Neill-Cochran House Museum - red car parked near house
1 / 10

Neill-Cochran House Museum

4.6
·201 reviews·Austin, United States

Austin's last intact slave dwelling, a Greek Revival mansion showcasing over 100 years of city history.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Austin Museum Day

Free admission & family fun

CrowdHigh
Loading map...
Neill-Cochran House Museum - red car parked near house

Neill-Cochran House Museum

Best Time

Austin Museum Day

Free admission & family fun

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Austin's last intact slave dwelling, a Greek Revival mansion showcasing over 100 years of city history.

4.6
(201 reviews)

"A must-see for architecture and history buffs, telling Austin's story through a period of transition."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Free Admission Days

Look out for Austin Museum Day for free entry!

🚗 Convenient Parking

Free parking is available in the back, a rarity in downtown Austin.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Greek Revival Mansion

The Greek Revival Mansion

Main House

Admire Abner Cook's architectural style in this 1855 mansion, a testament to Austin's early development.

Last Intact Slave Dwelling

Last Intact Slave Dwelling

Slave Quarters

A powerful and essential reminder of Austin's history, offering a unique perspective on the past.

Special Events & Exhibits

Special Events & Exhibits

Various Locations

From ice cream making to Juneteenth celebrations, these events bring history to life.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for a Deeper Dive

Visit during special events like Austin Museum Day for free admission.Instagram+1 Weekends can be busier, so consider weekdays for a more intimate exploration of this historic Austin gem.

Understand the History

This Greek Revival mansion is Austin's last intact slave dwelling, offering a poignant look at the city's past. Guided tours provide crucial context.Instagram+1

Best Times

When
Austin Museum Day
Why
Free admission & family fun
Crowd
High
When
Weekdays
Why
Quieter exploration
Crowd
Low
When
Special Event Evenings
Why
Unique atmosphere
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

⭐️ AUSTIN MUSEUM DAY: the day where you can visit Austin museums for FREE! ⭐️ 🗓️ September 21, 2025 👉Some of our favorite museums include: 🖼️ Laguna Gloria @contemporaryatx 📖 @lbjlibrary ❤️ @thinkeryatx 🦕 @texassciencemuseum ⭐️ @bullockmuseum 🖼️ @blantonmuseum 🐴 @pioneerfarms_ 🏠 @neillcochran 🌸 Lady Bird Johnson @wildflowercenter 👀 See the full list at the link in bio!
austinfunforkids
18 likes • 749 views

🎯 Free Admission Days

Look out for Austin Museum Day for free entry! Instagram+1

🚗 Convenient Parking

Free parking is available in the back, a rarity in downtown Austin. Reddit

We're making hand-churned ice cream at the Neill-Cochran House Museum for Austin Museum Day! Lemonade too! Satisfy your sweet tooth. Free all day! Thanks Immergood Ice Cream Freezers! #atxmuseums #AustinMuseumDay #AustinMuseumDay2025
neillcochran
16 likes • 466 views
Come with us to one of Austin’s oldest residences, the @neillcochran House Museum! The museum shares over 100 years of Austin history and is the city’s last intact slave dwelling. This Antebellum-period building showcases the city’s cultural, economic and architectural transformation from 1855 to present day. In addition to the museum’s permanent collections, award-winning rotating exhibits are ...
visitaustintx
133 likes • 9.3K views

🗣️ Engage with Staff

The staff are knowledgeable and happy to answer all your questions. Reddit

🏛️ History Buff's Dream

Architecture and history lovers will find this site fascinating. Reddit

The Neill-Cochran House Museum is the last intact enslavement dwelling in Austin, a historic site from 1856 that was built using enslaved labor and is located minutes from the University on the intersection of 23rd and San Gabriel Streets. The building serves as a reminder of Texas history, from its construction to its current guided tours. Watch the full video on YouTube at the link in our bio. ...
thedailytexan
790 likes • 25.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Free Admission Days

Look out for Austin Museum Day for free entry! Instagram+1

🚗 Convenient Parking

Free parking is available in the back, a rarity in downtown Austin. Reddit

🗣️ Engage with Staff

The staff are knowledgeable and happy to answer all your questions. Reddit

🏛️ History Buff's Dream

Architecture and history lovers will find this site fascinating. Reddit

☕ Tea Time Experience

Consider attending a tea service for a delightful afternoon. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(201 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Neill-Cochran House Museum for its rich history and architectural significance, particularly highlighting the poignant story of the last intact slave dwelling in Austin. Many appreciate the knowledgeable staff and the unique family-friendly activities offered during special events. While some found certain tea blends unusual, the overall experience is considered a valuable and affordable way to connect with the city's past.

