Article
Since I began serving in the legislature, I have been asked on a number of occasions about sites and attractions in Austin. Constituents have even contacted my office requesting assistance in arranging tours during their visit to our state's Capitol. With many area residents planning a visit to Austin this summer, some of Austin's attractions might be of interest. In downtown Austin, the Capitol Complex is made up of over two dozen state government offices, including the Texas State Capitol. The Capitol, built in 1888, is Austin's most distinctive landmark. It ranks as the seventh largest government building in the world and is taller than the United States Capitol building in Washington, DC. Free tours of the Capitol are available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. To book private tours for groups of 10 people or more, call (512) 463-0063. Near the Capitol building is the Governor's Mansion. Built in 1856, it is the oldest continuously occupied executive residence west of the Mississippi River. The Governor's Mansion is generally open Monday through Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Advance reservations are required. For reservation information and a daily tour update, call (512) 463-5516. History enthusiasts and individuals tracing their genealogy may wish to visit to the Texas State Cemetery. The cemetery is where some of Texas' most notable citizens are buried, including Stephen F. Austin, General Albert Sidney Johnston, Governor Allan Shivers, Governor John Connally and Lieutenant Governor Bob Bullock. The Texas State Cemetery is located approximately one mile east of the State Capitol. The Gallery and Visitors' Center are open Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The cemetery grounds are open 7 days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Guided tours may be booked by calling (512) 463-0605. Museum lovers will enjoy the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. The museum has three floors of interactive exhibits, a special effects show and Austin's only IMAX Theatre. It also contains 34,000 square feet of permanent exhibits and 7,000 square feet of temporary exhibits. For information on exhibits, ticket prices and hours of operation, please visit the museum's website at www.thestoryoftexas.com. Those interested in United States history may enjoy the LBJ Library and Museum. The LBJ Museum is one of ten Presidential Libraries administered by the National Archives and Records Administration and provides year-round public viewing of its permanent historical and cultural exhibits. The library has approximately forty million pages of historical documents, including the papers of 35th President's entire public career. The museum is open every day (except Christmas) from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and the reading room is open on weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You can contact me by writing to P.O. Box 2910, Austin, TX 78768-2910 or by e-mailing me at larry.phillips@house.state.tx.us.
Gallery