I recently had the pleasure of visiting the Mayborn Museum Complex in Waco, Texas, and I must say it was a delightful experience. The museum, located on the Baylor University campus, offers a unique blend of natural science and cultural history exhibits that are both educational and entertaining for visitors of all ages.
The Mayborn Museum is an impressive 143,000-square-foot facility celebrating Central Texas’ natural science and cultural history. Highlights include the Waco Mammoth Site, walk-in dioramas, geology, and paleontology exhibits, and engaging outdoor displays. A must-visit for history and nature enthusiasts, offering something for both locals and tourists alike.
History of Mayborn Museum Waco
I had the pleasure of visiting the Mayborn Museum Complex located on the Baylor University campus in Waco, Texas. This museum is a 143,000-square-foot building that celebrates the natural science and cultural history of Central Texas. The museum first opened its doors in May 2004 and has been a popular destination for visitors of all ages ever since.
Sue and Frank Mayborn, avid supporters of Baylor University, donated $15 million to aid in the construction of the museum, leading to its naming after them. The architecture firm Overland Partners designed the Mayborn Museum Complex, and the construction company Flintco brought it to fruition. The building itself is an impressive feat of engineering, with its unique design and utilization of sustainable materials.
One of the highlights of the museum is the Natural History Wing, which features exhibits on prehistoric Central Texas. Visitors can explore dioramas featuring landscapes of the area and see examples of the homes utilized by 19th Century residents of Texas. The Harry and Anna Jeanes Discovery Center is also a popular attraction, with its exploration stations for geology, paleontology, archaeology, and natural history.
Overall, anyone interested in the natural history and cultural heritage of Central Texas will find the Mayborn Museum Complex to be an excellent destination. The museum’s exhibits are both informative and engaging, and the building itself is a work of art. I highly recommend a visit to this fascinating museum if you are ever in the Waco area.
Exhibits at Mayborn Museum Waco
When you visit the Mayborn Museum in Waco, you’ll experience a variety of exhibits that showcase the natural and cultural history of Central Texas. Here are some of the exhibits that you can expect to see during your visit:
Mayborn Museum Waco: Natural History Exhibits
The Mayborn Museum’s natural history exhibits cover a range of topics, from geology to paleontology. One of the most popular exhibits is the “World’s Largest Dinosaurs” exhibit, which explores the biology of sauropod dinosaurs. Visitors can see life-size replicas of these massive creatures and learn about their unique adaptations.
Other natural history exhibits at the Mayborn Museum include the “Brazos River Journey,” which takes visitors on a virtual tour of the Brazos River ecosystem, and the “Natural Wonders of Texas” exhibit, which features interactive displays on the state’s diverse flora and fauna.
Mayborn Museum Waco: Cultural History Exhibits
The Mayborn Museum’s cultural history exhibits highlight the rich history and heritage of Central Texas. One of the most popular exhibits is “Waco at the Crossroads of Texas,” which explores the city’s role in the state’s history. Visitors can see artifacts from Waco’s past, including a stagecoach and a printing press.
Other cultural history exhibits at the Mayborn Museum include “Strecker’s Cabinets of Curiosities,” which features oddities and curiosities from around the world, and the “Governor Bill and Vara Daniel Historic Village,” which recreates a 19th-century Texas village.
Mayborn Museum Waco: Children’s Exhibits
The Mayborn Museum has a variety of exhibits that are designed specifically for children. These exhibits are interactive and hands-on, allowing children to learn through play. One of the most popular children’s exhibits is the “Discovery Rooms,” which feature a variety of activities and exhibits that encourage exploration and discovery.
Other children’s exhibits at the Mayborn Museum include “XOXO: An Exhibit About Love & Forgiveness,” which helps children learn to manage their emotions, and “Scooby-Doo! Mansion Mayhem!” which challenges children to solve a mystery.
Mayborn Museum Waco Special Exhibits
In addition to its permanent exhibits, the Mayborn Museum also hosts a variety of special exhibits throughout the year. These exhibits cover a range of topics and are designed to appeal to a variety of interests. Some recent special exhibits include “Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition” and “The Science of Pixar.”
Be sure to check the Mayborn Museum’s website for information on current and upcoming special exhibits.
Educational Programs at Mayborn Museum Waco
As an educational institution, Mayborn Museum offers a variety of programs that are designed to enhance learning experiences for both school groups and the wider community. Here are the two main types of educational programs offered at Mayborn Museum:
School Group Programs
Mayborn Museum offers a range of programs for school groups, which are designed to align with Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) standards. These programs are interactive and provide students with hands-on learning experiences that are both fun and educational. Trained museum educators lead each program, categorizing them by grade level.
Some of the school group programs offered at Mayborn Museum include:
- Discovery Trunks: These trunks contain artifacts and materials that allow students to explore different topics in science and history.
- Science Labs: These labs provide students with hands-on experience in scientific inquiry and experimentation.
- History Labs: These labs provide students with an opportunity to explore history through artifacts and primary sources.
Community Outreach Programs
Mayborn Museum also offers community outreach programs that are designed to engage the wider community in learning experiences. These programs are free and open to the public, and they provide opportunities for families and individuals to learn about science, history, and culture.