"Wonderful experience. So much history. They have neat family fun activities, unique. Japanese Block printing."

Cleo Petricek

"My girlfriend and I recently attended the tea service at the Neill-Cochran House Museum, catered by the Austin English Tea Company. The teas were decent, though many were unusual floral blends that weren’t quite to my taste. From the conversation at our table, it seemed most people preferred the more traditional flavors.

The sandwiches were fine, and the desserts were quite nice. The real highlight, however, was exploring the museum itself and enjoying the wonderful company at our table. Overall, it was a lovely experience—and since it supports the museum, we’d happily do it again."

Kyla Myers

"Went during the Juneteenth celebration that was free to the public. Very thoughtful and honest tour of the refurbished enslaved houses on the property from the historical interpreter that helped do the research. Also viewed the Juneteenth Black Rodeo exhibit which was wonderful and enjoyed the gospel choir that was there. All of the staff were wonderful will definitely go back again."

Janayn Evans

What People Like

Rich historical insights
Architectural beauty
Knowledgeable staff

What People Dislike

Unusual tea flavors

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Neill-Cochran House Museum is conveniently located in downtown Austin, near the University of Texas. It's easily accessible by car, with free parking available in the back.Reddit Public transportation options are also available, making it a straightforward destination for visitors. Instagram

Yes, there is free parking available in the back of the museum, which is a significant perk for visitors in downtown Austin. Reddit

While specific routes can vary, the museum's central location makes it accessible via various public transportation options in Austin. Check local transit schedules for the most up-to-date information.

The museum is just a few minutes' walk from the University of Texas campus, making it an easy destination for students and visitors in that area. Instagram+1

Absolutely! Its proximity to the University of Texas and central Austin location makes it a very walkable destination for many.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission fees are generally low and offer great value for the historical experience. Check their official website for the most current pricing. Reddit

Yes, the museum participates in Austin Museum Day, offering free admission on that special occasion. Instagram+1

The museum is typically open on Sundays and other select days. It's always best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date hours before your visit. Reddit

For general admission, booking in advance might not be necessary, but it's recommended, especially if you plan to attend a special event or tour. For special events like tea services, advance booking is usually required. Reddit

While guided tours are highly recommended for a deeper understanding of the history, you can often explore parts of the museum independently. Check with the museum staff upon arrival for the best way to experience the site.

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

You can explore the historic Greek Revival mansion, the last intact slave dwelling in Austin, and learn about the city's transformation from 1855 onwards. Instagram+1 Special exhibits and events, like Juneteenth celebrations, also offer unique insights. Reddit

Yes, guided tours are available and highly recommended. They provide in-depth historical context and stories about the house and its inhabitants, including the enslaved people who lived and worked there. InstagramReddit

The museum focuses on the Antebellum period, showcasing the city's cultural, economic, and architectural evolution from 1855 to the present day. Instagram

Yes, the museum hosts unique family fun activities, such as Japanese block printing and ice cream making during special events like Austin Museum Day. InstagramReddit

Absolutely! It's a must-see for architecture and history buffs, offering a tangible connection to Austin's past and a reminder of its complex history. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While the museum itself doesn't have a full restaurant, they occasionally host special events like tea services catered by companies like the Austin English Tea Company. Reddit

Typically, outside food and drinks are not permitted inside historical house museums to preserve the exhibits. It's best to consume them before your visit or at designated areas outside.

The museum is located in a vibrant part of Austin, close to the University and downtown, offering a wide array of dining options from casual eateries to upscale restaurants. Explore the surrounding streets for diverse culinary choices.

