AUSTIN, Texas—The University of Texas at Austin is expected to attract thousands of visitors from across the state for the annual Explore UT: The Biggest Open House in Texas, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 6.
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Explore UT, a free event featuring hands-on activities, performances, exhibitions and lectures for the entire family will take place, rain or shine, in galleries, laboratories, classrooms and outdoor venues across the campus. Visitors will have the opportunity to choose from more than 300 programs, including:
- March with the Longhorn Band
- Find Where You Stand (literally) With the Global Positioning System
- The Civil Rights Movement in Black and White: A Photographic Exhibit
- Neurobiology—It’s The Thought That Counts!
- Henna Hand Painting
- Escuchen de la lectura del Dr. Seuss (en español)
- Digital Animation in a Flash
- From the Taliban to Aga Khan: Islam in Central Asia
- Light as Substance—Art and Magic—A Robotic Lighting Extravaganza
“Explore UT is a day when we showcase some of the best research and resources our university has to offer,” said Larry R. Faulkner, president of The University of Texas at Austin. “It is a day to open our doors to the people of Texas. The event gives the community a chance to participate in fun activities while learning from leading scholars and discovering a world of knowledge.”
Participants can pick up free “passports” at any information center on campus to document their day. Colorful stamps will be provided at each venue and explorers with four or more stamps can claim a free T-shirt at the University Co-op Bookstore (Guadalupe Street location), while supplies last. The University Co-op is the major sponsor for this year’s event.
As a part of Explore UT, the university will unveil UTOPIA, a new Web portal that will allow Texans to explore The University of Texas at Austin and its vast collections and intellectual resources at any time and from any computer. UTOPIA will provide all citizens unprecedented access to the libraries, collections and museums through a directed and interactive experience. UTOPIA is designed with specialized content for K-12 educators, school children and families. A demonstration and exhibit of UTOPIA will take place throughout the day at the Flawn Academic Center.
The traditional “living star” photograph is the grand finale of Explore UT. At 5 p.m., visitors, students and volunteers are invited to gather side-by-side on the South Plaza in front of the Main Building to form a large Texas star for a picture. The Longhorn Band will march from the Denius Practice Field “bubble” to the UT Tower for the photo. Prints will be available for download from the Explore UT Web site as a memento.
This year marks the fifth Explore UT celebration. More than 30,000 visitors are expected to attend. For more information, visit the Explore UT Web site.
For more information contact: Robin Gerrow, 512-232-2145.
