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Explore the "jewel in the heart of Austin," also known as the Zilker Botanical Garden. The garden was established in 1995 and sprawls through 31 acres of downtown Austin, offering a sweet escape from city streets and greeting more than 400,000 visitors annually. Themes among the gardens are as varied as nature itself. There's a Japanese garden and koi pond, a rose garden, an herb garden, a butterfly trail and garden, and a cactus garden among the selections to tour. Another unique feature is the Hartman Prehistoric Garden, which recreates the habitat of local dinosaurs. Visitors can tour the gardens for free and take home a Texas succulent or majestic orchid among the many offerings.

Take in 20th-century and contemporary American art at The Contemporary Austin, showcasing two renowned and architecturally unique locations, where they bring multidisciplinary exhibitions, engaging programs, and enticing special events to the city's visual arts landscape. The Contemporary Austin aims to create a cultural center of gravity in Austin for a variety of experiences linked to contemporary art. They offer many engaging opportunities for artists, enjoyable hands-on programs for families, and many exhibitions and event opportunities.