Wheelchair-accessible car park
Yes
George Washington Carver Museum in Austin
Categories
Location on the map
Austin, Travis County, Texas, US
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Yes
Amenities
Good for kids
Yes
Toilets
Yes
Phone: +1 512-974-4926
Site: http://www.austintexas.gov/depar...
Site: http://www.austintexas.gov/depar...
Opening hours
- Monday:10AM–6PM
- Tuesday:10AM–6PM
- Wednesday:10AM–6PM
- Thursday:10AM–9PM
- Friday:10AM–6PM
- Saturday:10AM–4PM
- Sunday:Closed
Comments (195)
Highly recommend visiting the Carver Museum to anyone sightseeing in historic East Austin. Admission is free of course, since its operated by the City of Austin, and the building hours are the same as before the pandemic, so no need to schedule appointments to visit. The Carver is Austins very first Black history museum and cultural center! Today its housed in a sleek and modern building but the original Carver museum/library building from 1930s is beautifully preserved on the same property. The museums Instagram @CarverMuseumATX always shares upcoming events like a monthly Black-owned marketplace, genealogy workshops, kid-friendly art activities and contemporary art exhibits. For example, the legendary George Clinton of Parliament/Funkadelic is exhibiting his original artwork at the Carver! The gallery isnt giant-sized so you can easily view everything within an hour. I also recommend visiting the surrounding neighborhood of East 11th St. and San Bernard St. - its full of historic churches, schools, and cemeteries that are in easy walking distance from the Carver.
Its a wonderful museum with some very educational facts and information. A must see if youre in the Austin area.
Cool displays, a little bit of history, our tour guide was great
This is an incredible little library. Dont miss the permanent exhibit out back with the statues, very cool and informative!
Amazing institution about the history of black folks in the greater Austin area. Highly recommend and please give a donation before you leave as admission is free.
ATTENDED THE 12TH ANNUAL AFRICAN AMERICAN BOOK FESTIVAL LITERARY VIBRANIUM, THIS PAST WEEK-END SATURDAY JUNE, 23,2018. THIS FACILITY HAS THE CARVER LIBRARY, MUSEUM THEATRE FOR KEYNOTE SPEAKERS, MUSEUM CLASSROOM FOR CHILDREN STORY TIME, AND FAMILY EVENTS, AND THERE IS A WHOLE BUILDING DECATED TO ANCESTORS FOR ANCESTRY REASHEARCH.
A must visit place both for Austinits and visitors.Very much recommended for young visitors to learn about Austin black community life in the past and present years.
Its only partially open ... Appointments are preferred but if its not crowded they will open the door and let you come in. The exhibit is a thought provoking exhibit of the history of Texas from the perspective of black Americans. I particularly appreciated the personalization of the exhibit which included family narratives and photos.
Enjoyed the museum. Was definitely worth the visit.
I loved the exhibits. It is a small museum, but there is enough variety of presentation, and it is packed with information! Need to go back to see the exhibits that were being put together ❤
Our tour guide was very knowledgeable on the background history of this museum and very interactive with my students. We had a great time.
The museum was a breathe of fresh air to visit during my short stay in Austin. Not only did I increase my knowledge of black history,I left the museum expecting to return again soon. Giving a donation was the least I could do and believe you me I will continue to donate to this wonderful place.This museum is truly phenomenal. Thank you to all the museum staff for the warm welcome. I shall return soon.
The museum is a wonderful concept. I really liked the exhibits. Its small but packed with educational facts. The staff is incredibly helpful and eager to share. However, the museum definitely needs financial contributions from the city and private donors. Make it your business to visit. Its worth the the trip. Donate. Enjoy!
Thoughtful, well curated, and well taken care of. Definitely a worthwhile stop.
There was a sweet man who work there (30s / early 40s?) He was very professional and passionate about his job. He told us all about what the museum had and told us where everything at. He also came to check on us later on. This museum is small but it has a lot of art and information. Its also have a small children area that children can explore and learn. I want to thank the man who help us. Thank you, for making our time great.
I enjoyed the museum, although the actual exhibits are kind of sparse. Theres an entire room dedicated to elite black families from Texas, as well as a full wall of black congressmen which felt like an over emphasis on elite or exceptional Blacks. Would have liked to see more about the layfolk.
