Harry Ransom Center is a library in the city of Austin that specializes in the American and European culture. Housing millions of historic and cultural legacy consists of manuscripts, photographs, books and works of art, this library is one the most visited places in Austin by both domestic and international tourists.

Two of the many rare collections that this library has are the Gutenberg Bible, one of the only 21 books that are known to exist in this world and was the first book that was printed using the movable type printing press in the 1450s.

The other one is the first ever successful photograph shot by Nicephore Niepche in 1826. Both are on a permanent display in the Ransom's lobby. Other than that, it also has other amazing collections such as the first folio of William Shakespeare, the first edition of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and the writing desk of Edgar Allen Poe.

The Ransom Centre maybe the most famous library in Austin, but it's not the only one. Austin has lots of marvelous libraries to quench your thirst of knowledge. To find out more about Texas' history you can visit the Texas State Library in Brazos St. It is a library that was built with the mission to preserve all archives and documents regarding the state of Texas and its government.

The Lyndon Baines Johnson Library is also worth a visit as it is one of the few presidential libraries in America and it displays the life work the former American President. If you are a student who wants to learn more about law, visit the Travis County Law Library.

In the University of Texas in Austin is a library and museum which showcases literary and cultural artifacts from the United States and Europe. It contains millions of manuscripts, photographs and books which are of the rare kind. It also displays over a hundred thousand works of art. This fine institution offers the best of history, literature, theatre and film, and art. It is a grand attraction for people who seek culture and refinement.

1) Highlights of the Harry Ransom Center Austin

Perhaps the most priceless possession of this archive is Gutenberg Bible and the View from the Window at Le Gras by Nicephore Niepce. Three copies of the First Folio of William Shakespeare can also be found here. It contains important historical documents like the official declaration by Napoleon Bonaparte. The museum also contains rare and interesting pieces such as the love letters of the Mexican Emperor Maximilian I and his wife Carlotta. Indeed, the Harry Ransom Center is the best place for those who wish to learn more about history.

http://www.hrc.utexas.edu/

2) Seeking culture at the Harry Ransom Center

For those who plan to partake in the quest for history and culture at the Harry Ransom Center, the location, hours and contact numbers can be found online. Listings of important events are also available on the website. The exhibitions are freely open to the public but if one wishes to hand over some donations, they are more than welcome to do so. For tourists, it would be advisable to check the availability of Austin TX hotels nearby.

http://www.nowplayingaustin.com/org/detail/25089

The Harry Ransom Center is housed inside the campus of the University of Texas in Austin. It serves as the major repository of archival materials in the University and serve as one of the libraries inside the campus. The director of the Harry Ransom Center is Dr. Thomas F. Staley who is also a professor of English and the Chair in Liberal Arts of the Harry Huntt Ransom.

Here are some notable possessions being preserved and collected by the Harry Ransom Center:

1. Literary and Culture

The center houses literary and cultural artifacts from the Europe and United States, including 1 million rare books, 36 million literary pieces, 100,000 works of art, and 5 million photographs. Would you believe that the prominent Gutenberg Bible is inside the center? Aside from this possession, the Harry Ransom Center also preserves the view from the window at Le Gras by Nicephore Niepce. See more of their collections that you can only find at the Harry Ransom Center.

http://www.hrc.utexas.edu/collections/guide/

2. Film and Performing Arts

The center houses more than 15, 000 posters and other advertisements used for films. Relics, costumes, film stills, makeup stills, and other garments used in shooting films are also housed inside the center. Moreover, it also preserves the documentation about the histories of theater plays, puppets, operas, magic and other performing arts. For more information about their collections on film and performing arts field, visit the link below. You may also want to avail one of the Austin hotels near it if you want an easy access of the place.

http://www.hrc.utexas.edu/collections/performingarts/

The Harry Ransom Humanities Research Center is an archive at the University of Texas where a number of collections of literary and cultural artifacts are found. Some of the collections in the center include 1 million copies of rare books, 36 million historical manuscripts, 5 million photographs and 100,000 pieces of art. Any hotel in Austin Texas along the Guadalupe and 21st Streets is guaranteed of all-year round business given the number of visitors in the centre.

http://www.absoluteastronomy.com/topics/Harry_Ransom_Humanities_Research_Center

What are some of the activities held at the centre?

Permanent exhibitions showcased at the centre include the Gutenberg Bible every Monday at the Harry Ransom Center's lobby. Currently there is the Other Worlds: Rare Astronomical Works and From Out That Shadow: The life of Edgar Allan Poe both of which run from September 8th to January.

Past events held at the centre include Poetry on the Plaza: Farewell to Summer and Orientalist Silents Film Series: The Adventure of Prince Achmed.

http://austin.citysearch.com/profile/11354069/austin_tx/harry_ransom_ctr.html

http://www.austinmuseums.org/harry.html

Other Facts

- Admission to the centre is free

- The galleries are open from 10.00am to 5.00pm every Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 10.00am to 7.00pm on Thursdays and noon to 5.00pm on weekends.

- Research visitor information office is located on the 2nd floor.