Texas Memorial Museum
Texas Memorial Museum is located on the main University campus at 2400 Trinity Street. The museum exhibits extraordinary fossil specimens from across the state, including the Texas Pterosaur, Onion Creek Mosasaur, Shoal Creek Plesiosaur, and remains of Ice Age mammals. The museum building 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 (last entry at 4:30 pm) Tuesday through Saturday; closed Sunday, Monday, and major holidays. General admission is $7 for adults/seniors, $5 for children 12 and under, $4 for college students with valid ID, and free for The University of Texas at Austin students, staff, and faculty with valid UT ID. Public education programs and special events are held throughout the year.
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 E. M. Barron Collection. The Hall of Texas Wildlife highlights the contemporary native fauna of Texas, including many of the state’s reptiles, birds, and mammals. Exhibitions with a focus on the museum's history and the natural sciences are featured in the Hall of Biodiversity.