This museum shares the name of this great inventor, but it really has nothing to do with him except for one small display in a glass window in the front. However the other exhibits were fairly interesting. And I think the price was nominal so that was OK.
My best friend and I went down to Austin for one day (3/15/19) and found this gem while driving around. When we walked in, we were met by a kind African American man. A littler older; late 30s/early 40s maybe? He greeted us like he was happy we were there. He told us all about what the museum had and told us where everything was. I very much appreciated his tone and attitude. I can tell he’s passionate about his job! As we were leaving, he wanted us to know about an upcoming event and even showed us the website to more information about it. I love history and it’s pleasing to know that there are still people out there who are so informative, especially those in this type of job. I tried to remember his name but sadly i couldn’t. Hopefully this reaches you and i just want you to know, thank you for welcoming us out-of-towners! :)
I had been looking forward to visiting this museum for some time, but was somewhat underwhelmed by the little history display case for George Washington Carver, which is in the lobby. The remaining space is dedicated to a video about Juneteenth, a room of art, and history plagues about local families. Impressive exterior building, but the exhibit needs to be redesigned.
Interesting Museum though it scarcely details the life and work for whom it is named. It is a microscopic edition of an African-American Museum, the core of which focuses on scientific achievement. It would be a welcome addition if a hands-on scientific research room was built on site.
Excellent area to view great history available to learn about the culture. Staff is willing to assist in giving you more details when asked. The interactive museum is a must to visit. Go see for yourself and let me know what you think. By the way, it is free!
Rich with history, this facility is s fantastic neighborhood gem. It has statues, works of art, a beautiful auditorium that I have attended numerous events at, and cultural programs that run all the time. I have been to the carver medium and the library and both are fanatic locations to visit to get your learning on!
Informative, educational, enjoyable museum, dedicated to educating its visitors about the life, gifts & contributions of Dr. George Washington Carver, and African American history in Texas, specifically the Austin area. Good childrens programs & activities. Also serves as neighborhood community center. Hosts lectures, forums & workshops on topics of interest in the community. Free admission. Rotating gallery exhibitions. Dedicated, friendly staff. Convenient neighborhood location near freeway, shares off street parking lot with adjacent library. On street parking also available.
I am so glad that a place like the G W Carver museum exists. Every time I go, the exhibits teach me something new about the vital contributions of African-Americans to the US and the World. So many stories have gone untold for too long. Beyond the exhibits, the featured artists have a variety of styles. Many use bold colors and shapes. Some incorporate traditional African patterns in abstract ways. Others relate stories of pain and perseverance through the eyes of their subjects. Dont just visit. Visit often.
Its a really nice place! I like the statues outside and how its a museum about black people! But TBH Im not really as interested in it now as I was when I was younger because theres stuff thats mainly for children! But other than that, its nice!
Great venue and museum. If u want to know about Austin history, especially from a minority perspective, this is the place. Also a community gem with classrooms, educational programs and a wonderful auditorium / theater.
I enjoy this place so much. I’ve been to several events: Basquiat documentary, audio art exhibit, health forums, art shows and have several more events marked. Museum isn’t huge, but it’s backed with African-American history. I recommend this place for all ages, positive learning and local arts of many kinds.
What a beautiful place. So happy we discovered it. The staff is so friendly and helpful.
Good work instilling self confidence and responsibility along with teaching the kids to memorize and then share through acting. Kudos. I didnt see any exhibits. Was there for the Dr. Seuss Musical.
This is an amazing community resource. More people need to visit it and support it. Awesome programming and beautiful space, they let the community borrow their meeting rooms for free, always free stuff going on. And exhibits are great.
What a great time I had with my granddaughter, educating her about her heritage. Seeing a lot of local families a grew up around. And knowing her great-grandfather, Lee Warren took a lot of the photos for L.C. Anderson Class of 1960. She was proud to see herself in one of the photos.
Staff are super friendly and informative. All the art exhibits, history and sculptures gives snapshot of the history of past and contemporary black communities of Austin in particular.
I am a student at Huston-Tillotson University. I wanted to use the Genealogy Center for a research project related to family history. I checked the hours before I came. I get down there. Hours are posted on the door that they should be open. Nothing is posted to say why they are not open during the hours they posted. Super disappointed appointed for wasted gas and a wasted trip.
Greatly enjoyed the experience and the employees. Quite informative, however, it was much more Austin history than African American history. Also, the museum is in the building behind the library, which was misleading for a visitor to find.
