alcohol service must come through Catering by Rosemary.
Can I rent the Museum for a special event?
Yes! The Museum is the perfect venue for your upcoming weddings, bar mitzvah, or corporate event. Learn more about our facility rentals.
Membership
Can I become a Member online?
Yes, we have a secure online application for becoming a Member or giving a gift Membership to a friend or loved one. Click here for the online application. Please allow at least 2 weeks for receipt of your membership packet. If you are planning a trip to the Museum sooner, it is recommended that you purchase your membership during your visit.
May I share my vouchers with others?
Yes. You may give your free theater vouchers and parking passes to friends and family for their use. The only non-transferable portion of your membership is the unlimited admission to the Exhibits and the use of member discounts for programs/event registration and purchases in the Story of Texas Cafe and Museum Store.
Do my free vouchers expire when my membership does?
No. The free vouchers for the IMAX Theatre, Texas Spirit Theater, and parking passes have no expiration date.
Can I use my IMAX Theatre passes for feature films?
Unfortunately, due to certain restrictions from the various film distributors, the Museum is unable to accept free vouchers for any of the major release feature films. Members may receive a $1 discount per ticket.
What do I do if my Membership Card was lost or stolen?
New cards can be purchased for $10 at the Visitor Information Desk or over the phone and will take five to seven business days for processing.
What happens if I forget to bring my Membership Card?
The staff at the Visitor Information Desk in the Museum Lobby can issue a one-time temporary card that can be used for the day. You will need to show a photo ID.
Can I become a Member during my visit?
Yes! Just ask one of the friendly ticketing agents or swing by the Visitor Information Desk. It will only take a few minutes. Not only can you deduct the amount you paid for Exhibit admission, but you will receive all your vouchers - which you can begin using right away, and you will receive 20% off your purchases in the Museum Store (valid only day of purchase).
