Are you interested in learning about different cultures and their histories? Here are the ethnology museums to visit in Texas:
1Deaf Smith County Historical Museum
Hereford, TXLocated in a former school building, this historical site is dedicated to preserving the heritage of the Pioneers, Indians and cowboys. 2Mayborn Museum Complex
Waco, TXThe Sue & Frank Mayborn Natural Science and Cultural History Museum Complex, also known as MMC, is a large facility located at Baylor University in Waco, Texas. It was opened in May 2004 and spans an impressive 142,000 square feet. This museum complex is a significant part of the university and offers a wide range of exhibits and experiences for visitors. 3The Crow Collection of Asian Art
Dallas, TXThe Crow Museum of Asian Art, situated in Dallas, Texas, is a renowned art museum that is home to more than 4,000 works of Asian art. This vast collection provides a comprehensive overview of Asian art and culture, making it a significant destination for art enthusiasts and tourists alike. 4Centennial Museum and Chihuahuan Desert Gardens
El Paso, TXThe Centennial Museum and Chihuahuan Desert Gardens is a cultural and natural history museum located on the campus of the University of Texas at El Paso. It is the oldest museum in El Paso, built in 1936 to commemorate the centenary of Texas independence. The museum focuses primarily on the natural and cultural history of the Chihuahuan Desert, promoting and sharing knowledge and understanding of the region's natural diversity and its people. 5The Samurai Collection
Dallas, TXThe Samurai Collection, officially known as The Ann and Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Museum, is a unique museum dedicated to samurai armor. It is conveniently located at 2501 North Harwood Street in Dallas, Texas. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the city. 6Menil Collection
Houston, TXThe Menil Collection is a museum situated in the Houston Museum District, in Houston, Texas. This museum is a part of a larger complex that includes multiple buildings and pavilions, each housing different parts of the extensive art collection.- 7
Mexican Cultural Institute
San Antonio, TXPromoting Mexican culture and bonding Americans and Mexicans together, this place features art, concerts, movies etc. 8Harry Ransom Center
Austin, TXThe Harry Ransom Center, located at the University of Texas at Austin, is a unique institution that serves as an archive, library, and museum. It specializes in the collection of literary and cultural artifacts from the Americas and Europe. This makes it a fascinating destination for those interested in literature, culture, and history. 9Institute of Texan Cultures
San Antonio, TXThe Institute of Texan Cultures (ITC), managed by the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), is a museum and library situated in the Texas Pavilion at HemisFair Park in Downtown San Antonio, Texas. This location is easily accessible and offers a rich cultural experience for visitors. 10Caddo Mounds State Historic Site
Alto, TXThe Caddo Mounds State Historic Site, also known as the George C. Davis Site, is a significant archaeological site located in Weeping Mary, Texas. The site comprises a village and ceremonial center, which are characterized by two earthwork platform mounds and one burial mound. These mounds are remnants of the Caddoan Mississippian culture, providing a glimpse into the lives of the Native American tribes that once inhabited the region. 11Southgate–Lewis House
Austin, TXThe Southgate Lewis House is a significant historical landmark located at 1501 East 12th Street, just a mile east of the Texas State Capitol in Austin, Texas. This location is easily accessible and offers a unique opportunity to explore a piece of African American history and culture in the heart of Austin's Black Cultural District. 12Levi Jordan Plantation
Brazoria, TXThe Levi Jordan Plantation is a significant historical site and building situated on Farm to Market Road 521, approximately 4 miles southwest of the city of Brazoria, in the U.S. state of Texas. This location was once one of the largest sugar and cotton producing plantations in Texas during the mid-19th century. It was founded as a forced-labor farm worked by enslaved Black people and also served as a local center of human trafficking. 13Witte Museum
San Antonio, TXThe Witte Museum, established in 1926, is situated in the scenic Brackenridge Park in San Antonio, Texas. This location offers visitors not only a rich cultural experience within the museum but also the opportunity to explore the surrounding park, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to their visit. 14National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame
Fort Worth, TXThe National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame, located in Fort Worth, Texas, was established in 1975. It is a museum dedicated to honoring the women of the American West who have shown extraordinary courage and pioneering spirit. The museum serves as a tribute to these women and their contributions to the history and culture of the American West. 15Museum of Texas Tech University
Lubbock, TXThe Museum of Texas Tech University, located in Lubbock, Texas, is a comprehensive institution that includes the main museum building, the Moody Planetarium, the Natural Science Research Laboratory, and the research and educational elements of the Lubbock Lake Landmark and the Val Verde County research site. These diverse components offer a wide range of exhibits and educational opportunities for visitors. 16Hutchinson County Historical Museum
