6 Best Places to Learn About Austin’s Culture
Understanding What Makes Austin Beautiful & Weird
Words by Sean Saldana Photo by Will Bowling
For years now, Austin has been widely cited as one of the best places to live in America. Essential to this quality of life is the city’s rich culture and history.
Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center
Austin History Center
Initially started in the 1950s, a small set of files called the Austin-Travis County Collection would eventually grow to become the Austin History Center. With tens of thousands of documents, ranging from before the city’s founding in 1839 to present day, the History Center is the go-to place for anyone interested in taking a comprehensive look at Austin’s culture and history.
810 Guadalupe St.
Opened in 2007 and renamed after lifelong Mexican American activist Emma Serrato Barrientos, the Mexican American Cultural Center (MACC) has quickly become a focal point of Hispanic art, culture, and celebration. From ballet folklorico performances to sugar skull making workshops, the MACC sees over 100,000 visitors annually and is one of the best places to learn about Latin American arts and culture.
600 River St.
African American Cultural and Heritage Facility
Originally built in the late 1800s, the African American Cultural and Heritage Facility (AACHF) was originally a home owned by Thomas Dedrick, one of the first freed slaves in Austin. Today, the AACHF is home to the Dedrick-Hamilton House Visitors Center, Greater Austin Black Chamber of Commerce, and the Office of Arts & Cultural Resources.
912 E 11th St.
The Asian American Resource Center
Funded by a city bond and a federal grant, the Asian American Resource Center (AARC) opened in 2013 “to serve the greater community.” Thus far, the Center has made good on its promise, hosting numerous programs highlighting the gorgeous diversity of many Asian cultures. The AARC is also home to a ballroom, a commercial kitchen, a beautiful community garden, and they host annual festivals and events that celebrate Asian traditions and culture.
8401 Cameron Rd.
Puerto Rican Cultural Center
Founded in 1997 with only a single dance class, the Puerto Rican Cultural Center has become one of the country’s preeminent facilities celebrating the diverse and nuanced heritage of Puerto Ricans today. Since its founding, the Center has opened a community theatre, a multipurpose facility, and has received a multi-year grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies. The Center hosts workshops, dance performances, and bilingual plays honoring Taíno culture.
701 Tillery St. #13
George Washington Carver Museum, Cultural & Genealogy Center
As of early 2020, the Carver Museum has a new and permanent exhibit, The African American Presence in 19th Century Texas. The stunning work of art was brought to life by artists Aimee M. Everett and Moyo Oyelola. As an extension of the Carver Museum, the Genealogy Center provides “genealogical information such as databases, books, instructive material, and monthly seminars” for folks looking to dive deeper into their roots and get a better understanding of the city’s history. The Center serves as a resource to the community and has a conference room, a printer, and is a key gathering place centralized in Austin’s historically Black community. 1165 Angelina St.
Did you Know?
Since 2016, the U.S. News & World Report has ranked Austin in the top three places to live in America. The report considers survey data, Census Bureau statistics, Bureau of Labor Statistics data, and school and hospital rankings to evaluate affordability, the job market, and overall quality of life.
