Austin Museum Day is back for its 27th year, bringing a unique opportunity for residents and visitors alike to explore the city’s rich cultural heritage—completely free of charge. Scheduled for September 22, 2024, this event promises a full day of discovery, with over 30 museums across Austin and Central Texas participating.
The History Behind Austin Museum Day
Since its inception in 1998, Austin Museum Day has been a flagship event organized by the Austin Museum Partnership, a nonprofit dedicated to fostering collaboration between museums in the area. What began as a city-centric event has expanded beyond Austin’s limits to include museums in Georgetown, Marble Falls, and Bastrop.
Catherine Whited, co-chair of the Austin Museum Partnership, has been with the organization since 2020 and witnessed firsthand the event’s growth. “We used to primarily focus on museums within the Austin city limits, but in recent years we’ve expanded to cover more of the Central Texas region,” Whited explained. “Even lifelong Austinites are often surprised by the variety of museums they haven’t yet explored.”
What to Expect at Austin Museum Day 2024
This year’s event features 35 museums offering a variety of experiences, from interactive activities and self-guided tours to live performances and hands-on learning opportunities for families. Many institutions are going above and beyond to create memorable experiences for attendees.
For example, the Women’s Federation Building will host its traditional celebration, featuring hand-churned ice cream, fresh lemonade, and live music on the porch. Meanwhile, some museums on the University of Texas campus will engage visitors with a scavenger hunt where participants can win prizes.
Whether you’re interested in history, art, science, or niche subjects, Austin Museum Day offers something for everyone. From the Blanton Museum of Art to the Texas Military Forces Museum, each venue will provide its own unique programming. Notable museums participating this year include:
- Blanton Museum of Art
- Bullock Texas State History Museum
- Elisabet Ney Museum
- Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
- LBJ Presidential Library
- Thinkery
- Mexic-Arte Museum
- UMLAUF Sculpture Garden + Museum
Making an Impact
Austin Museum Day continues to attract thousands of visitors each year. In 2022, over 13,000 people participated, enjoying in-person events and virtual programming. As interest in the event grows, so does the number of participating museums, offering more opportunities for learning and exploration.
How to Join
The event is free and open to the public, making it accessible to everyone in Austin and neighboring areas. Each museum will host its own activities, with times and programming varying by location.
For a full list of participating museums and more details on the day’s events, visit www.austinmuseums.org. Make sure to mark your calendars for September 22, 2024—this is a day you won’t want to miss!
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