Welcome to our ultimate guide to the best museums in Texas!
We all know that Texas is a hub for culture and entertainment, but did you know that there are a variety of unique and interesting museums to visit when you’re visiting the Lone Star State?
From interactive science centers to art galleries to brand new pop up museums such as the Dolph-Land Museum Dallas, TX, there’s something for everyone here.
Let’s take a look at some of the best museums in the state.
Best Museums in Texas
If you’re looking for a new and exciting museum to visit, take a look at the list below.
We hope that you find something interesting!
Sixth Floor Museum
The Sixth Floor Museum is one of the most interesting museums in Texas.
Located in Dealey Plaza, the Sixth Floor Museum recounts the story of John F. Kennedy’s life and death.
The museum is located inside the Texas School Book Depository building where the assassin, Lee Harvey Oswald was hiding when he fired the shot.
The museum explores an impressive collection of images, audio clips, artifacts, and videos related to the tragic event.
Visitors can even see the window from where the shot was fired.
The museum is a must-visit for history buffs.
Also Read: Best Things to do in Dallas, Texas
NASA Johnson Space Center Houston
Space Center Houston is another one of the best museums in Texas.
Space Center Houston’s goal is to provide an immersive experience for visitors to learn about NASA and space exploration.
The Smithsonian-affiliated museum has a variety of interactive and educational exhibits.
Guests can take a tour of the Johnson Space Center grounds to see where astronauts live and train.
NASA also houses artifacts at the museum from the Apollo missions and various space shuttles.
Kids also have an opportunity to meet a real-life astronaut at the Museum.
Johnson Space Center Houston is one of our favorite places to visit with kids in Texas.
Also Read: Best Things to do in Houston
The Alamo
The Alamo, located in San Antonio, has an interesting and rich history.
The famous Battle of the Alamo took place during the Texas Revolution.
Colonel William Travis, Davy Crockett, Jim Bowie, and several other brave men defended the historic Spanish mission against General Antonio López de Santa Anna for 13 days before being defeated.
Guests can also visit an impressive museum at The Alamo which exhibits artifacts and information about this defining moment in Texas history.
Be sure to check other San Antonio attractions including the famous San Antonio Riverwalk while you are visiting the Alamo.
Galveston Railroad Museum
This Railroad Museum located on Galveston Island is amazing to visit for railroad enthusiasts.
The museum offers an extensive collection of steam or diesel locomotives and the gift shop has great train-themed gifts.
Visitors can also see a treasure trove of old furnishings, china and silverware, vintage baggage, and other interesting artifacts.
The museum is a great way to spend some time indoors on a hot summer day.
Also Read: Best Things to do on Galveston Island
Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum
Located in Waco, Texas, the museum is a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
At the Museum, you will learn all about the history of the Texas Rangers.
You will also see several artifacts including antique firearms, present-day revolvers, horse saddles, cowboy hats and boots, and other American West memorabilia.
Also Read: Best Things to do in Waco, Texas
Bullock Texas State History Museum
The Austin museum tells the story of Texas history through a variety of artifacts and multimedia presentations.
There are permanent exhibits dedicated to life on the Texas frontier, early Spanish explorers, and life during the Great Depression.
You can also see the original Goddess of Liberty statue that once stood on top of the State Capitol Dome at the museum.
Museum goers can spend hours at the Texas State History Museum exploring their fun programs and special exhibits.
The Texas State History Museum is also a favorite with homeschooling families.
Also Read: Best Things to do in Austin, Texas
Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth
The Fort Worth Art Museum is one of the most intriguing museums in Texas.
Located on 3 acres across from the Will Rogers Memorial Center, the museum provides a space for visitors to enjoy modern art.
The collection includes various styles of art, including impressionism, post-impressionism, surrealism, cubism, fauvism, and expressionism.
Dallas Museum of Art
The Dallas Museum of Art is one of the most popular museums in Texas.
Located within the Arts District of downtown Dallas, the museum has a vast collection ranging from European masterpieces to American art pieces.
The Dallas Museum of Art also has interactive programs for children to explore various forms of art.
Nasher Sculpture Center
If you’re interested in art, visit the Nasher Sculpture Center in Dallas.
Nasher Sculpture Center Dallas contains an outdoor sculpture garden where visitors can view works from artists such as Auguste Rodin, Henry Moore, and Jeff Koons.
Kimbell Art Museum
The Kimbell Art Museum is one of the top art museums in Texas.
Located in Fort Worth, it’s home to several galleries and more than 3,000 works of art.
Visitors can see masterpieces from such famous artists as Rembrandt and Matisse at the museum.
Kimbell Art Museum is, undoubtedly, one of the best places to visit in Texas for art lovers.
Houston Museum of Natural Science
One of the best museums in Texas is the Houston Museum of Natural Science.
Housed in a building with four floors, the museum features over 25 permanent halls that showcase countless artifacts and specimens.
Many of the exhibit halls are interactive or hands-on, so you can learn about how things work through engaging activities.
One of our favorite collections at the Houston Museum of Natural Science is the Morian Hall of Paleontology.
Here kids can see T-Rex, triceratops, and many other prehistoric beasts.
The museum’s collection of life-size dinosaur skeletons is one of the best in America.
The Hall of Ancient Egypt, Farish Hall of Texas wildlife, and Burke Baker Planetarium are other favorites with visitors.
Also Read: Best Dinosaur Museums in Texas
Perot Museum of Nature and Science
The Perot Museum of Nature and Science, located in downtown Dallas, houses one of the best science exhibits in Texas.
