Texas is home to a number of music museums highlighting the state’s musical pioneers with displays of photos, instruments and other memorabilia. From Irving to Corpus Christi, Schulenburg to Austin, these museums offer a deep dive into the unique musical heritage of the Lone Star State. You’ll find Texas Music Museums honoring several well known Texas musicians like Selena, Buddy Holly, Tex Ritter, or Roy Orbison.
Texas Musicians Museum in Irving
The Texas Musicians Museum, located in downtown Irving, was a treasure trove of Texas music memorabilia. The museum, which moved to Irving in 2015, showcased an impressive collection from a multitude of Texas artists. However, due to a dispute with the city, the museum had to close its doors and relocate.
Selena Museum in Corpus Christi
In Corpus Christi, you’ll find the Selena Museum, a tribute to the “Queen of Tejano Music.” This museum is filled with artifacts from Selena Quintanilla’s life and career, including stage outfits, awards, and personal items, offering a glimpse into the life of this beloved singer.
Texas Polka Music Museum in Schulenburg
The Texas Polka Music Museum in Schulenburg pays homage to the state’s Czech and German roots. The museum showcases the history of polka in Texas, featuring memorabilia from various artists and bands that have contributed to the popularity of this genre in the state.
Buddy Holly Center in Lubbuck
Lubbock is home to the Buddy Holly Center, a museum dedicated to the life and music of Buddy Holly. The center features a detailed exhibition of Holly’s career, personal artifacts, and music-related items. It also serves as a venue for contemporary visual and performing arts.
Texas Music Museum in Austin
The Texas Music Museum in Austin is a treasury containing a unique historical collection that tells the story of the musicians who made Austin the Live Music Capital of the World. The museum offers exhibits on different music genres and their impact on the state’s culture and history.
Roy Orbison Museum in Wink
The Roy Orbison Museum in Wink celebrates the life and career of one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. The museum houses a collection of memorabilia related to Orbison’s career, including photographs, records, and personal items.
Bullock Texas State History Museum in Austin
The Bullock Texas State History Museum in Austin features exhibits that tell the story of Texas, including a section dedicated to the state’s rich musical history. Visitors can explore the diverse sounds of Texas, from country and blues to Tejano and rock ‘n’ roll.
Lefty Frizzell Museum in Corsicana
The Lefty Frizzell Museum in Corsicana honors the legacy of this country music legend. The museum showcases Frizzell’s personal belongings, hand-written lyrics, and a wealth of photographs that document his influential career.
Museum of the Gulf Coast in Port Arthur
The Museum of the Gulf Coast in Port Arthur features a “Music Hall of Fame,” showcasing musicians from the Gulf Coast region, including Janis Joplin, George Jones, and many more. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring personal artifacts, photographs, and music memorabilia.
Bob Wills Museum in Turkey
The Bob Wills Museum in Turkey is dedicated to the “King of Western Swing.” The museum showcases a collection of photographs, instruments, and personal items that belonged to Bob Wills, providing insight into his life and career.
Texas Country Music Hall of Fame and Tex Ritter Museum in Carthage
In Carthage, you’ll find the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame and the Tex Ritter Museum. These museums are dedicated to preserving the heritage of country music in Texas, showcasing memorabilia from legendary artists, including Jim Reeves, Willie Nelson, and Tex Ritter himself.
Freddy Fender Museum in San Benito
The Freddy Fender Museum in San Benito celebrates the life and career of this Grammy-winning artist. The museum houses a collection of Fender’s personal belongings, awards, and memorabilia, offering visitors a unique look at his journey from child performer to international star.
Heart of Texas Country Music Museum in Brady
Finally, the Heart of Texas Country Music Museum in Brady is a must-visit for any country music fan. The museum is home to an array of memorabilia from some of the biggest names in country music history, including Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, and Johnny Cash.
From polka to Tejano, country to rock ‘n’ roll, Texas has made significant contributions to the world of music. These museums offer a fascinating journey through the state’s rich musical history, celebrating its diverse sounds and the artists who have made their mark on the global music scene.
Author: Simon Trask
Simon loves Texas and the Great Outdoors. From East Texas pines to West Texas mountains, he calls North Texas home but is always ready to float a river in Hill Country or go fishing on the Gulf Coast. Simon loves camping and road trips as well, whether it's cruising Highway 287, 82, 69 or 281, that's the true way to see what Texas is all about!
