Texas Memorial Museum

Texas Memorial Museum is located on the main University campus at 2400 Trinity Street. The museum’s exhibits include the Texas Pterosaur, the largest known flying creature; the Onion Creek Mosasaur; the Shoal Creek Plesiosaur; and remains of Ice Age mammals. The museum was constructed with state and federal funds, contributions, and proceeds from the sale of Texas Centennial coins sponsored by the American Legion. It was opened to the public January 15, 1939. In 1959, by legislative enactment, it became part of The University of Texas at Austin.

The museum is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Tuesday through Saturday; closed Sunday and Monday and major holidays. General admission is $4 for adults/seniors, $3 for children twelve and under, $2 for college students with ID, $1 for military personnel with ID, and free for University of Texas at Austin students, staff, and faculty with ID.  A school group rate of $1 per student, teacher, and chaperone is available September through May for groups of 10 or more students.

The museum’s Hall of Geology and Paleontology features displays of meteorites, rocks, and fossil plants and animals, including dinosaurs. The Great Hall showcases some of the University’s most prized and unusual specimens, including gems and minerals from the Barron Collection. The Hall of Texas Wildlife features the contemporary native fauna of Texas, including many of the state’s reptiles, birds, and mammals. The museum presents temporary exhibitions with a focus on nature and the natural sciences in the Hall of Biodiversity.