Austin: Neill-Cochran House Museum

Nestled in the heart of Austin, the Neill-Cochran House Museum beckons visitors to uncover the city’s captivating past. This 1856 landmark, one of the oldest in the Texas capital, invites guests to step back in time and explore its meticulously preserved slave quarters and engaging rotating exhibits. Whether you opt for a docent-led tour or venture on a self-guided journey, the museum promises an immersive experience that highlights Austin’s diverse narratives. With accessibility features and a commitment to inclusivity, this cultural gem is primed to spark your curiosity and leave you yearning to discover more about the city’s rich history.

Good To Know

• The Neill-Cochran House Museum is one of Austin’s oldest landmarks, established in 1856 and offering insights into the early days of Austin as the Texas capital.
• The museum features intact slave quarters and rotating art/history exhibits, providing an immersive experience of Austin’s historical evolution.
• Visitors can choose between docent-led tours and self-guided tours, both of which include access to historic rooms and exhibits.
• Current exhibitions at the museum highlight cultural traditions and significant local narratives, such as "A Juneteenth Rodeo" and "Freemasonry and the NCHM".
• The museum offers accessibility features, including free parking, wheelchair-friendly first-floor exhibits, and interpretive materials for the second-floor exhibits.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Museum History

The Neill-Cochran House Museum‘s story stretches back over 150 years, with its origins tracing to the very dawn of Austin’s hotel as the capital of Texas.

Built in 1856, this historic residence is one of the city’s oldest surviving landmarks, offering a unique window into the past.

Meticulously preserved and furnished, the house transports visitors back in time, inviting them to explore the rich tapestry of Austin’s history.

From the intact slave quarters to the rotating art and history exhibits, the Neill-Cochran House Museum provides an immersive and enlightening experience, shedding light on the pivotal role this site has played in the evolution of the Lone Star State.

Tour Options

Visitors to the Neill-Cochran House Museum can choose from two engaging tour options to experience the site’s rich history and captivating exhibits. For those seeking a more personal experience, the museum offers docent-led tours that provide deep insights into the property’s past. Alternatively, self-guided tours grant visitors the freedom to explore the historic rooms and rotating exhibitions at their own pace. To ensure an optimal experience, docent-led tours must be arranged in advance for groups of 6 or more, while self-guided tours offer convenient access to all areas of the museum.

Tour Options	Docent-Led	Self-Guided
Group Size	6+	Any
Advance Booking	3 Days	None
Highlights	Personalized Insights	Explore at Own Pace
Access	Historic Rooms & Exhibits	Historic Rooms & Exhibits
Price	Included in Admission	Included in Admission

Current Exhibitions

Immersing visitors in the rich tapestry of Austin’s history, the Neill-Cochran House Museum‘s current exhibitions invite guests to embark on captivating journeys through time.

Recent standouts include:

• "A Juneteenth Rodeo," showcasing Sarah Bird’s stunning photography that captures the vibrant energy of 1970s Black rodeos, offering a window into a vital cultural tradition.

• "Freemasonry and the NCHM," illuminating the significant impact of Freemasonry on the site and the broader Austin community, unveiling a fascinating chapter in the city’s past.

• Rotating art and history exhibits that continually refresh the museum’s offerings, ensuring each visit promises a unique and engaging experience.

Accessibility Features

Stepping into the Neill-Cochran House Museum, visitors will find an accessible experience tailored to accommodate diverse needs.

Ample free parking awaits behind the historic building off 23rd Street. Inside, the first-floor historic rooms and exhibits are wheelchair-friendly, ensuring all can explore the museum’s rich history.

For those requiring additional assistance, interpretive materials are available upon request for the second-floor exhibits.

The museum’s commitment to inclusivity extends beyond physical spaces, fostering an environment where everyone can enjoy the captivating story of Austin and Texas.

Accessibility is a priority, empowering all guests to uncover the treasures that lie within the Neill-Cochran House Museum’s halls.

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Booking and Pricing

Guests can purchase tickets to the Neill-Cochran House Museum for just $225 per person.

