Beating the heat in Austin: 5 museums to check out this May
Written by: Becca Youngers
It looks like the minimal April showers have brought us heat and humidity instead of flowers this May! While it continues to heat up outside, we’ve compiled our five favorite Austin museums to visit this May. Fun fact – International Museum Day falls on May 18 each year. What a perfect time to visit a new museum! Check out some of our favorites below!
Blanton Museum of Art

The Blanton Museum of Art is located on UT’s campus and is the largest collection of art in Central Texas. Their collection “has more than 21,000 objects with expertise in modern and contemporary American and Latin American art, Italian Renaissance and Baroque paintings, and prints and drawings.” Check out the Blanton on a Tuesday if you can for free admission, or head out to the museum on a scheduled “Blanton All Day.” Every second Saturday or Sunday they offer live music, tours, and family-friendly activities. May’s all-day event is scheduled for Sunday, May 11, on Mother’s Day!
Plan your visit here
The Contemporary Austin

You’ve probably seen the iconic exterior of this museum either in-person or on social media before. The Contemporary Austin focuses on sharing contemporary art in two locations: The Laguna Gloria north of downtown and the Jones Center. Looking to develop some art skills over the summer? The Contemporary also offers art classes for adults and children at their Laguna Gloria location.
Art class information here
Plan your visit here
Texas Toy Museum

The Texas Toy Museum is a time capsule into childhood magic and wonder. It’s located in the heart of downtown Austin. You can see massive collections of vintage toys, play on old arcade games, and enjoy local craft beer! It’s a great place to cool off even if just for an hour or two.
Plan your visit here
The Bullock Texas State History Museum

If you’re needing to brush up on all things Texas history, the Bullock Museum is the place for you! They have great exhibitions on Texas history, oil and gas, and religious history. Plus, they have an awesome IMAX® theater to check out on those especially hot days. This May, they are showing Thunderbolts, Moana, and Crazy Rich Asians.
Plan your visit here
Texas Science and Natural History Museum

This museum is another great one located on UT’s campus since 1939. They temporarily closed in March of 2023 and gradually reopened specific floors to the public. The museum focuses on Texas wildlife, natural history, and hands-on learning experiences. The fossils are remarkable to see in person, but it’s even crazier to think these animals were roaming Texas all those years ago! Plan to visit this museum if you’re wanting to walk around UT’s beautiful campus. There are so many awesome sights to see on the 40 Acres!
Plan your visit here
Conclusion
Whether you’re brand new to Austin or are a local trying to find new things to add to your calendar for the month of May, museums are a great place to spend an afternoon! It’s also a summertime bonus that museums are kept notoriously cold to preserve and protect artifacts! May this May (no pun intended) bring you lots of new experiences and memories. Happy museum-ing from us at Urbanspace!