Where is the building located and what does it look like?

The building is located at 1201 Brazos St. in downtown Austin, directly east of and adjacent to the Texas State Capitol. It is constructed from the same pink granite as the Capitol building itself.

What are the hours for visitors and researchers?

The building's lobby and exhibits are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For researchers, the archives and reference reading rooms are open Tuesday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., as well as on the second Saturday of each month from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

Lorenzo de Zavala State Archives and Library Building in Austin

Lorenzo de Zavala State Archives and Library Building

Located directly east of the Texas Capitol, this striking pink granite building houses the state's historical treasures. It serves as a National Literary Landmark and research hub featuring stunning murals, mosaics, and extensive historical archives.

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What is the Lorenzo de Zavala State Archives and Library Building and why is it significant?

The Lorenzo de Zavala State Archives and Library Building is the flagship headquarters of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. It opened in 1961 to protect Texas' historical treasures and was designated a National Literary Landmark in 2009 due to its connection to noted Texas authors who used it for research and inspiration.

What can I see and research inside the building?

In the lobby, you can view six flags flown over Texas, six Texas seal mosaics, a panoramic Texas history mural, and various history exhibits. For research, the facility offers free on-site resources for family history, an extensive collection of books on Texas history, culture, and ecology, and Civil War-related records such as Confederate pension applications and Texas militia records.

What to know

The Lorenzo de Zavala State Archives and Library Building, located at 1201 Brazos Street in downtown Austin, serves as the flagship headquarters for the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. Built in 1959 and inaugurated in 1961, the building is constructed from the same eye-catching pink granite as the adjacent Texas State Capitol, which stands directly to its west. In 2009, the building was designated a National Literary Landmark. This honor recognizes its deep connection to noted Texas authors—such as James Michener, Walter Prescott Webb, and Jack "Jaxon" Jackson—who utilized the facility's rich resources for research and creative inspiration. The commission itself has been supporting the reading, learning, and historical preservation needs of Texas since its founding in 1909. Stepping inside the building's lobby, visitors are greeted by a visual celebration of Texas heritage. The lobby features a panoramic Texas history mural, six historic flags flown over Texas, and six intricate Texas seal mosaics. Alongside these artistic elements, the lobby hosts various Texas history exhibits that showcase the state's historical treasures. For those looking to dive deeper, the research library holds an extensive collection of books covering Texas history, culture, and ecology. It also provides free on-site resources for individuals conducting family-history research. Among its most notable holdings are Civil War-related records, including Confederate pension applications and official records of Texas state troops and militias.

Visitor tips

The lobby and exhibits are open to the public Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
If you want to use the archives and reading rooms, plan your visit Tuesday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., or on the second Saturday of each month.
Take advantage of the free on-site resources available if you are interested in researching your family history.

Nearby context

Situated in the heart of downtown Austin, the Lorenzo de Zavala building is located directly east of the Texas State Capitol, making it a seamless addition to any Capitol complex tour. After exploring the archival history of Texas, you can head nearby to experience a completely different side of Austin's culture. For a playful, nostalgic detour, visit the Texas Toy Museum, or satisfy your sweet tooth with a creative treat from the nearby Voodoo Doughnut.

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