With multiple museums and theaters in the area, Temple residents can enjoy a variety of cultural experiences.

Museums in Temple

Located at the historic 1910 Santa Fe Depot, the Railroad and Heritage Museum displays a variety of railroad artifacts including pioneer equipment, clothing and household items.

Visitors may also listen to a live radio stream of train activity in the surrounding area, and can check out trains outside the museum such as a steam engine, a Pullman car and an Amtrak sleeper car.

The Bell County Museum, established in 1991, works to preserve the history of the Bell County area by offering a wide variety of collections and exhibits, such as clothing from the 18th through the 20th centuries, that rotate on a regular basis.

Focused on sustaining Czech history, the Czech Heritage Museum and Genealogy Center is home to several exhibits and artifacts, from hand-carved marionettes and needlework to costumes and antique musical instruments.

In addition to the museum, a genealogy library that contains the largest Czech Genealogy Collection in the state is open to the public. The library includes immigration lists, county records, reference books and other items, as well as a computer bank that may be used for Internet research.

Declared a National Landmark by the Texas Historical Commission, the Wilson House was designed and constructed by the founder of Wilsonart International, Ralph Wilson Sr. While Wilson lived in the home from 1959 until 1972, it was also used as a model home for his laminate company and a place where he could test the quality of his company's products.

The interior of the home features decorative plastic laminates that, though typically used today, were uncommon in the late 1950s and is now considered one of the best residential examples of mid-century modern style in Texas.

The Wilson House is open for tours Monday through Friday, by appointment only, and may be used for corporate entertaining.

Live Performances

Made up of 65 professionals from the Temple and Central Texas area, the Temple Symphony Orchestra performs throughout the year at the Mary Alice Marshall Performing Arts Center at Temple College. The orchestra offers holiday concerts, recitals and other live shows.

Known to locals as the CAC, the Azalee Marshall Cultural Activities Center offers live musical and theatrical performances, art galleries, classes and camps.

The CAC also provides more than 25,000 square feet of space that may be rented for meetings, receptions or other events.

The Temple Civic Theatre was formed in 1965 and has been performing in the area ever since. With a full-time professional staff, the theater puts on six productions each year, as well as additional special presentations.

The theatre also offers activities for children and teens, including a Youth Theatre Program, day camps, classes and workshops.