MUSEUMS
THE BLANTON MUSEUM OF ART
The University of Texas’s world-class art museum boasts an impressive collection of Latin American art. Current and upcoming exhibits: “You Belong Here: Reimagining the Blanton,” celebrating the complete reinstallation of its permanent collection, starting February 11; “Nina Katchadourian: Curiouser,” March 12–June 11. INSIDER TIP: Like the exhibits themselves, the museum’s gift shop is carefully curated, making it a great resource for unique gifts. 200 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., 512-4715482; blantonmuseum.org
BULLOCK TEXAS STATE HISTORY MUSEUM
Learn the story of Texas while also enjoying smart, diverse exhibits that make you think. Exhibits: “Purchased Lives,” February 11–July 9; “Common Ground, The Music Festival Experience,” March 10–July 23;
“Pride & Joy: The Texas Blues of Stevie Ray Vaughan,” March 10–July 23. 1800 Congress Ave., 512-936-8746; thestoryoftexas.com
THE CONTEMPORARY AUSTIN AT THE JONES CENTER
The Contemporary Austin’s newly renovated downtown location features some of the most exciting artists from around the globe. Exhibits: “Monika Sosnowska: Habitat,” through February 26; 700 Congress Ave., 512-453-5312; thecontemporaryaustin.org
THE CONTEMPORARY AUSTIN AT LAGUNA GLORIA
More than a century old, the Driscoll Villa features the 14-acre Betty and Edward Marcus Sculpture Park. INSIDER TIP: Don’t try to pick up the coins around the fountain on the terrace—they’re part of an installation called Lost Money. 3809 W. 35th St., 512-458-8191; thecontemporaryaustin.org
HARRY RANSOM CENTER
Housing the archives of some of the world’s most celebrated writers and artists, from Gabriel
Garcia Marquez to David Foster Wallace and the Magnum Collection, this UT institution is a must-visit. Exhibit: “Stories to Tell: Selections from the Harry Ransom Center,” February 6–July 16. 300 W. 21st St., 512-471-8944; hrc.utexas.edu
LYNDON BAINES JOHNSON LIBRARY AND MUSEUM
Explore the Texas-born president’s life and legacy, as well as the impact of the 1960s, at this state-of-the-art museum. INSIDER TIP: When you are in the Oval Office, know that on the other side sits the real offices LBJ used, preserved and intact and used for very special events.
2313 Red River St., 512-7210200; lbjlibrary.org
MEXIC-ARTE MUSEUM
Opened in 1984, this invaluable downtown museum celebrates traditional and contemporary Mexican, Latino, and Latin American art and culture. 419 Congress Ave., 512-480-9373; mexic-artemuseum.org