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Photo: LoneStarMike, CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
A must-see for new visitors to Austin. A large source of pride for the city and the state, the State Capitol is a beautiful building wrapped in Texas pink granite. Independent-minded Texans take pride in the fact that the State Capitol is actually 14 feet taller than the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Unlike many other state capitols in America, Texas's is as welcoming as the state's people, and is completely open to the public seven days a week. It's interesting to stroll through the halls, look at the paintings and sculptures, and peek into the legislative chambers. And it's free! In addition, it is worthwhile to stroll around the grounds and look at the monuments. The Texas African American History Monument, somewhat to your left if you are approaching the Capitol from the south, is particularly large and impressive, and presents interesting information about important African American Texans and Black Texans' fights for Texas and for equal rights. There are several other monuments, including a nice one of a cowboy, one of a pioneer woman, one to Tejanos and a large memorial to Confederate soldiers. You can see some little official photos of all the memorials at the Capitol Grounds Monuments page.
The Texas State Capitol is the capitol and seat of government of the U.S. state of Texas. Located in downtown Austin, Texas, the structure houses the offices and chambers of the Texas Legislature and of the Governor of Texas. Designed in 1881 by architect Elijah E. Myers, it was constructed from 1882 to 1888 under the direction of civil engineer Reuben Lindsay Walker. A $75 million underground extension was completed in 1993. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970 and recognized as a National Historic Landmark in 1986.
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Stateside at the Paramount
Feature a wide variety of plays and acts, from Broadway touring shows to Chinese acrobats to plays and unique dance companies.
This is one of the nicest museums in Austin. There is probably more than you want to know about Texas history here. They have free lockers and the IMAX theater is also here.
Austin Museum of Art
Reflecting the unconventional spirit of Austin, AMOA-Downtown offers informative and informal art experiences oriented towards the interests of a broad general audience. The galleries serve as the Museum's primary exhibition site and present continually changing exhibitions and education programs that showcase an array of twentieth-century and contemporary art. To complement the art on view, the Museum presents a broad range of accessible, interdisciplinary, and hands-on public education programs for school children, families and adults. AMOA-Downtown also features the Community Room, a place for activities and private functions with gallery access.
Huge screen, 400 seats, with 2-D and 3-D capability.
Managed by the Austin Improv Collective. You can always find improv comedy there.