Booking is a breeze, with the option to reserve now and pay later, allowing visitors to secure their spot without the upfront cost.

What’s more, the museum offers a flexible cancellation policy, providing a full refund if cancelled up to 24 hours in advance.

When planning your visit, keep in mind a few important restrictions:

• No food, drinks, or pets (except assistance dogs) allowed
• No red wine, selfie sticks, vaping, alcohol, drugs, fireworks, or explosives
• Touching exhibits and going barefoot are prohibited

Visitor Restrictions

Visitors to the Neill-Cochran House Museum must abide by a set of rules to ensure the preservation and enjoyment of the historic site.

Bringing food, drinks, or pets (aside from service animals) is strictly prohibited, as are red wine, selfie sticks, vaping, alcohol, drugs, fireworks, explosives, and touching the exhibits.

Barefoot exploration is also a no-go. These restrictions may seem stringent, but they’re in place to protect the museum’s delicate artifacts and provide a safe, comfortable experience for all.

Guests who follow the rules can look forward to an immersive journey through Austin’s past, with docent-led or self-guided tours that bring the history to life.

Museum Accolades

The Neill-Cochran House Museum has rightfully earned its place as one of Austin’s most acclaimed historical destinations.

Praised by visitors and critics alike, the museum’s accolades are a testament to its commitment to preserving and sharing the rich history of Austin and Texas.

Standout achievements include:

• A 5/5 rating on travel review platforms, with guests raving about the engaging tours, insightful exhibits, and immersive experience.
• Recognition as a must-visit attraction by esteemed publications, including Lonely Planet and The New York Times.
• Prestigious awards honoring the museum’s educational programs and efforts to honor underrepresented narratives, such as the African American experience.

Visitors are captivated by the museum’s seamless blend of historical significance and modern storytelling, cementing its status as a true gem in Austin’s cultural landscape.

Getting to the Museum

Nestled in the heart of downtown Austin, the Neill-Cochran House Museum beckons visitors with its stately Greek Revival architecture and rich historical significance.

Free parking is available behind the museum off 23rd Street, making it convenient for guests to explore the museum’s well-preserved interiors and rotating exhibitions.

The first-floor historic rooms and exhibits are wheelchair accessible, while interpretive materials can be requested for the second-floor exhibits.

With its engaging docent-led and self-guided tours, the Neill-Cochran House Museum offers a captivating glimpse into Austin’s past, from its founding in 1839 to the early 20th century.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Photos Inside the Museum?

Visitors can’t take photos inside the museum, as it’s against the rules. However, they’re welcome to capture the exterior and grounds. Exploring the historic spaces and rotating exhibits is the focus, so leave the camera at home.

Are There Any Educational Programs for Children?

The museum offers engaging educational programs for kids, inviting them to explore history through hands-on activities and interactive exhibits. Children can discover the past, spark their curiosity, and embark on an adventurous learning journey at the Neill-Cochran House Museum.

Does the Museum Host Private Events or Rentals?

The museum does host private events and rentals, allowing visitors to experience its historic ambiance. Guests can reserve the space for weddings, corporate gatherings, and other special occasions, making for an unforgettable event in this charming 19th-century setting.

How Long Does a Typical Visit Last?

Visitors typically spend 1-2 hours exploring the museum’s historically-furnished rooms and rotating exhibits. The self-guided tour allows guests to set their own pace and linger in the areas that interest them most.

Are Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

Yes, the museum offers discounted tickets for students and seniors. Just show your ID at the admission desk to receive the special rate and discover the fascinating history preserved within the Neill-Cochran House Museum.

The Sum Up

The Neill-Cochran House Museum beckons visitors to embark on a captivating journey through Austin’s past. Its preserved slave quarters and rotating exhibits, from "A Juneteenth Rodeo" to "Freemasonry and the NCHM," offer an immersive experience that celebrates the city’s rich diversity. With accessibility features and a commitment to inclusivity, this cultural gem invites all to uncover the layered narratives that define Austin’s vibrant history.

You can check if your dates are available here: