At Harry Ransom Center you will enjoy viewing the first successful permanent photograph ever taken, alongside one of only remaining Gutenberg Bibles, created in 1456. Also showcased here are rare compositions and manuscripts by Galileo, Beethoven, Hemingway, and more. You will find a wonderful collection of theater arts pieces and a book library with over 800,000 priceless manuscripts. Take advantage of the free admission and experience many of the University's unique treasures. Rotating exhibitions and workshops also allow visitors to interact with artists, actors, and writers.
This 22-acre (8.9-hectare) cemetery is the final resting place of some of Austin's most famous military and public figures, including Stephen F. Austin, Barbara Jordan and nearly 2200 veterans of the Confederate Army. It was restored in 1997 with a visitor center addition and is a very tranquil place to be. Visitors may call ahead to arrange for guided tours, or take a private tour with help from the Visitor Center's information packets. Admission is free.
Mayfield Park Cottage and Gardens is open to the public but is a favorite among the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department facilities rental division. The historic 1870s cottage is perfect for a small group or families visiting the town. The cottage holds 65 people, while the grounds hold up to 200. Explore the walking trails in the park to enjoy the landscaped gardens, lily ponds, peacocks, and palms in this picturesque environment. Pack up the family or reserve it for your event and enjoy this sprawling estate in central Austin.
A famous slogan states that everything is bigger in Texas, and if one views its capitol building, the age-old phrase rings true. Standing a stately 309 feet (94 meters) and modeled after the United States Capitol in Washington D.C., the Texas State Capitol owns the distinction of being the nation's tallest capitol building. Designed by architect Elijah E. Myers and constructed using lustrous red granite, the capitol took more than seven years to complete. It was finished in the year 1888 at a total cost of more than three million dollars, an extravagant price even by today's standards. The perfectly landscaped grounds reflect the languid pace of life under the central Texan sun, inviting passers-by for a quiet stroll or a lazy day under a tree.
Patrons will enjoy a huge variety of activities at Zilker Park. You can check out the hike and bike trails, picnic facilities, Zilker Botanical Garden, canoe rentals, soccer fields, sand volleyball courts, riverboat rides on Town Lake, concerts, festivals and even a miniature train. The wide-open stretches of grass in this park are just minutes from the downtown area. There is plenty of room and various diversions for the kids, so you can get a suntan, take long walks by the river or just curl up with a book down by the river.
Architect Nicholas J. Clayton of Galveston designed the beautiful main building (1888) in a Gothic Revival style with Texas white limestone. A fire destroyed most of the main building in 1903 and after being rebuilt, it was again severely damaged by a tornado in 1922. The University received its charter in 1925. Since that time, the academic programs have grown to include business administration, theater arts and an innovative undergraduate program for adults. The graduate school includes a Master of Arts in Human Services, Photo communications, International Studies, Communication, Business, Theater and Spanish/Liberal Arts.