The Texas Music Museum has been known for archiving, preserving, and highlighting the contributions of Texas musicians for 40 years. Located in East Austin, the museum has been recognized for its extensive collection of photos, rare recordings, and videos, capturing the rich history of Texas music.
The Austin Chronicle once praised the museum as the best roving museum for its exhibits at various local venues. Despite having a permanent headquarters, the museum is currently seeking more space to expand its exhibits and enhance its presence in the community.
Jay Stanley, a representative of the Texas Music Museum, detailed the scope of their collection in a recent interview with KXAN. The museum’s artifacts include Lydia Mendoza’s dress, Manuel Donley’s first guitar, and Robert Shaw’s Barrelhouse piano. They also possess historical items like Edison phonographs, which provide a tangible connection to the past for both younger and older generations.
The museum is advocating for more space, ideally within a proposed development across from its current location. This expansion would allow the museum to better showcase its extensive collection and celebrate Austin’s diverse music history, particularly focusing on African American and Mexican American musicians.
Recent discussions with the Austin City Council and support from nonprofits like Austin Texas Musician and the Austin Texas Music Commission have been positive. The museum remains optimistic about the proposed expansion and its potential benefits for the Austin community.