Free, nice stories about local families and their success
A museum dedicated to preserving and presenting the history of Africans in the US, this institution connects the past to the future and deals with contemporary issues of discrimination and police violence. However, the size of the museum limits the scope of its exhibits and few historical objects are on display.
An absolute gem of a museum celebrating African American history in science, education, the arts, athletics, civil rights, and the local Austin community (just to name a few). Courteous docents have endless knowledge to share often going beyond the information offered in the museums displays. History comes alive at the Carver museum!
This museum has a great collection of exhibits covering the regions history. You will easily find yourself drawn into the window of the past. Admission is free, so you cant go wrong. Check it out!
Unfortunately I did not get to see the museum proper as it was being prepared for the next showing, but the people were friendly and the few exhibits I saw were informative. They also had a childrens room.
You will find a wealth of history here. Us history, Texas history, and Austin history. You will learn all sorts of fun facts and see exhibits that no other place in Austin has available. A must go to spot.
I am so glad I took the time to visit this museum. An amazing man and an amazing place to learn about Mr. Carver! The staff is so welcoming, helpful and knowledgeable.You owe it to yourself to experience this place.
Although I’ve never visited this particular edifice which honors Mr. Carver, I am in awe and appreciate his being rightfully recognized for the contributions he made to the world.Continue to Rest In Peace, Mr. Carver. We miss you, but your spirit is always walking among us.
Super disappointed we arrived at 3pm on Saturday and the door was locked. The employee came to the door and asked us what we needed. We told her we wanted to come in an explore and check out the center. She told us it’s a place where families can look up genealogy, and sighed and said it’s only open for ONE more hour. Basically the tone was not welcoming so we said okay. I don’t think anyone who wants to come in and explore an hour before closing should be turned away. I should be welcomed and always be able to come in, nope not today.
Its is very informative and educating.
Nice museum thats actually inside of Washington Carver Public library. They have rotating exhibits plus an auditorium for musicshows and other types of presentations. I went to hear Atash, a band that plays Persian music.
Friendly stuff! Dance studio is available to the public.
My class loved the play. They had so much fun! The staff and actors were fabulous! Can wait to return!
What a great cultural landmark! Definately a place one must go, if you want to discover an idea of African American contribution toward the advancement of central Texas and Austin city limits.
So much history and culture here. And the Punk Noir art exhibit by Dawn Okoro was gorgeous and so inspiring. Definitely represented the different facets of what it means to be a black artist.
Coming from Chicago it is rare to see a museum located within a cultural center. I am glad I was able to walk around the museum and learn a bit more about Texas and George Washington Carver.
Really nice little museum on some of Austins history
Beautiful museum that show case artist from local to international. Free genealogy classes, events for kids. Professional staff.
Great museum well worth the trip lots of History. I learned quite a bit. I would definitely visit again
Awesome space for community events, history, and education.
Dr. Carters name is used metaphorically as this is more of a Black history museum. Just a few exhibits, but nicely done. Free admission!
Concise, uncluttered and detailed displays, informative, close look at families in slavery and their ordeals and triumphs. Moving. Provocative art.
Weve enjoyed many family shows here, and camps. Its a beautiful place theres plenty to do with the library next door.
Great place to hear music. Most of the time you can pay a small donation for a concert at the auditorium.
The new exhibit was beautifully done. I cant wait to see how the artists continue giving the museum a refreshing face lift
Boyd Vance theater was great to see a show in. This time of year the jasmin in the courtyard is in full bloom and smells amazing!
Highly recommended for history buffs. Carver was a brilliant man who accomplished many good things despite living in Jim Crow America. Take your kids and your parents!
My husband and I were puzzled why there very little information on George Washington Carver. We think that since the building is called the George Washington Carver Musuem, then the Musuem should have 95% of the Musuem should be about George Washington Carver life and his accomplishments. If this problem is addressed and fixed, them my husband I will come back.
The Carver is the heart of the neighborhood, featuring many cultural and artistic events including art exhibitions, a book festival, theatrical perfomances, and historical research of the Austin African American community. It is a hidden gem.
Very little information about George Washington Carver, it is more of a black history museum which was nice but not the reason for our visit.
I loved it there was so much to learn it was outside it was inside it was like a museum there was two buildings and it was just awesome good place to go with the kids
Its free, and has interesting exhibits. Unfortunately, some parts of the museum were being renovated when I went there.
