Austin: Neill-Cochran House Museum

The Neill-Cochran House Museum offers visitors a unique glimpse into Austin’s past. As one of the city’s oldest historic residences, the museum showcases the rich heritage of the region through preserved structures and engaging exhibitions. Visitors can explore the museum’s slave dwelling, the only one of its kind in Austin, gaining insight into the local history from 1839 to 1930. With a commitment to education and accessibility, the Neill-Cochran House Museum stands as a significant cultural destination in the heart of Austin.

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Good To Know

The Neill-Cochran House Museum is one of Austin’s oldest historic residences, established in 1856 and featuring the city’s only intact slave dwelling.
The museum offers furnished spaces, rotating exhibits, and educational experiences that highlight Austin’s rich heritage and local history from 1839 to 1930.
Admission starts at $10 per person, with online ticket reservations available and a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.
The museum provides both self-guided and docent-led tour options, with first-floor exhibits and restrooms being wheelchair accessible.
Recent exhibitions at the museum have showcased diverse history and culture, including photography of 1970s Black rodeos and the impact of Freemasonry on the site.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview and History

The Neill-Cochran House Museum, established in 1856, is one of Austin’s oldest historic residences.

The museum features Austin’s only intact slave dwelling, offering a rare glimpse into the city’s and Texas’ history from 1839 to 1930.

Visitors can explore the furnished spaces and rotating exhibits to learn about the past.

The museum’s mission is to preserve and interpret the site, providing an educational experience for all who visit.

With its unique historical significance and well-maintained facilities, the Neill-Cochran House Museum stands as a testament to Austin’s rich heritage.

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Ticketing and Reservations

Admission to the Neill-Cochran House Museum starts at $10.00 per person. Visitors can reserve their tickets online and pay later, with no upfront payment required.

Guests can also take advantage of the free cancellation policy, which allows full refunds up to 24 hours in advance. The museum offers validity for one day, so visitors can plan their visit accordingly.

Whether guests prefer a self-guided tour or a docent-led experience, the Neill-Cochran House Museum provides flexible options to suit their preferences and schedule.

Tours and Accessibility

While the Neill-Cochran House Museum offers both docent-led and self-guided tours, visitors can choose the experience that best suits their needs. Docent-led tours are available for groups of 6 or more, scheduled at least 3 days in advance. Self-guided tours provide access to all historic areas and rotating exhibitions.

| Tours and Accessibility | |

| — | — |

| Docent-led tours | For groups of 6+ |

| Self-guided tours | Access to all historic areas and exhibits |

| First-floor exhibits | Wheelchair accessible |

| Interpretive materials | Available for second-floor displays |

| Restrooms | Wheelchair accessible |

The museum’s first-floor exhibits and restrooms are wheelchair accessible, while interpretive materials are available for the second-floor displays.

Exhibitions and Events

Recent exhibitions at the Neill-Cochran House Museum have showcased the diverse history and culture of Austin and Texas.

"A Juneteenth Rodeo" featured Sarah Bird’s photography of 1970s Black rodeos, offering visitors a glimpse into this important cultural celebration.

The museum also examined "Freemasonry and the NCHM," exploring the Freemasons’ impact on the site and Austin.

These rotating exhibitions provide engaging and educational experiences, complementing the museum’s permanent collection and furnished historic spaces that explore the city’s past from 1839 to 1930.

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Visitor Information and Guidelines

The Neill-Cochran House Museum offers free parking behind the building on 23rd Street. Once inside, visitors must follow a few guidelines to ensure an enjoyable experience. Food, drinks, pets (except for service animals), red wine, selfie sticks, vaping, alcohol, drugs, fireworks, explosives, touching exhibits, and bare feet are not permitted.

| Permitted | Prohibited |

| — | — |

| Service Animals | Food/Drinks |

| Wheelchairs | Pets |

| Interpretive Materials | Red Wine |

| Photography | Selfie Sticks |

| Mobility Aids | Vaping/Alcohol/Drugs |

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Architectural Significance

The Neill-Cochran House Museum’s architectural significance lies in its well-preserved Greek Revival style.

Constructed in 1856, the house exemplifies the influential architectural movement popular in the antebellum South. Its symmetrical facade, columned portico, and low-pitched roof are quintessential Greek Revival elements.

The home’s original layout and interior details, including delicate millwork and mantels, remain largely intact, offering visitors a glimpse into 19th-century domestic life.

As one of Austin’s oldest historic houses, the Neill-Cochran House stands as a testament to the city’s architectural heritage and the evolution of its built environment.

Educational Programs

Along With its historic house tours, the Neill-Cochran House Museum offers educational programs that bring the site’s rich history to life.

School groups can explore the 1856 home and the only intact slave dwelling in Austin. Hands-on activities and interactive exhibits help visitors gain a deeper understanding of the city’s past.

The museum also hosts special events, such as lectures and workshops, that explore topics like Texas history and the influential Freemason community.

These engaging educational offerings make the Neill-Cochran House Museum a valuable resource for learning about Austin’s enduring legacy.

Community Engagement

Beyond its educational offerings, the Neill-Cochran House Museum actively engages the local community.

The museum hosts a variety of events and programs that bring Austinites together. Recent highlights include a Juneteenth rodeo celebrating Black heritage and a Freemasonry exhibition exploring the site’s history.

The museum hosts events celebrating the community, including a Juneteenth rodeo and a Freemasonry exhibition exploring the site’s history.

The museum also offers docent-led tours for groups, providing an immersive experience. Accessibility is a priority, with wheelchair-friendly first-floor exhibits and interpretive materials for the second floor.

With its well-maintained facilities and informative content, the Neill-Cochran House Museum has become a community hub, earning a stellar 4.7/5 rating from visitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Museum’s Hours of Operation?

The museum’s hours of operation are not provided in the information given. The details focus on other aspects of the museum, such as its history, ticketing, tours, and exhibitions, but do not specify the hours it is open to visitors.

Is Photography Allowed Inside the Museum?

Photography is not allowed inside the museum. The guidelines prohibit visitors from using selfie sticks and touching the exhibits to preserve the historic spaces and artifacts.

Are Guided Tours Available in Languages Other Than English?

The museum offers docent-led tours, but they’re only available in English. For non-English speaking visitors, the self-guided tour provides access to the exhibits and interpretative materials are available for the second-floor displays.

Can Visitors Bring Their Own Food and Beverages?

No, visitors cannot bring their own food and beverages into the Neill-Cochran House Museum. The museum prohibits outside food, drinks, alcohol, and other items that could potentially damage the exhibits or facilities.

Is There a Gift Shop On-Site?

Yes, the Neill-Cochran House Museum has a gift shop on-site where visitors can purchase souvenirs, books, and local artisan crafts to commemorate their visit to this historic Austin landmark.

The Sum Up

The Neill-Cochran House Museum offers visitors a unique glimpse into Austin’s rich history. With its well-preserved structures, rotating exhibitions, and educational programs, the museum provides an accessible and engaging experience for all. Its commitment to preserving the city’s past and promoting cultural understanding makes it a valuable resource for both locals and travelers.