The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum is the official state history museum of Texas, located at 1800 Congress Avenue in Austin, Texas. This guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, transport or parking, accessibility, and practical visitor tips to help plan your visit.
This guide was updated in March 2026 based on information from the museum’s official website, including a recent ticket price update and public holiday closures that may differ from older sources.
Quick facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily (closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, Easter) |
| Ticket prices | Adult $17, Student/Military/Senior $13, Youth (4–17) $11, Under 4 free (IMAX/Texas Spirit separate) |
| Address | 1800 Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78701, USA |
| Transport / parking | Underground garage (entrance on 18th Street, $15 daily) or nearby public transit (CapMetro routes) |
| Typical visit time | 1–2 hours for galleries, more if including theatres |
Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum opening hours
The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Exhibitions close on major holidays including Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and Easter. The IMAX Theatre and Texas Spirit Theater also operate during these hours with select additional showtimes; check the official schedule before your visit.
Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum ticket prices
Museum admission is priced as follows:
- Adult (18–64): $17
- Student / Military / Senior (65+): $13
- Youth (4–17): $11
- Children under 4: Free
Separate tickets are required for the IMAX Theatre (documentary or feature films) and Texas Spirit Theater shows; pricing varies by format. Museum membership includes free exhibition admission.
Exhibition admission is free on the first Sunday of every month (H-E-B Free First Sundays).
Prices and opening hours were checked and verified on the official museum website in March 2026.
5 great Austin experiences to book
- 🛶 Join a sunset kayaking tour – and see 1.5 million bats.
- 🍖 Get ready to feast with the country BBQ and wine country shuttle.
- 🌮 Take a best-of-Austin food tour – tasting great BBQ brisket and tacos on the way.
- 🍸 Discover Austin’s secret bars on speakeasies tour.
- 🏙️ Learn Austin’s fascinating history on a downtown walking tour.
How to get to Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum
The museum is in downtown Austin on Congress Avenue between Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard and the Texas State Capitol.
Public transport: Multiple CapMetro bus routes serve the area; stops along Congress Avenue or nearby streets provide easy access on foot. Use the CapMetro trip planner for current routes.
Rideshare or taxi: Drop-off is possible at the entrance on Congress Avenue or directly outside the underground parking entrance on 18th Street.
Why book the Double Decker Austin Single Loop Sightseeing Tour?
- 📸 Unobstructed Upper-Deck Views: Capture the perfect “postcard” shots of the city from the open-top deck, offering the best vantage points in Austin for photography and sightseeing.
- 🎙️ Live Storytelling (No Recordings): Enjoy a fully narrated experience with professional local guides who share engaging stories, humor, and insider history—completely live with no pre-recorded audio.
- 🏛️ Iconic Downtown Landmarks: See Austin’s most famous sites in a single loop, including the historic Driskill Hotel, 6th Street, the Texas State Capitol, and the Governor’s Mansion.
- ❄️ Climate-Controlled Comfort: Choose your preferred experience with the option to sit in the open-air breeze on top or relax in the air-conditioned lower deck to beat the Texas heat.
- 🎓 Comprehensive City Overview: Perfect for first-time visitors, this 75-90 minute loop provides an excellent introduction to the city’s layout, culture, and rich history without the stress of navigating traffic.
Parking at Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum
Underground parking garage: Accessible from 18th Street on the south side of the museum. Daily parking is typically $15; re-entry and overnight parking are not permitted. The garage closes around 8 p.m. on most days but may stay open later for events.
Designated accessible spaces are located near the elevators on each level of the garage.
Alternative options: Metered street parking and private downtown garages are available nearby. Metered parking conditions may vary due to local construction or events.
How long to spend at Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum
Most visitors spend 1 to 2 hours exploring the three floors of galleries. If you plan to watch films in the IMAX Theatre or Texas Spirit Theater, factor in additional time for showtimes, which can extend a visit to 2.5 to 3 hours or more.
Accessibility at Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum
The museum is designed to meet or exceed ADA accessibility standards. Accessible parking, elevators, ramps, and wide pathways serve all public spaces including galleries and theatres. Exhibits include open captions or transcripts where possible. Sensory bags and maps are available for loan. Guided tours must be requested in advance.
Inside / what to see at Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum
Visitors can expect to see:
- Three floors of Texas history exhibitions covering early cultures, colonial periods, state development, and modern themes.
- Historical artefacts, documents, and interactive displays that trace the story of Texas.
- IMAX® Theatre documentaries and feature films (separate ticket required).
- Texas Spirit Theater short films focused on state history topics.
- On-site café (The Star Cafe) and museum store (no museum admission required to enter).(thestoryoftexas.com)
Practical visitor tips
| Aspect | Tip |
|---|---|
| Entry | Purchase general admission tickets online or onsite; online purchase gives a confirmed time. |
| Timing | Plan to arrive shortly after opening to avoid later-day queues. |
| Layout | Exhibitions flow across three floors; elevators and stairs connect levels. |
| IMAX | Film showtimes vary; check schedule in advance if planning to attend. |
| First Sundays | Free exhibition entry on the first Sunday monthly; reserve ahead. |
Frequently asked questions about Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum
| Query | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum suitable for children? | Yes. Children are welcome; exhibitions and IMAX films can engage school-age visitors. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance for Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum? | No, but booking online helps secure your desired date/time. |
| Is Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum open on Sundays? | Yes, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (exhibitions). |
| Are bags allowed at Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum? | Backpacks smaller than 12×12×12 inches are allowed; large equipment and certain photography gear are restricted. |
Things to do near Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum
- Texas State Capitol – Free tours and exhibits a short walk south.
- Blanton Museum of Art – Art collections on the University of Texas campus.
- Bullock IMAX® Theatre – Film experiences at the museum site itself.
- University of Texas campus – Historic buildings and green spaces – including the LBJ Presidential Library.
- Capitol Visitor Centre – Exhibits on Texas government and history.
More Texas travel
Other Texas travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- What are the best stops on the Fort Worth to Austin drive or Dallas to Austin drive?
- Outdoor Austin: Guides to visiting Mount Bonnell, swimming at Barton Springs Pool and exploring McKinney Falls State Park.
- The best three stops on the Austin to Galveston drive and the Dallas to Galveston drive.
- Plan a visit to the Bryan Museum, Ocean Star Museum, Galveston Naval Museum and Galveston Railroad Museum in Galveston.
- Tick off the stars of the Dallas Arts District, including the Dallas Museum of Art, the Nasher Sculpture Center and the Crow Museum of Asian Art.
