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Plan Your Visit

Exhibitions Events Research

Admission is free.

Satisfy your curiosity.

Satisfy your curiosity.

Take a tour or attend a one-of-a-kind program. Whether you plan to tour the galleries, enjoy a notable speaker in our theater, or conduct research in our Reading Room, the Ransom Center's collections are a source of inspiration. Free admission and rotating exhibitions offer numerous opportunities to connect with documents and artifacts that reveal the creative process of leading writers, artists, actors, and other creative figures.

The Reading Room offers public access to manuscripts, rare books, and visual materials for anyone interested in researching the Center's collections. Library patrons must register at the reception desk, show a current photo ID, and view a brief presentation on using the facility and handling collection materials.

The Center is committed to the best possible visitor experience for everyone. Please contact us if you have additional needs or questions.

Admission is free.

Exhibitions Events Research
  • Hours
      Exhibition Galleries Reading Room
    Monday Closed 9am–5pm
    Tuesday 10am–5pm 9am–5pm
    Wednesday 10am–5pm 9am–5pm
    Thursday 10am–5pm 9am–5pm
    Friday 10am–5pm 9am–5pm
    Saturday 12pm–5pm 9am–5pm
    Sunday 12pm–5pm Closed
  • Holiday Schedule
    2025 Exhibition Galleries Reading Room
    Memorial Day
    May 26    		 Closed Closed
    Emancipation Day
    June 19    		 Closed Closed
    Independence Day
    July 4    		 Closed Closed
  • Tours

    While you are here to explore the latest exhibitions, stop by and see one of only five complete copies in the U.S. of the Gutenberg Bible, the first substantial book printed from movable type on a printing press by Johann Gutenberg in Germany in the mid-1400s. Don't miss the heliograph produced by Joseph Nicéphore Niépce in the early 1800s, the earliest photograph produced in the camera obscura that survives today.

    Public Tour Schedule

    Ransom Center exhibitions offer an inside look at the creative process of the world's most significant writers and artists. Just drop in and meet us in the south atrium inside the lobby and let a docent guide you.

    Monday Closed  
    Tuesday Noon  
    Wednesday Noon  
    Thursday Noon  
    Friday Noon  
    Saturday 1pm 2pm
    Sunday 1pm 2pm

    Private Group Tours

    To schedule a docent-led group tour for 10 or more people, please submit a tour request or contact us with questions. Private group tours must be scheduled at least two weeks in advance and may take place Tuesday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and on weekends between noon and 4 p.m. It is not possible to accommodate docent-led tours for unscheduled groups, so please alert us to your planned visit.

  • Parking

    Metered parking is available on Guadalupe Street (free on Sundays).

    Visitors with Disabilities
    Accessible parking is available in area garages (see above) for a fee. Curbside parking spaces near the Ransom Center are available with an ADA placard or plate after 5:45 p.m. on weekdays and any time on weekends and holidays.

  • Accessibility

    Accommodations

    A wheelchair available for public use. For American Sign Language or to request specific ADA accommodation, please contact us at least five business days in advance.

    Restrooms

    Public spaces are ADA compliant, including restrooms on public floors. A campus guide to Gender Inclusive restrooms is available.

  • Policies

    Backpacks, large bags, food, and drink are not permitted in the galleries, theater, or Reading Room. Lockers are available for storing backpacks and travel luggage during your visit.

    Photography
    Personal, non-flash photography with hand-held equipment is permitted in all exhibition galleries and public spaces unless otherwise noted in signage. Personal photography of collection material in the Reading Room is subject to a separate policy.

    Notice of Filming
    Please be aware that Ransom Center events may be photographed and/or filmed. Your attendance constitutes your authorization for the Center to use your photograph, voice, or other likeness for purposes related to the mission of the Ransom Center, including but not limited to marketing and promotion in both print and electronic forms.

    Commercial Filming Request
    If you would like to film anywhere on the Ransom Center premises for commercial purposes, please contact us about your project and needs.

Events