Museums in Beaumont range from regional art exhibitions to Texas oil history and the story of athlete Babe Didrikson Zaharias. The four museums in this guide offer a choice of subjects, with AMSET and the Texas Energy Museum both on Main Street.
- Art: Art Museum of Southeast Texas, 500 Main Street; admission is free.
- Oil and energy: Texas Energy Museum, 600 Main Street; adult admission is $5.
- Sports history: Babe Didrikson Zaharias Museum, 1750 I-10 Frontage Road; admission is free.
Which Beaumont museum fits your interests?
Choose AMSET for art, the Texas Energy Museum for the state’s oil story, or the Babe Didrikson Zaharias Museum for sports history. AMSET and the Texas Energy Museum are both on Main Street, so they are the clearest pair to consider for a combined downtown outing.
For a free visit, AMSET and the Babe Didrikson Zaharias Museum have no admission charge. The Texas Energy Museum charges admission, with reduced prices for children and seniors. Hours differ across the museums, so compare the schedules below before setting your route.
Art Museum of Southeast Texas
The Art Museum of Southeast Texas (AMSET) is a free museum at 500 Main Street, Beaumont, TX 77701. Its displays include work by local artists, rotating exhibitions by state and national artists, large-scale sculptures, and a permanent collection.
AMSET’s hours are Monday–Friday 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m., and Sunday noon–5 p.m.; it closes on major holidays. If you’re deciding whether to make this your main stop, the mix of local and visiting artists gives the museum a regional focus as well as changing exhibitions.
For a closer look at its exhibitions and visit details, read this guide to the Art Museum of Southeast Texas.
Edison Museum and Texas Energy Museum
The Texas Energy Museum focuses on the people, science and events behind Texas oil, while the Edison Museum is another museum in Beaumont. The Texas Energy Museum is at 600 Main Street, Beaumont, Texas 77701.
At the Texas Energy Museum, exhibits interpret the 1901 Spindletop gusher, the people who shaped the oil industry, and oil and gas science through interactive displays. The museum offers free parking, which can be useful if you’re driving between stops.
It is open Tuesday–Saturday 9 a.m.–5 p.m. and Sunday 1–5 p.m., and closed Mondays. Tickets are sold until 4 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children ages 6–12 and seniors ages 65 and over; group rates are available by reservation.
Its Main Street address also makes AMSET the most straightforward partner museum to consider if you want to compare art with local industry history.
Babe Didrikson Zaharias Museum
The Babe Didrikson Zaharias Museum presents the life and achievements of Beaumont athlete Babe Didrikson-Zaharias. Its account includes her 1932 Olympic gold medals and 41 LPGA wins, making this the most focused choice for visitors interested in her sporting career.
The museum is at 1750 I-10 Frontage Road, Beaumont, TX 77703, and admission is free. It is about a 6-minute drive from Heritage Inn.
The museum website and foundation give Monday–Saturday hours of 9 a.m.–5 p.m. and say it is closed Sundays; the City of Beaumont listing gives Monday–Friday hours of 9 a.m.–5 p.m. and says it is closed Saturday and Sunday.
The foundation also says the museum and visitor center are accessible and free to disabled visitors, and closed on holidays. For more on the athlete and museum, see answers to common questions about the Babe Didrikson Zaharias Museum.
Planning a museum visit in Beaumont
For a downtown pairing, start with the two Main Street museums: AMSET at 500 Main Street and the Texas Energy Museum at 600 Main Street. Compare their opening patterns before you go, especially if you’re planning a Sunday visit or heading to the Texas Energy Museum late in the afternoon.
If the Babe Didrikson Zaharias Museum is your priority, confirm its Saturday schedule before setting out because published hours differ. The Texas Energy Museum’s free parking is an additional practical detail if you’re driving there. Check the official site before you go.
FAQs
Which museum in Beaumont has free admission?
AMSET admission is always free. The Babe Didrikson Zaharias Museum also has free admission.
What can you see at the Texas Energy Museum?
Its exhibits cover the 1901 Spindletop gusher, people who shaped the Texas oil industry, and oil and gas science through interactive displays.
Is the Babe Didrikson Zaharias Museum open on Saturdays?
Published hours differ: the museum website and foundation give Saturday hours, while the City of Beaumont listing says it is closed Saturdays. Confirm the schedule before your visit.
Which museums are on Main Street?
AMSET is at 500 Main Street, and the Texas Energy Museum is at 600 Main Street.