Museum of Texas Tech University

For 90 years, the Museum of Texas Tech University has preserved and showcased the history of the Southwestern U.S. With one of the most diverse collections of more than eight million objects, this Lubbock attraction is one of the largest university museums in the country.

Here you can see dinosaurs and other ancient life of Earth. Meet the Cretaceous giants that were the last of the dinosaurs roaming the plains of Texas 65 million years ago, explore the current ecosystems of the planet, discover the early human societies of West Texas, and learn how Paleo-Indians lived on the High Plains.

The Museum of Texas Tech University’s Exhibits Cover:

• Natural and Physical Sciences
• World Cultures
• Anthropology and Archaeology
• History
• Clothing and Textiles
• Fine and Decorative Arts

In addition to its exhibits, the Moody Planetarium offers shows that let you travel through the galaxy to learn more about the stars above us, as well and laser shows featuring the stars of classic rock and roll.

Along with its travelling exhibits of various subjects, long-term galleries include:

• The Diamond M Gallery, which features a large collection of well-known Western artists and the works of N.C. Wyeth, a leading illustrator of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Wyeth created the illustrations for the classic books Treasure Island, Last of the Mohicans, and dozens of others.
• The Davies Gallery of Southwest Indian Art displays an extensive collection of Southwest Native American pottery and textile. The collection represents about 20 different Native American tribes.
• A Changing World gallery looks at different dinosaurs, offers theories about how the Earth was formed and how dinosaurs developed and eventually disappeared.
• The Talkington Gallery of Art showcases 20th and 21st century art of the Southwestern United States. These works reflect the people and landscapes of Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and portions of Colorado and Utah.
• The Ice Age on the Southern Plains gallery includes prehistoric megafauna from the Pleistocene Period such as mammoths, saber-toothed cats, giant camels, short-faced bears, and dire wolves.
• Leonardo’s Kitchen Gallery is designed as a space to exhibit work of Texas Tech University’s researchers.

Lubbock Lake Landmark

The Lubbock Lake Landmark, another division of the Museum, is one of the country’s most significant archaeological sites documenting continuous human habitation dating back 12,000 years.

The Landmark is less than a 10-minute drive north of the Museum. The Robert A. Nash Interpretive Center, which is open to the public, is home to varying exhibitions revolving around the research at the Landmark. There are also regular events that introduce people to the science of archaeology. The Landmark’s more than 300 acres of short grass prairies is a window into the rich plant life that flourished in the area, reflecting what the West Texas landscape looked like before Europeans arrived.

Natural Science Research Laboratory

The Museum’s Natural Science Research Laboratory (NSRL) is a major facility for research into the diversity of animal life in Texas and farther afield. Its mammal and frozen tissue collections are of international significance. While the NSRL is not open to the public, an exhaustive vertebrate database is used by students, scientists and the public around the world.

Master’s Program

A special part of the Museum’s educational programing is its graduate program in Heritage and Museum Sciences. Now 45 years old, the master’s degree granting program is one of the oldest and most respected museum studies programs in the United States. The program attracts students from across the U.S. and around the world who come from diverse undergraduate backgrounds, including humanities and sciences.

Thanks to its large and varied collection, the Museum of Texas Tech University has a bit of something for everyone. Whether you want to explore the natural history of West Texas, learn about cultures around the world, or admire the works that make up the fine art collection, you can do it all at this Lubbock museum.