Borger, TXThis intriguing museum follows the history of Texas from the Spanish expeditions in the 16th century till the discovery of oil in the 1920s. 17Panhandle–Plains Historical Museum
Canyon, TXThe Panhandle–Plains Historical Museum is a history museum situated on the campus of West Texas A&M University in Canyon, Texas, United States. This location is in a small city south of Amarillo. The museum offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich history of the region in a convenient and accessible location. 18Carson County Square House Museum
Panhandle, TXThe Carson County Square House Museum is situated at the crossroads of Texas State Highway 207 and Fifth Street in the city of Panhandle, within Carson County, Texas. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists traveling through the state. 19Latino Cultural Center
Dallas, TXThe Latino Cultural Center in Dallas, Texas, plays a significant role in the region as a hub for the preservation, development, and promotion of Latino and Hispanic arts and culture. This center is not just a museum, but a vibrant platform that fosters the growth and appreciation of Latino and Hispanic cultural heritage. 20Alibates Flint Quarries
Fritch, TXThe Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument has been a significant site since the Ice Age. Native Americans used to visit the reddish cliffs near the Canadian River in search of flint, which was essential for making weapons and tools. The traces of these quarries are still visible today and are part of a protected area managed by the National Park Service. 21Buffalo Soldiers National Museum
Houston, TXMuseum dedicated to African-American soldiers and their valor in foreign and domestic wars. The only one of its kind in the whole U.S. 22Bath House Cultural Center
Dallas, TXThe Bath House Cultural Center, located on the east shore of White Rock Lake in east Dallas, Texas, is the first of six neighborhood cultural centers built and operated by the City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs. This center serves all of Dallas, especially the eastern region of the city, and is a significant landmark with a rich history dating back to 1930. Designed by Dallas architect Jon Carsey, the Bath House is one of the first Art Deco buildings in the southwest.- 23
American Cowboy Museum
Houston, TXThe American Cowboy Museum is situated on the Taylor-Stevenson Ranch. Founded in 1988 by Mollie Taylor Stevenson Jr., the museum emphasizes the art, history, and culture of the contributions made by African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, and women to the development of the American West. 24National Museum of Funeral History
Houston, TXThe National Museum of Funeral History, located in Houston, Texas, is a unique institution that houses a vast collection of artifacts and relics. The museum's primary aim is to educate the public and preserve the heritage of death care. This unique focus offers visitors a chance to explore a less commonly discussed aspect of human culture and history. 25Czech Center Museum Houston
Houston, TXThe Czech Center Museum Houston, also known as the Czech Cultural & Community Center, is a multifunctional cultural organization situated in the Museum District of Houston, Texas. The center is dedicated to the education and celebration of Czech and Slovakian culture, art, and history. It provides a unique opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the rich traditions and heritage of these Central European nations. 26El Paso Museum of History
El Paso, TXThe El Paso Museum of History, situated in downtown El Paso, Texas, offers a comprehensive look into the past 400 years of history in the United States/Mexico border region. This museum provides a unique opportunity for visitors to delve into the rich and complex history of this border area, exploring the cultural, political, and social changes that have shaped the region over the centuries. 27Pioneer Museum
Fredericksburg, TXWhile not enormous, this museum packs in rich collections of authentic objects and photographs depicting the first German settlement. 28The Bryan Museum
Galveston, TXThe Bryan Museum, which opened its doors in 2015, is situated in the historic Galveston Orphans Home in Galveston, Texas. This location itself is steeped in history, providing a fitting backdrop for the museum's extensive collection of historical artifacts, documents, and artwork. 29Red Men Museum and Library
Waco, TXThe Red Men Museum and Library, located in Waco, Texas, is a museum dedicated to American history. It provides a comprehensive overview of the nation's past, making it an ideal destination for history enthusiasts and curious tourists alike. 30African American Museum
Dallas, TXThe African American Museum of Dallas is situated at 3536 Grand Avenue in Fair Park, Dallas, Texas. This location is easily accessible and provides a central point for visitors to explore the rich history and culture of African Americans. The museum is a significant cultural institution in the city, offering a unique perspective on African American art, history, and culture.- 31
Centro de Artes Gallery