Come here every year to see Santa. What a nice alternative to the cookie cutter mall experience and they really do it up. And its free!
Love this place. Great space to encourage all sorts of artistic expression and celebrate African American heritage!
I am from India, reading book on Mr. G.W.Carver, would love to visit this place.
Interesting museum. We didnt stay long but several of the exhibits were not functioning.
The museum is beautiful and provides such a welcoming atmosphere in the community.
Unique place. Its a library and a museum with a very nice auditorium inside of it. I went to a concert at the museum
Although the museum is on the smaller side, it had a very large affect on me. I am so glad it exists.
This was a great little museum to spend an hour at. Admission was free as well.
Beautiful place with fantastic staff and depth of educational information and fun activities for children.
Enjoyed our visit to juneteenth festival. Many great vendors and educational and food was great!
A little known gem. So much more than a museum, great conference rooms.
This museum has great exhibits. I learned a lot about black history, Texas history, and Austin history
It was a nice surprise to find the Carver Museum in Austin. Very interesting info and inspiring.
Very interesting and unique exhibits especially the Black Inventors and Innovators exhibit
It was a nice place for a graduation I went havent been in there to explore the place further yet
I enjoyed the history and art exhibits inside and outside.
Smaller museum, but they had some great exhibits!
Great family place to go and learn about Austin history as well as local events.
Exhibits on some local notables, a display of historical items related to GWH, some nice statue?
I only go to the library next door. I have never visited the museum yet!
Great HBCU and Black History program! I consider this a a staple of the community.
Here for the African American Book Festival. Staff is amazing and resourceful.
Nice spot for cultural venues. Support things going on in the Black community.
Had a great time at the Carver Muesum participating in the Q Shae Moisture event.
Wonderful facilities. Very clean and well organized. excellent programs.
Nice space, dedicated to a great mind and person, somewhat topical, but a great effort!
Nice, quite. A good place for learning! Doing homework, holding meetings, etc..
Great meeting space for large groups up to 35 people.
Needs more interactive....... And some GWC music playing in the background. ....
Full of Historic site, if you looking for anything you will find in there
If you love black history you love this even has clothes from the people
Love thisMuseum and the children’s activities offered
Great place. Clean, and interesting events
Went for a child’s show. My granddaughter loved it.
Black History of men and women who invented or made history
This is a place that I would recommend to any body that is interested in any American history
Loved the culture and ambient..
Very educational and enlightening. Will definitely return and tell others.
We enjoyed our visit here very much.
Its teaching and keeping the past alive, and thats very necessary.
It was very fun. And not busy at all
Great learning experience for all races, cultures and ages.
The best library in town. Truly a community gathering spot.
This is a wonderful treasure. Given all the changes in East Austin, I hope it stays the same...
Great place for the African American book festival
Beautiful museum. Highly recommend.
Wonderful programming by the knowledgeable and talented staff!
Lots of fun everytime we visit...
Very educational and kept my kids entertained
The Carver is one of Black Austins greatest Institutions.
Very resourceful and adequate space for events
Great place to learn some black history facts
Lots of good historical facts with photos.
Very informative. Beautiful art. Educational
Gorgeous and clean. Very nice place.
My picture was hanging as part the I am Black Austin series!
Best museum in Austin
I always go here on the initial day of sxsw. Its a ritual
Nice place.
It is our culture. Please go visit and sit a spell.
Take your child and teach them something new
The George Washington Carver Museum is a treasure in plain site.
Love this place its a gem in the heart of East Austin!!!!!!
Cool museum to come and visit.
Beautiful library and meeting place
Such a wonderful museum
SEVERAL STUDENTS FROM KEALING GO THERE AND THEY ARE VERY DISRESPECTFUL TO THE ENVIRONMENT
Great place to learn, inspire, and network.
Great place to learn a thing or two.
Great experience really educational
Its ok. Could be better.
God damn best library in the city
Real Black history, awesome.
Nice place for meeting & activities
I thought this place was awesome...👍💯
Facilities could use a refresh in the theater
What a wonderful and intimate venue!
Good
Ushered a play. It was nice.
Loved it the show was good
Get to learn more about George Washington and who he was
Chill place to get books and study
Very cool place!
Well worth the visit.
Great history museum
Very nice
Awesome! Loved it!
