In addition to the University of Texas at Austin having a top-ranked academic program, diverse and talented students and world-class faculty engaged in cutting-edge research, the campus is also located in the city of Austin, the capitol of Texas and self-styled “Live Music Capitol.”
Hidden Gems on Campus
The Benson Latin American Collection
Affiliated with both Latin American Studies and Mexican American & Latino Studies, The Benson Latin American Collection houses rare works on paper and literature from across the Americas.
Blanton Museum
The Blanton Art Museum has a permanent collection of Texas artists, European paintings, prints, drawings, and modern and contemporary American and Latin American art. Special collections and traveling exhibitions bring masterworks and thematic shows to campus on a regular basis.
Harry Ransom Center
The Harry Ransom Center houses extensive collections of rare books, manuscripts, photography, film, art, and the performing arts, all available upon request for students and researchers.
KUT Public Radio
The College of Communication houses Austin’s public radio station KUT. Special performances at the Cactus Café music venue provide opportunities to experience live music on campus.
Out and About in Austin
Music
In addition to being home to a vibrant live music scene with popular locations like Austin City Limits Live’s Moody Theater and historic venues including the Continental Club, Austin is proud to host two music festivals each year:
SXSW
Now a two-week conference and showcase, SXSW celebrates innovation in music, film, interactive technology, education and the environment.
ACL Music Festival
Local, national and international artists converge on Zilker Park for a weekend of live performances. In 2013 the festival will be extended to two weekends.
Film
Local television and filmmakers take advantage of soundstages and production facilities at Austin Studios, and many creative artists call the city home. An Austin institution is the Alamo Drafthouse, local movie theaters with special screenings and dining options.
Outdoors
Austinites love to take advantage of the temperate climate and enjoy the outdoors, whether biking and running on the trail at Ladybird Lake and Zilker Park, hiking or rock climbing on the Greenbelt, or cooling off in Barton Springs Pool.
Hill Country and Beyond
The surrounding central Texas region has both cultural attractions and natural beauty. The metropolitan areas of Dallas Fort-Worth and Houston are easily accessible by car or bus, and the surrounding counties are full of places to discover.
Under an hour
McKinney Falls State Park
Pedernales Falls State Park
Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center
Hamilton Pool
Lake Travis
About an hour away
San Antonio
New Braunfels
Gruene Hall
Enchanted Rock State Park
LBJ National Historic Ranch