The museums and cultural programs of Austin's Parks and Recreation Department give voice to Austin's imagination and colorful past. Visit our museums, cultural centers, cemeteries, and outdoor theater for a memorable glimpse of what makes Austin unique.
Museum and Cultural Programs Sites
Asian American Resource Center
Dougherty Arts Center
Elisabet Ney Museum
Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center
George Washington Carver Museum
Old Bakery & Emporium
O. Henry Museum
Oakwood Cemetery Chapel
Susanna Dickinson Museum
Zilker Hillside Theater
Digital Programming
In light of the recent Stay Home-Work Safe Order requiring residents to stay home as much as possible, the Museums and Cultural Programs Division offers free digital programming for the public. Visit each respective sites' digital programming links below for more information. Programs will be updated on a weekly basis beginning in mid-April 2020.
Asian American Resource Center
Dougherty Arts Center
George Washington Carver Museum
Elisabet Ney Museum
Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center
Oakwood Cemetery Chapel
O. Henry Museum
Equity Exhibit Begins Department-wide Tour
“Austin’s Equity Equation” was produced by the Museums and Cultural Programs Division as a touring exhibit that addresses four major factors in becoming an ally for equity in Austin. These factors include: understanding current inequities for people of color in our community through data related to quality of life; learning the vocabulary of equity; learning about Austin’s diverse history; and developing an action plan for further involvement. The exhibit will be rotated among indoor Parks and Recreation facilities that are accessible to the public from October 2021 to March, 2023 (see tour schedule here.) A resource guide accompanies the exhibit which can be accessed here. Make comment or suggest changes to the exhibit at equityexhibitcurator@austintexas.gov.
CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS UPDATE
Voters approved the 2018 General Obligation Bond Proposition B: Libraries, Museums, and Cultural Art Facilities, providing funding for much needed improvements and expansion of Austin’s Cultural Centers. Previous bonds funded restoration projects at two of its museums.
Bond projects within the Museums and Cultural Programs Division are now underway and updates can be found at the following websites:
- Asian American Resource Center
- Dougherty Arts Center
- Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center
- George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center
- Ney Museum
- O. Henry Museum