The museum’s collection holds over 32 million specimens, including fossils, minerals, rocks, and meteorites.
Visitors can explore various ways to view scientific topics through informative programs.
Our favorite is the exhibit on extinction that features dinosaur skeletons and interactive activities.
If you’re traveling with kids, the Perot Museum of Nature and Science is one of our favorite places to visit in Texas.
Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
If you’re looking for a museum with art from around the world, visit the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston.
The museum’s collection contains more than 45,000 works of art.
Visitors can see important pieces from artists all over the world — some of whom include Monet, Michelangelo, and Van Gogh.
The Museum of Fine Arts is, without a doubt, one of the best places to visit in Houston.
El Paso Museum of Art
If you’re interested in art, be sure to visit the El Paso Museum of Art when you’re in town.
Located in Downtown El Paso, the art museum contains a collection featuring artists from across North America.
Culture and the arts in El Paso are celebrated at this museum, which is one of the best museums in Texas.
El Paso Museum of Art is a great place to go if you’re planning a trip with kids to El Paso.
Also Read: Best Things to do in El Paso, Texas
LBJ Presidential Library and Museum
One of our favorite history museums in Texas is the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
The museum is located in Austin and it’s home to a diverse collection of artifacts and permanent exhibits.
Visitors can interact with many of the objects, including recordings and replicas at the LBJ Presidential Library.
One section allows you to experience what it was like during LBJ’s presidency by placing you in front of a mock television set or radio station where you can leave recorded messages.
Texas State Capitol
Another cool museum in Texas is the Texas State Capitol.
The Capitol building itself is a must-visit for those traveling to Austin, as it’s one of the most beautiful state capitols in America and it houses some of the best art and architecture in all of Texas.
Visitors can tour the building and see its collection of art, including paintings and sculptures.
One of our favorite exhibits here is the Hall of Heroes.
You can learn about some of Texas’ greatest historical figures in this gallery.
George W Bush Presidential Library and Museum
The George W Bush Presidential Library and Museum is another one of the best museums in Texas.
Located at Southern Methodist University, the museum contains over 43,000 square feet of exhibits about former president George W. Bush’s life and career.
Visitors can see memorabilia from his entire history in politics — including his time as governor of Texas and his life after serving as president at the Dallas museum.
The most powerful exhibit is the one dedicated to the events of 9/11.
Visitors can see the list of people who died at the World Trade Center as well as see broken fragments from the building.
The George W Bush Presidential Library and Museum also has a few interactive activities for kids, like the opportunity to sit in the White House press room.
Because it’s located in University Park near Dallas, you can visit the George W Bush Presidential Library and Museum while exploring other cool attractions throughout Texas, including Six Flags Over Texas.
Children’s Museum of Houston
The Children’s Museum of Houston is one of the best Children’s Museums in America.
It has plenty of interactive kiosks, educational games, exhibits, and play spaces where kids can learn and have fun.
One of our personal favorites is the interactive water play area as well as the Kidtropolis exhibit.
If you’re planning a family day in Houston, be sure to add this museum to your list.
USS Lexington Museum on the Bay
Another museum in Texas you should visit is the USS Lexington Museum on The Bay in South Texas.
The aircraft carrier is located in Corpus Christi and allows visitors to take a tour of the ship as well as experience life at sea during World War II.
Visitors can experience the flight simulator, listen to crew members tell stories about their time aboard the ship, and see plenty of aircraft.
USS Lexington Museum on The Bay is filled with exhibits about the history of the ship as well as information about naval warfare that will keep you occupied for hours.
This Corpus Christi Museum is a must for all history Buffs and Military enthusiasts.
George Bush Presidential Library & Museum
Another one of the best museums in Texas is the George Bush Presidential Library & Museum.
The museum, located in College Station, contains a collection of interesting objects and interactive exhibits about former President George H.W. Bush while he was growing up and his life while serving as president — including memorabilia from all over the world.
One section features a replica of Air Force One and displays on foreign policy.
Another section allows you to go back in time and provide commentary for presidential events like the Berlin Wall coming down.
The Presidential Library is one of our favorite museums in College Station!
National Museum of the Pacific War
One of the most interesting museums in Texas is the National Museum of the Pacific War.
The museum, located in Fredericksburg, commemorates the sacrifices made by Americans during World War II.
Visitors can see rare artifacts and exhibits about America’s involvement in World War II as well as airplanes and bombers used in the Pacific War.
The national museum is one of our favorite places to visit in Fredericksburg.
The museum also has a beautiful Japanese garden that is open to the public for free — it’s worth checking out, too!
Also Read: Best Things to do in Fredericksburg, Texas
Contemporary Arts Museum, Houston
The Museum of Contemporary Art Houston is an amazing space to explore.
Located downtown on Montrose Boulevard, it has been recognized as a center for showcasing the best of regional art as well as national and international contemporary art.
It is a must visit for art lovers in the Bayou City.
Bosque Museum, Clifton
The Bosque Museum in Clifton is a place that should not be missed.
It houses an impressive collection of artifacts, historic documents, and photographs related to the history of Bosque County.
The museum offers a creative and educational experience that visitors of all ages can enjoy.
From the LBJ Presidential Library to the Texas State History Museum and from the National Museum of Pacific War to the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, there are plenty of cool museums in the Lone Star State!
Even cities such as San Angelo and Alpine have excellent museums that are worth a visit.
What’s your favorite museum in Texas? Let us know on social media or by commenting below!