Austin is filled with art, activities, and amazing sights to see. To help you narrow your plans down, here is our list of the Best Museums in Austin including the most wonderful, whimsical, and (of course) WEIRD!

Blanton Museum of Art

This traditional museum is filled with extraordinary art of all forms. Visit the iconic stone sanctuary with colored glass windows casting remarkable rays of light that change as the sun moves. Explore the different floors inside to see the current exhibitions and permanent collection. Only $15 for adults and located on the University of Texas campus. Marvel at paintings, sculptures, and creative works from all around the world. This is the perfect day trip for the whole family.
Best Day to Go: Tuesdays - Free admission.
Closed: Mondays


Wonderspaces

Get to Wonderspaces QUICK as this is the LAST year they will be running here in Austin. This is a non-traditional museum experience featuring interactive exhibits that allow you to walk through, touch, influence, and photograph the art. Wander your way through these illusions, environments, and (as the name implies) spaces filled with wonder!
Best Time to Go: Slow Times - Certain popular time slots/days will sell out and the spaces will be crowded. Check online here for open times.

Museum of the Weird

Keeping Austin Weird in the heart of Downtown. Just a few blocks away from the Capitol and located right in the Historic 6th Street District. This interesting old limestone building is filled with oddities, mysteries, horrors, laughs, and more! Every hallway and staircase leads to something you’ve probably never seen or even imagined before. Quench your curiosities here for only $12.99 (for adults). Don’t forget to hit the gift shop for a sensational souvenir! 
Best Time to Go: Morning/Afternoon, Weekdays - Located on 6th Street which gets more crowded evenings and weekends.

Museum of Illusions

If you are interested in illusions, this is the perfect place. Trick your eyes and blow your mind with the activities and installations at this incredible and informative museum. They have optical illusion rooms, perplexing puzzles, astonishing activities, and more! Fantastic fun in the Domain for friends and family of all ages!
Best Time to Go:  Slow Times - Certain popular time slots/days will sell out and the space will be crowded. Teachers get in FREE!

Museum of Ice Cream

Get your frozen fill at this viral interactive museum. Not only can you eat and learn about ice cream here, you can play in it! Explore their picture perfect, pink installations and don’t miss a swim through the sprinkle pool! Each area will have you snapping photos, laughing with your friends, and falling more in love with this iconic dessert.
Best Time to Go: Weekdays - Monday, Thursday, & Friday are cheaper than weekends.
Closed: Tuesdays & Wednesdays


Umlauf Sculpture Garden + Museum

Take a fantastical stroll through this fairy-like sculpture garden filled with bronze and stone works by the talented Charles Umlauf. Pathways wind around this lush green garden and lead you to the profound pieces that are featured throughout this quaint environment. This special experience is only 8$ for adults and located right across from Barton Springs and Zilker Park.
Best Time to Go: Mornings/Weekdays - Outdoors and located across from Barton Springs Pool
Closed: Mondays

Mexic-Arte Museum

Enriching Austin’s Downtown scene with Mexican and Latin American art and culture. Visit this magnificent collection of artworks from Latino artists. They feature pieces from prolific artists of the past and present. Appreciate the art, take classes, work internships, attend summer camps, and more!
Best Day to Go: Sundays - Free admission

The Contemporary

This traditional museum has a small but mighty collection of new works just a few blocks from the Capitol and a gorgeous sculpture garden at Laguna Gloria. Visit the Jones Center at 7th and Congress to see what current exhibitions they are featuring. Head to the rooftop for a sky high view of the Downtown area. Take a trip to Laguna Gloria to find sculptures along this waterside park trail. Both locations make perfect daytime activities for the whole family.
Best Day to Go: Thursdays - Free admission for both Downtown and Laguna Gloria
Closed: Mondays & Tuesdays