Neill-Cochran House Museum

What to know

Built in 1855, the Neill-Cochran House Museum is one of Austin's three most important historic residences and ranks among the ten oldest extant buildings in the city. Originally commissioned by a young couple and constructed by master builder Abner Cook on nearly 18 acres of countryside northwest of Austin, this impressive Greek Revival home has survived war, neglect, and urban growth. Today, it stands in the heart of central Austin, just a short walk from the University of Texas at Austin campus. Over its long history, the estate has served many diverse purposes. It housed the State School for the Blind, served as a lieutenant governor's residence during the Civil War, operated as a Federal war hospital, and was later occupied by the Neill and Cochran families. Today, the property is owned and preserved by the National Society of The Colonial Dames of America in The State of Texas. A particularly vital feature of the site is its two-story slave quarters, which represent the only intact, recognizable slave dwelling remaining in the original Austin townsite. Standing in its original context and open to the public, this structure offers a rare and crucial look at the lives of enslaved people in antebellum Austin. While the museum continues its research, it has not yet identified descendants of the enslaved or free people of color associated with the site. Visitors can explore the main house and its grounds to learn about Texas history spanning from the city's birth in 1839 up to 1930. The museum interprets this history through beautifully furnished spaces and a variety of rotating art and history exhibitions. It is the only antebellum home in Austin that is accessible to the public.

Visitor tips

• Visit Wednesday through Sunday between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. when the museum is open.
• Purchase your admission tickets directly at the front desk when you arrive.
• Take advantage of the free on-site parking if you are driving to the location.
• Note that the first floor is wheelchair accessible, and interpretive materials are provided for the second floor.

Nearby context

Located at 2310 San Gabriel Street in central Austin, the Neill-Cochran House Museum sits just a few minutes' walk from the bustling campus of the University of Texas at Austin. Though it was originally built as a quiet suburban estate surrounded by countryside, the city has grown up around it, placing this historic gem in a vibrant, walkable neighborhood filled with student life and historic architecture.