San Antonio, TXThe Museo Alameda, located in the historic Market Square in Downtown San Antonio, Texas, held the distinction of being the largest Latino museum in the United States. It was also the first formal Smithsonian affiliate outside of Washington D.C. This affiliation with the Smithsonian Institution, a renowned group of museums and research centers, underscores the museum's significance in the cultural landscape of the United States. 32Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum
Plains, TXThe Panhandle–Plains Historical Museum is a history museum situated on the campus of West Texas A&M University in Canyon, Texas, United States. This location is a small city located south of Amarillo. The museum offers a unique blend of history and culture, making it an interesting destination for tourists. 33Hopkins County Museum and Heritage Park
Sulphur Springs, TXThe Hopkins County Museum and Heritage Park, situated in Sulphur Springs, Texas, serves as a local history museum. It is dedicated to documenting and preserving the rich history of Hopkins County. The museum is a significant resource for those interested in learning about the county's past, offering a comprehensive look at the area's history.- 34
National Multicultural Heritage Museum
Fort Worth, TXThe National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum is situated at 2029 N Main Street, Fort Worth, Texas 76164. It is nestled within the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District, adding to its historical significance and charm. 35Henry G. Madison Cabin
Austin, TXThe well-preserved log cabin built by Henry G. Madison was transported to the park to house a museum about Austin's Black heritage.- 36
Casa Ramirez Folk Art
Houston, TXA gallery offering sale and exposition of Mexican paintings, ceramics, artifacts and more! - 37
Kwahadi Museum of the American Indian
Amarillo, TXThis museum features lovely exhibits on Indian culture, like beadworks, paintings, bronzes, clothes and tools, all made by Thomas E. Mails. - 38
Costumes of the Americas Museum
Brownsville, TXAlthough this museum is quite small, it hosts an extensive collection of costumes of the native Americans. - 39
Lenora Rolla Heritage Center Museum
Fort Worth, TXThe Lenora Rolla Heritage Center Museum, located in Fort Worth, Texas, is dedicated to the history of African Americans in Tarrant County and across Texas. This museum provides a unique perspective on the rich cultural and historical contributions of African Americans in the region. - 40
Texas State Museum of Asian Cultures
Corpus Christi, TXMuseum packed with interesting information, particularly suitable if you're fond of Asian cultures. - 41
Instituto of Cultura Hispanica
Corpus Christi, TXThe exhibitions of this museum cast a clever eye on the culture of Hispanic countries. Folkloric events take place here as well. - 42
Collin County History Museum
Mckinney, TXPossessing an enormous collection of artifacts, this museum discovers the history of the northern part of Texas in an attractive way. - 43
John E Conner Museum
Kingsville, TXThe museum's namesake, John E. Conner was the first History professor at Texas A&M University-Kingsville. See exhibits on ranching, farming, culture, and natural history of South Texas. The Museum's Hall of Horns features over 200 animal mounts collected by rancher & hunter Graves Peeler. - 44
Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Cultural Center
El Paso, TXIf you want to know more about the Tigua Indian people, come to this museum and cultural centre presenting 300 years of their history. - 45
Harrison County Museum
Marshall, TXThe Harrison County Historical Museum, located in Marshall, Texas, is a dedicated institution that showcases the rich history of Harrison County. The museum provides an in-depth look into the past, offering visitors a chance to learn about the county's historical events and figures. - 46
Pasadena Historical Museum
Pasadena, TXThis museum focuses mainly on depicting the history of Pasadena, history of Indian natives of the area and some other important exhibits. - 47
Czech Heritage Museum & Genealogy Center
Temple, TXCommemorating the Czech community in Texas, this museum maintains the specifics of Czech culture far away from homeland. - 48
Floyd County Museum
Floydada, TXWhen in the area, don't forget to visit a museum tracing the history of the region, housing several unique artifacts. Admission free! - 49
Canton Plaza Museum
Canton, TXThis museum hosts an amazing collection of bells which is the largest in the state and other Native American artefacts. - 50
Red River Valley Museum
Vernon, TXThe Red River Valley Museum is situated at 4600 College Drive, in the city of Vernon, within the county of Wilbarger, in the U.S. state of Texas. This location is easily accessible and provides a great opportunity for tourists to explore the rich history and culture of the region. - 51
Museum of South Texas History
Edinburg, TXThe Museum of South Texas History, situated in Edinburg, USA, offers an extensive exhibition that covers the history of the Rio Grande Valley and the rest of South Texas. This provides a comprehensive understanding of the region's past, making it an informative destination for tourists interested in history. - 52
Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center
San Antonio, TXThe mission of this cultural center is to preserve the heritage of Chicano, Latino and Native American people. - 53
White Deer Land Museum
White Deer, TXThis friendly two-story historical museum displays textiles, home furnishings, early settlement tools and an arrowhead collection.