Some of the community outreach programs offered at Mayborn Museum include:
- Teen Takeover: This event is designed for teenagers who are interested in exploring the museum in a fun and interactive way.
- Mini Monday Storytime: This program is designed for preschoolers and their caregivers, and it includes a story time, a craft, and a visit to the museum.
- Lecture Series: This series features guest speakers who are experts in various fields, and it provides opportunities for the community to learn about a wide range of topics.
Overall, Mayborn Museum’s educational programs provide opportunities for both school groups and the wider community to engage in hands-on learning experiences that are both fun and educational.
Mayborn Museum Waco – Visitor Info
If you’re planning a visit to the Mayborn Museum Complex in Waco, Texas, here’s some information you’ll need to know.
Admission and Tickets
The admission fee for adults is $10.00, while seniors (65+) pay $9. Children between 18 months and 12 years of age are charged $5. Baylor Students and Members get in for free. You can purchase tickets online or at the museum.
Opening Hours
The Mayborn Museum Complex is open all year long except for Baylor University home football games and the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Good Friday through Easter Sunday. The historic village closes at 5:00 pm daily. In the event of inclement weather, call (254)710-1110 to inquire if the historic village is open.
| Day | Time |
|---|---|
| Monday | 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM |
Location and Parking
The Mayborn Museum Complex is located on the Baylor University Campus at 1300 S. University Parks Drive, Waco, TX 76706. The museum offers parking directly in front of the museum. The museum’s parking lot is for museum visitors. If the lot is full, you can park at the Ferrell Center.
Mayborn Museum Waco Events: Discover Wonders
As someone who loves educational and interactive experiences, I have always been a huge fan of the Mayborn Museum in Waco. The museum offers a variety of events that cater to all ages and interests. Here are some of the events that I recommend checking out:
Mini Monday Storytime
If you have young children, then you won’t want to miss Mini Monday Storytime. This event takes place every Monday and is perfect for children ages 2-6. The event includes a story, a craft, and a snack. It’s a wonderful way to introduce your little ones to the world of reading and learning.
Lecture Series
If you are interested in learning about history, science, or culture, then you will love the Mayborn Museum’s lecture series. These events feature experts in various fields who share their knowledge and insights with attendees. The lectures are informative and engaging, and they are a fantastic way to expand your knowledge and meet new people.
Member Preview Nights
If you are a member of the Mayborn Museum, then you get exclusive access to extraordinary events and exhibitions. One of the best rewards of membership is the Member Preview Nights. These events allow members to see new exhibitions before they open to the public. It’s a wonderful way to get a sneak peek and avoid the crowds.
Special Exhibitions
The Mayborn Museum is known for its special exhibitions, which change throughout the year. Some of the past exhibitions have included XOXO: An Exhibit About Love & Forgiveness and Scooby-Doo!™ Mansion Mayhem. These exhibitions are always interactive and educational, and they are a wonderful way to spend a day with family or friends.
Overall, the Mayborn Museum in Waco offers a variety of events that cater to all ages and interests. Whether you are a parent with young children, a history buff, or just looking for a fun and educational experience, there is something for everyone at the Mayborn Museum.
Mayborn Museum Waco Support & Membership
As I was exploring the Mayborn Museum, I learned about the many ways in which visitors can support the museum and become members. By becoming a member, I can explore and learn to my heart’s content. Additionally, I can volunteer to expand my experience, meet new people, and engage with eager learners from all ages and all levels of society.
There are several membership options available, including individual, duo, family, grandparents, and family plus. The individual membership costs $40, while the duo membership costs $75. The family membership costs $95, and the grandparents membership costs $85. Finally, the family plus membership costs $135. Each membership level comes with its own set of benefits, including free admission, discounts at the museum store, and invitations to member-only events.
In addition to becoming a member, there are other ways to support the Mayborn Museum. Visitors can donate, become a sponsor, or volunteer their time. Donations help the museum to continue providing high-quality exhibits and educational programs. Sponsors help to fund specific exhibits or programs, and volunteers can help with a variety of tasks, including leading tours, assisting with events, and working in the museum store.
Overall, I was impressed by the many ways in which visitors can support the Mayborn Museum in Waco. By becoming a member, donating, or volunteering, I can help to ensure that this wonderful museum continues to thrive and provide educational opportunities for visitors of all ages.
Mayborn Museum Waco – Contact Us
If you have any questions or concerns about the Mayborn Museum, there are several ways to contact us. We are always happy to hear from our visitors and are committed to providing excellent customer service.
Physical Address
You can find us at 1300 S. University Parks Drive, Waco, TX 76706. Our location is on the Baylor University campus, and we are easily accessible from Interstate 35.
Mailing Address
If you need to send us something by mail, please use the following address: One Bear Place #97154, Waco, TX 76798.
Phone Number
You can reach us by phone at (254) 710-1110. Our phone lines are open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Wednesday, 10:00 am to 8:00 pm on Thursdays, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Sundays.
If you prefer to email us, you can use the following address: in**@ma***********.com . We strive to respond to all emails within 24 hours.
Social Media
You can also connect with us on social media! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to stay up to date on all the latest news and events at the Mayborn Museum. We love hearing from our followers and encourage you to share your photos and experiences with us.
We hope this information is helpful and look forward to hearing from you soon!
