Located on the University of Texas campus, inside Sid Richardson Hall, is this unique library of archives, holding the largest collection of Texana. Several rotating and permanent exhibitions are showcased at the Center for American History, along with the Texas Music Collection. The collection features vintage posters from the Armadillo World Headquarters, a popular live music venue in the 1970s. Visitors also enjoy the Stevie Ray Vaughan Collection and the entire New York Times archive. Admission is free.
One part vaudeville and one part stinging political/social satire, this place has been amusing and delighting its guests, as well as the pedestrians who pass by its front-stage windows and observe its goings-on, since the late 1970s. A troupe of multi-talented performers write, act, sing and dance their way across a broad and constantly updated comedic map that pokes fun at our elected officials, celebrity icons, and regular citizens. It is not all for laughs, though; a magical act comes on a couple of times per show to startle and captivate your senses. This is a true downtown institution.
Saint Mary Cathedral, designed by noted Texan architect Nicholas J. Clayton, is one of oldest Catholic churches in Austin. Its construction was completed in 1884, but exquisite French and German stained glass windows were added in much later. A beautiful piece of Gothic Revival architecture, this small cathedral now seems almost dwarfed by the high-rise buildings downtown. Apart from regular Sunday services, weekly masses are also conducted; check website for further information.
All Saints' Episcopal Church was built by Bishop George Herbert Kinsolving, who is buried in a crypt underneath the altar. Originally established as a chapel, this church served the members of Grace Hall, then a women's dormitory for the University of Texas. The chapel was given the designation of a church in 1909. Despite its close proximity to the UT campus, All Saints' attracts a varied congregation of singles and families alike, some driving from as far away as Buda to enjoy the warm atmosphere.
On the campus of St. Stephen's Episcopal School is the beautifully structured Helm Fine Arts Center, the hub for all student activities and events. The arts venue features the Nancy Scanlan Art Gallery, the Temple Family Theatre, a recital hall and an open-air portico overlooking Lake Austin. This platform is used by students to showcase their talent, and also hosts an array of programs, exhibits and performing arts events throughout the year.
A part of the Ballet Austin, The Butler Dance Education Center is a temple for a ballet performer or amateur. With great emphasis on the regiment ballet requires, the trainers are professional and skilled in their areas of proficiency. Importance is always given to an overall understanding of the dance form and its techniques and styles. Students are also provided with the opportunity to perform before large crowds and thereby take a step forward to training for performance. For further information, log on to their website.