Neat, Free museum
Great place to visit.
Excellent exhibits
Great Museum!
Very informative, nice staff
Grateful to have it in East Austin
Great plan for tomorrow...
One of Austin’s true treasures
Such an enlightening experience
History needs to be remembered.
I been and I like it a lot
Great history in Austin
Great for meetings
Geneology research facility
Fascinating museum
Beautiful establishment.
Great museum
Awesome
Love it educational
Cute museum
Good
Fabulous
Amazing
Good
Excellent
Please support this place
Calm and collected
Monday is closed
History
Black history.
Very well
George washington carver made history
Total reviews rating 4.6
195 Reviews for George Washington Carver Museum 2023:
Review №1
2022-03-17Excellent info and exhibits. We learned so much! Id definitely come back again! Many African American firsts were highlighted... First military pilot, first firefighter, families that settled in the area, even a symposium on gentrification!
Review №2
2022-06-25Okay, this was a really cool museum however as the George Washington Carver Museum, I would expect to have a nice portion dedicated to the great man. I saw a bust and a small area in the kids room. I was kind of bummed I didnt get to learn more.
Review №3
2022-06-30Wonderful Juneteenth show all the performances were great! The garden is outstanding
Review №4
2022-02-20Took a small group who had never been and we were pleasantly surprised with the exhibits...while small, were very well lit and thoughtfully displayed. The Video about Juneteenth was well done and a nice centerpiece. Several eye-catching displays of art and dated photos. Wish there was more to view...but well done with what was presented!
Review №5
2022-06-06Beautiful place filled with lots of history through photos, artifacts and loads of information.The art is fantastic! And the history takes you back to a time of loss and struggle. I am so glad that my husband and I chose to visit the museum.I was fascinated to see how many African Americans had been inventors. Our history books need to change! We need to tell the truth. We need more documentaries of these wonderful beings.
Review №6
2021-06-02We arrived here at around 330p on a Tuesday and noticed that the sign stated entry was appointment only.So, we made an appointment for 515p - 6p. Google Maps said the museum closed at 6pm and that timeslot was available on the EventBrite booking site.We arrive at exactly 515p, and a nice older gentleman tells us that the museum actually closes at 530p. He did apologize for the confusion and said that we could still view the gallery until closing at 530p.This slightly confusing experience aside, the gallery, though small, had some fascinating artifacts and information. However, for auch a large and impressive building...it appears to be underutilized.I would love to see them do more with the building and add more galleries. Also, the time needs to be updated on Google Maps so unsuspecting tourists like myself arent caught off guard.We would definitely return in the future if more events / galleries were added for viewing.
Review №7
2018-08-10Very good place to learn about the history of Texas when it comes to the civil rights and during the war. The facility is clean and well kept, displays were dust free and details explaining what the particular display is, statues, some of the videos and map were outdated. They also hold special programs and event rental facilities
Review №8
2018-09-12I truly enjoy visiting the Carver, the wealth of information and exposure of black history os fantastic! I wish there was a greater appreciation for the museum and a broader base of support for their efforts. The gospel exhibit was interactive and informative. The black women of influence exhibit was phenomenal! I will definintely be going back before the end of the year!
Review №9
2019-07-21What an amazing museum. The exhibits were exceptionally informative and well put together! And the employees were very kind and professional! Ill definitely go back.
Review №10
2018-07-26RENOVATIONS!!!! RENOVATIONS!!!! Theyre needed terribly. My first time visiting and I initially thought it was near the capitol grounds ...like a lot of the other museums, but its not. This place is located on the opposite side of the expressway, down in a low income neighborhood. The landscaping is unkept, the homes across the street are in bad condition, and theres a pool directly behind the museum that has no water in it/dirty/rust stained. When you first walk in, it barely speaks museum. You can tell theres not a lot of money in the budget for this historic landmark which is beyond a shame and a scandal. Also, behind the building are about 5 statues that were supposed to be located on the capitol grounds, but they were stagnant for about 10yrs because no one could agree and someone decided to take a different artistic approach. (Read the pics I posted). So, they decided to stick them somewhere; in the backyard of a museum that will not be seen by anyone who passes by. I expected more. This is sad. The only thing I can say is it does have some kind of program for kids. We saw a lot of them painting/drawing, which also includes a silent auction portion. It seemed be be part museum (for the check in the box), part library, and part community center.