For private events or weddings held at the Neill-Cochran House Museum, catering services can be arranged, often in partnership with local Austin caterers. TikTok

During Austin Museum Day, they've offered hand-churned ice cream and lemonade, providing a sweet taste of history. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Photography policies can vary in historical sites. It's generally permitted for personal use, but flash photography is often discouraged to protect the artifacts and interiors. Always check with the museum staff for specific guidelines.

The exterior of the Greek Revival mansion with its portico and balustrade offers beautiful architectural shots. The slave quarters also provide poignant and historically significant photo opportunities. Instagram

For professional photography or photoshoots, you will likely need to arrange for a permit and potentially pay a fee. Contact the museum directly to inquire about their policies and availability. TikTok

While personal social media sharing is usually encouraged, avoid intrusive photography that might disturb other visitors. Always be mindful of the historical context and respect the site.

A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient for most visitors. If you're interested in architectural details, a wider-angle lens can be helpful. Be prepared for potentially lower light conditions inside the historic buildings.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Neill-Cochran House Museum offers unique family-friendly activities, especially during events like Austin Museum Day. Look forward to hands-on fun like ice cream making and Japanese block printing, which make history engaging for younger visitors. InstagramReddit The historical context, particularly the slave quarters, can be a sensitive topic, so parents may want to prepare children beforehand or focus on the architectural aspects and the general history of Austin's development. The free parking is also a major plus for families navigating the city. Reddit

🏛️ History & Architecture Enthusiasts

For those passionate about history and architecture, the Neill-Cochran House Museum is a must-visit. As Austin's last intact slave dwelling and a prime example of Greek Revival architecture by Abner Cook, it offers a rich narrative of the city's past. Instagram+1 The detailed preservation and the insightful guided tours provide a deep dive into the Antebellum period and the complex social dynamics of 19th-century Austin. Reddit

👩‍🏫 Educators & Students

The museum provides an invaluable educational resource, offering a tangible connection to Texas history, particularly concerning slavery and the Antebellum South. Its proximity to the University of Texas makes it an accessible field trip destination for students. Instagram The Neill-Cochran House Museum offers a critical perspective on Austin's development that complements classroom learning. Consider visiting during special events for a more interactive educational experience.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into Austin's Past

The Neill-Cochran House Museum stands as a significant historical landmark in Austin, Texas. Built in 1855 by architect Abner Cook, its Greek Revival architecture is characterized by a distinctive portico and balustrade. More importantly, it holds the distinction of being Austin's last intact slave dwelling, offering a crucial and often overlooked perspective on the city's history. The museum meticulously preserves and interprets this complex past, showcasing the lives of both the enslavers and the enslaved individuals who inhabited the property. Instagram+1

Visitors can explore the main house and the preserved slave quarters, gaining a deeper understanding of the social, economic, and architectural transformations Austin has undergone since the mid-19th century. The museum actively engages the community through various events and exhibits, such as Juneteenth celebrations and historical reenactments, making history accessible and relatable. Reddit

This site serves as a powerful reminder of the realities of slavery in Texas and the ongoing efforts to acknowledge and learn from this difficult history. The Neill-Cochran House Museum is not just a building; it's a vital educational resource that encourages reflection and dialogue about the foundations of Austin. Instagram

Experiencing History Through Events

The Neill-Cochran House Museum frequently hosts engaging events that bring history to life for visitors of all ages. Austin Museum Day is a highlight, offering free admission and fun activities like hand-churned ice cream making and Japanese block printing, making it a fantastic family outing. Instagram+1

Special occasions like Juneteenth are commemorated with thoughtful tours of the refurbished enslaved houses and exhibits that honor Black history and culture in Austin. These events often feature live music, such as gospel choirs, creating a vibrant and educational atmosphere. Reddit The museum also hosts storytelling events, like 'Stories on the Lawn,' providing unique evening entertainment. Instagram

Beyond these public events, the museum has also hosted tea services, offering a more refined experience with a selection of teas, sandwiches, and desserts, all while supporting the preservation of this historic site. Reddit Attending these events provides a dynamic way to connect with Austin's past and support the ongoing work of the Neill-Cochran House Museum.

You may also like

1 of 2