The official start of summer is less than a week away, and I’m always keeping a running list of things to do for when I tire of swimming at Barton Springs Pool. Luckily, lots of new art, history, and science exhibits are open all summer long.
Keep this list handy:
‘Masters of the Night: The True Story of Bats’ at Texas Science & Natural History Museum
I actually can’t wait for this one to open next week! This exhibit explores all things bats and premieres on May 24 at the Texas Science & Natural History Museum on the University of Texas at Austin campus. The exhibit has lifelike bat models and explains how Austin became a bat city.
See the LBJ Presidential Library’s Glow Up
OK, this one isn’t technically a new exhibit, but the LBJ Presidential Library debuted an updated version of its permanent exhibit earlier this year that’s worth a visit to the museum at UT. The exhibit now includes more historical context and a better understanding of Lyndon B. Johnson’s presidency.
‘Rosas y Revelaciones: Homage to la Virgen de Guadalupe’ at Mexic-Arte Museum
This exhibition is open now through Aug. 9 at Mexic-Arte Museum downtown, and it’s too colorful to miss. Garments inspired by la Virgen de Guadalupe are on display along with other textile works. The pieces are stunning!
‘Texas Festivals’ at Bullock Texas State History Museum
We know Austin breeds festivals at a somewhat alarming rate, but did you know about the wonderfully weird events hosted around the state like Elgin’s Hogeye Festival and Luling’s Watermelon Thump? “Texas Festivals” at Bullock Texas State History Museum downtown showcases 27 festivals across the state and how they create community. The exhibit is open through Sept. 27.
‘HOST: Laura Lit’ at Laguna Gloria
Laguna Gloria has some new, funky sculptures to peruse. “HOST: Laura Lit” features plump, squiggly, and brightly colored sculptures located throughout the Tarrytown museum. The sculptures are on view through Jan. 17, 2027.
