Where else but in Texas can one glimpse a Picasso original in jail, 1,000 artistic toilet seats or a hat made of barbed ware? And where can visitors stroll through a human body or sit in the middle of a hurricane, pilot the Space Shuttle or see a submarine burst through a front lawn? Texas journalist and novelist Allan Kimball has put to good use his decades crisscrossing the state by creating a guide to one of his passions: The region s most intriguing museums, some world famous, others little-known gems just ready to be discovered. Museums profiled are ones that maintain the state s cultural distinctiveness while displaying some of the nation s best exhibited paintings and sculpture from around the world, or pure Lone Star wackiness. From high brow to ones widely accessible, they are included if they pass Kimball s requirement that they do more than just show things to museum-goers. They must actively engage visitors. So internationally renowned collections like Fort Worth s Kimball Museum of Art and Houston s Menil are included along with the likes of Waco s Dr Pepper Museum and McLean s Devil Rope Museum. It s perfect for families who want to mix high art with just a fun experience.
 
REVIEWS
 
''Even lifelong Texas residents will discover something new, and then keep this pocket-sized guide in their glove compartment for when they hit an unfamiliar town.'' --Rockport Pilot

''Texas Museums of Discovery is a handy guide to about 150 interesting and sometimes offbeat Texas museums. You will want to keep this one in your glove compartment as you travel the state.'' --Bryan-College Station Eagle

''Whether it's Picassos you want to see or Dr Pepper, Texas has a museum for you. Now it's a little easier to find those museums: In a new pocketbook guide, Texas Museums of Discovery, Texas writer Allan C. Kimball highlights his favorite museums across the state, ranging from the Kimbell and Menil art museums to the Kenedy Ranch Museum in South Texas and Miss Hattie's Bordello Museum in San Angelo.'' --Fort Worth Star-Telegram