The highlights include the exhibits discussing the oil industry and the civil war. This museum is particularly interesting for non-Texans like myself. It is truly amazing the amount of importance this state has had on the world.

There are two theaters in the museum. One is an IMAX that is definitely worth checking out, although it is identical to most of the other IMAX theaters in museums throughout the world. The other is a State of Texas theater that is definitely not worth having a look at. Both theatres have a seperate admission fees.

If you have an entertainment coupon book, you can save a dollar or so on both museum and IMAX admission.

Named for the late Lt. Governor of Texas, this facility opened in April 2001 and houses over 700 artifacts, 17 media stations and 34,000 square feet of exhibit floor space on three levels, an IMAX theater and the Spirit of Texas Theater. The museum provides a history experience that recognizes that Texas is unique because of its history. On the floor as you enter is a 40-foot diameter mural. Around the campfire in the center is a symbolic gathering of Texas figures and icons. This is best seen by climbing the circular staircase that encircles the rotunda of the Museum to the third floor and then looking down.

The Museum is open Monday through Saturday, 9:00 - 6:00 and Sunday 12:00 - 6:00. The IMAX Theatre has extended evenings hours on Friday and Saturday. Photography without flash is allowed in designated areas. No photography of any type is allowed in the IMAX or the Texas Spirit Theater.

The Texas Spirit Theater seats 200 and inundates guests with pounding music, flashing images, rumbling seats, rushing air and even a gentle mist. With all the special effects, it still has the feel of an old Texas Opera house, popular in the late 1800’s. One production is the Star of Destiny, a 15 minute experience relating stories of determination, perseverance and triumph that made Texas TEXAS. The special effects reach their peak during a dramatization of the 1900 Galveston hurricane and can wreak havoc on hearing and hairdos. Sit back and enjoy a gusher exploding from an East Texas oil derrick and the takeoff of the Saturn V rocket carrying the first astronauts to the moon.

IMAX Theater: is one of the current IMAX productions and is expected to run until August 30, 2002. The production, narrated by Jeff Bridges, takes you back in time 200 years to journey through the rough, beautiful lands of the American West. Duration is approximately 1 hour. Opening on May 25th, the second production at the IMAX will be Space Station 3D.

For exact show times and admission fees, you can go to the website www.TheStoryofTexas.com. You can also purchase tickets on-line. The best "bang for your buck" is the combination ticket for $12.50 adult, $10.00 senior and $6.00 youth that will get you into the exhibits, one IMAX and one Texas Spirit Theater production.