Located just north of the State Capitol and downtown, university features a main campus of 357 acres and some 120 buildings. Information Center in Sid Richardson Hall, adjacent to the LBJ Library and Museum, provides information and maps for campus attractions. Open weekdays 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Jack S. Blanton Museum of Art - Museum's permanent collection includes more than 17,000 works that span the history of Western civilization - from ancient art to the most recent contemporary works. Known as one of the foremost university art museum's in the nation, is recognized for its Old Masters paintings, modern and contemporary American and Latin American art, and encyclopedic collection of prints and drawings. At 23rd and San Jacinto. Open Tues., Wed., Fri. - Sat. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Thurs. 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Sun. 1 - 5 p.m.; closed Mon. Located on 23rd and San Jacinto sts. Admission fee, but no admission fee on Thurs. 512/471-7324. www.blantonmuseum.org.
Harry Ransom Center - One of the world's finest cultural archives, center houses a rare Gutenberg Bible, printed in 1455. Other exhibits include 30 million literary manuscripts, one million rare books, five million photographs, and more than 100,000 works of art. Recently renovated, the facility showcases changing exhibits from permanent holdings. Open Tues., Wed., Fri. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Thurs. 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Sat. - Sun. noon - 5 p.m. On Univ. of Texas campus, 21st and Guadalupe. No admission fee. 512/471-8944.
Texas Memorial Museum - Natural history of Texas. Includes the fossil remains of the largest flying creature ever found, a Pterosaur, with a wingspan of more than 40 feet that lived in Texas 65 million years ago. Other exhibition items range from gems and minerals to fossils and meteorites. Open Mon. - Fri. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sun. 1 - 5 p.m. Closed major holidays. Free. 2400 Trinity St. 512/471-1604. www.tmm.utexas.edu.
UT Tower - Enjoy the spectacular view from atop the University of Texas' most famous landmark. Tours are available Thurs. - Fri. 6 - 8 p.m., Sat. 1 - 8 p.m. Tours are available through reservations, usually a week in advance. Univ. of Texas campus. Call or check on-line for schedule. 512/475-6633. www.utexas.edu/tower.