Our lobby exhibit is open to the public. For current guidance on visiting TSLAC, see our Public Services and Operations page.
Cabinet of Curiosities highlights items from the State Archives artifact collection. Consisting of about 600 three-dimensional objects, these tools, homewares, clothing, and equipment help illustrate Texas life and work, primarily from 1860-1970. Items displayed represent some of the most iconic aspects of Texas history—cattle ranching, horse riding, and home life. Clothing and accessories, often used as indicators of historical eras, are also part of the exhibit. Photographs from TSLAC’s extensive holdings capture the styles, tools, and décor in historical context.
View the online lobby exhibit Cabinet of Curiosities.
Artifacts held in a government archive document significant acts of state business, such as the signing of treaties and the construction of a new state capitol. In addition to the selection of objects on view, images of TSLAC’s entire artifact collection are available through the Texas Digital Archive. 
Current Exhibit
Past Exhibits
Archives À la Carte - Staff Picks
Texans Take to the Trenches
The Lone Star State and the
Great War
The Talking Book Program Volunteer Recording Studio Turns 40
Setting Up Camp, The Early History of Texas State Parks
Wish You Were Here!
Historic Postcards from Texas
Evolution of the Texas Rangers, 1836–1920
Texans' Struggle for Freedom and Equality
Texas in Focus: Early Photographs from the State Archives
'Texas Moves Toward Statehood' Stories Behind the Mural
Texas Republic Legation Papers
Travis' 1836 Victory or Death Letter from the Alamo
The Journeay Violin and the Mier Expedition (Black Bean Episode)
View past exhibits here
TSLAC regularly exhibits treasures from its collections in the lobby of the Lorenzo de Zavala State Archives and Library Building. We encourage you to visit to see these pieces of history with your own eyes. Of course we understand that not everyone is able to stop by 1201 Brazos Street in Austin, so we’ve digitized most of what we display for you to view here online. Please feel free to browse our current and previous exhibits linked to from this page.
