AUSTIN, Texas – The University of Texas at Austin and its College of Natural Sciences will renovate and upgrade one of the most historic visitors’ spots on campus, the Texas Memorial Museum.
Built in the 1930s, Texas Memorial Museum, located off of Trinity Street in the heart of The University of Texas at Austin campus, has offered generations of visitors opportunities to explore and learn about the natural world, while also delving into lessons about scientific discoveries made here in Texas. The new investment will launch the most extensive renovation in decades, including building upgrades such as roof repairs, revitalization of foundational exhibits, installation of new exhibits and features, and improvements that will allow for hosted events.
“Texas Memorial Museum is the only museum on the UT campus, and in the greater Austin area, that will include both science and natural history exhibits, from prehistoric life to advanced research and technology,” said Carolyn Connerat, managing director. “We are grateful to the university and excited about reopening this cherished institution, which will be even better than before.”
Temporarily closed earlier this year, the museum is set to reopen in stages beginning next fall. In September 2023, visitors will have opportunities to see cherished exhibits, such as the famous Quetzalcoatlus (a type of pterosaur), and experience new engaging exhibits and educational programming for all ages.
“Showcasing science and offering the community opportunities to learn about new research is something this museum is uniquely positioned to help us do,” said David Vanden Bout, dean of the College of Natural Sciences. “These renovations are part of a larger effort to bridge between past discoveries and future innovations. Having a museum of science and natural history allows our campus to offer Texans a valuable portal into what’s wondrous about our natural world.”
Earlier this year, President Jay Hartzell and Dean Vanden Bout appointed a volunteer advisory committee to help create short- and long-term recommendations for the museum’s reopening and greater sustainability in the future. Fundraising efforts are ongoing to support future stages of the museum’s reopening and new installations planned for its fourth floor.
