Texas Memorial Museum, UT Austin

National Register Nomination

UT Austin School of Architecture, Fall 2018 (Instructor: Gregory Smith)

The Texas Memorial Museum on the University of Texas at Austin campus in Austin, Texas was erected in 1937 as part of the statewide celebration of the centennial of Texas’ independence from Mexico. The building, designed by John F. Staub of Houston under supervision from Paul Philippe Cret, provides an exceptional example of "stripped classicism" popularized by Cret in its exterior and its architectural detailing while its interior finishes are fine examples of the classical moderne aesthetic. It was envisioned to house archaeological artifacts from across the state in a single museum and it has held such exhibits from its opening to the present day, retaining a high degree of integrity. The museum is emblematic of both the Texas Centennial, as it was one of nine memorial museums erected across the state, and of the architecture and planning of the university campus.

This draft nomination advocated for its inclusion on the National Register under Criterion A in the area of Social History and Criterion C in the area of Architecture at the state level of significance. Sections 7, 8, and 9 of the draft nomination are available on Issuu: