3 Best Sights in USA

Located on the UT campus, this oft-overlooked Austin institution is one of the world's greatest arts archives and humanities research centers. Among its fantastic riches are original self-portraits by Frida Kahlo, Einstein's notebook calculations on general relativity, Robert De Niro's archive of film costumes, and a complete copy of an original Gutenberg Bible. Tour the permanent and rotating exhibits, access millions of rare literary documents, photos, scripts, and artistic artifacts in the Reading Room, or check the monthly events calendar for special poetry readings, film screenings, and various artist-led discussions. Certain research materials can only be seen with advance notice, so call ahead if you have a specific item in mind.

This private archive and exhibit complex, with thousands of historic photos, documents, portraits, and books, is one of the finest research centers in the south. It occupies the 19th-century town house of General Kemper Williams and the 1792 Merieult House. Changing exhibits focus on various aspects of local history. Architecture, history, and house tours are offered several times daily, and a museum shop sells books, prints, and gifts. The Williams Research Center addition, at  410 Chartres Street, hosts additional free exhibits.

Founded in 1980, this nonprofit organization received a National Medal for Museum and Library Service for its role in preserving the Yiddish language and Jewish culture. The award recognized the center's rescue of more than a million Yiddish books that might otherwise have been lost. Housed in a cool, contemporary structure that mimics a traditional Eastern European shtetl, or village, the collection comprises more than 100,000 volumes. Special programs take place throughout the year. The biggest is Yidstock, a mid-July festival celebrating klezmer and other Jewish music.