George Washington Carver Museum, Cultural and Genealogy Center

black text displaying "Carver Museum ATX"

Through the preservation and exhibition of African American material culture, history, and aesthetic expression, the Carver Museum works to create a space where the global contributions of all Black people are celebrated. We accomplish this by telling stories about our local community and connecting those histories to larger narratives about Blackness. The Carver Museum is free and open to the public. Masks are encouraged inside the museum.

Take a Virtual Reality Tour of the Carver!

The Boyd Vance Theatre renovation is finished. More information here. If you would like to submit your event to the Boyd Vance Theatre wait list, please contact museum staff at Carver.Museum@austintexas.gov .

For interest in the artifact(s) donation procedure please visit our Donations & Collection Information Page.

IMPORTAND UPDATE

Image of the George Washington Carver Museum, Cultural, and Genealogy Center with text reading: DELAYED OPENING, Based on guidance from the City of Austin, THE GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER MUSEUM, CULTURAL, and GENEALOGY CENTER WILL OPEN AT 12:00 PM ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2026, due to overnight freezing temperatures and potential hazardous road conditions.

Based on guidance from the City of Austin, THE GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER MUSEUM, CULTURAL, and GENEALOGY CENTER WILL OPEN AT 12:00 PM ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2026, due to overnight freezing temperatures and potential hazardous road conditions.

City crews are continuing to treat critical roadways, and conditions are expected to improve by mid-morning. Please continue to use caution when traveling.

Thank you for your flexibility and for prioritizing the safety. Additional updates will be shared if conditions change. Critical updates for the community at large will be posted online at austintexas.gov/alerts in 14 languages. Updates will also be posted on the City’s website at www.austintexas.gov and will be available on the City municipal television station (ATXN Channel 6) or by calling 3-1-1. All employees and the public are highly encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts through the Warn Central Texas Alert System at https://warncentraltexas.org.

** Museum tours are fully booked and closed through February 2026. We will resume museum tours in mid-March, 2026. **

UP NEXT

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

The George Washington Carver Museum, Cultural, and Genealogy Center is proud to present a dynamic month of programming for Black History Month 2026! This Black History Month is not simply a date on the calendar; it is a powerful reminder to recognize the generations of Black Americans who fought for inclusion in the historical record, even when the nation resisted acknowledging their humanity. As we honor the 2026 theme, "A Century of Black History Commemorations", the message remains clear — Black history is American history. Join the George Washington Carver Museum, Cultural, and Genealogy Center as we share, learn, and celebrate the stories, contributions, innovations, achievements, and impact of Black Americans across the span of a century.

We've partnered with local businesses, artists, and organizations to bring East Austin and beyond an exciting month of events that commemorates the historical journey of African Americans, inviting us to slow down, look deeper, and recognize the enduring resonance of Black people everywhere. At the Carver Museum we celebrate Black History Month with deep pride in February, but we honor, protect, and teach Black History 365 days a year. Join us all month long at the Carver.

Boyd Vance Theatre Renovation and Carver Improvements

Carver Museum Facility Expansion Plan

Exhibitions

Banner of Mandy from the African American Presence in 19th Century Texas exhibit

History, culture and art exhibits curated to educate and inspire. The Carver Museum has two rotating art galleries as well as four permanent exhibits honoring African-Americans in Austin and beyond.

Programs and Events

AKIRASH performs during the opening reception of his art exhibit, Majele (Venomous). January 2020.

The Carver provides culture and arts based programming free and for all ages to allow visitors to connect with community through special events and ongoing learning experiences.

Education Programs and Services

Students enjoy HBCU Day 2020.

The Carver offers culture and arts classes and educational programs.

Genealogy Center

Front of the Carver Genealogy Center

The Genealogy Center provides genealogy databases, workshops and seminars. All resources are free and open to the public.

Community Garden and Sunken Stage

Community members gathered around garden and empty pool with mural painted inside of it

The Carver community garden and sunken stage has breathed new life into the in the inactive Kealing pool. Recently repainted by Austin artist, Kel Brown, this space is on its way to housing events in the fall. Renovated and reimagined by Greg Farrar, this space is outfitted by hand-made seating, greenhouses, and concession stands. The Carver community continues to uplift this hidden gem situated directly beside the Freedom Plaza behind the museum.

Learn about what is happening at the Carver from special events, classes, and more.