Museum of Texas University hosts various kinds of exhibits: real size dinosaur skeletons, African art, Chinese crafted ivory, American paintings, modern paintings, last century in Lubbock. Last year there was a special exhibits of Medieval Frescoes from the Vatican Museums Collection, and Sacred Art from the Old and New Worlds. The Medieval Frescoes had nearly 20 frescoes by master painters of the Roman School and came from the churches of St. Nicola and St. Agnese. The museum also had pieces borrowed from other museums to have a collateral exhibition. Silver religious objects, paintings and sculptures came from Museo Franz Mayer in Mexico City and paintings from the Sarah Campbell Blaffer Foundation in Houston. However, when we visited in September 2003 there wasn't any major exhibition for the public. An exhibition on dinosaurs was on its way.
I believe the museum would be much more enjoyable to visit if the design of the exhibits were more thought after. Besides from this minor pitfall there are many intriguing items on display for the visitors. One of the most interesting exhibits for me was the photographs of Native Americans living in the Southwest United States. Although the subjects dressed up and posed for the occasion it gave me a glimpse of their past lives. The pictures were taken in the 19th century. Another interesting thing for me was to learn about the Mammoths. These huge creatures became extinct while the first human migrated to North America. I respected the hunter who could kill such a big animal. It sounded like another interesting exhibit. The Moody Planetarium was closed for renovation when we visited. It might be another fun place to bring the kids.
Allow 30-45 minutes to have a self-tour of the museum. There is free parking in front of the museum. At the entrance you can pick up the map of the exhibits. You are not allowed to take the pictures of the painting with a flash camera. The museum is closed on Mondays.