Location: Austin
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10 Art Museums in Austin That You Shouldn't Miss
Every year thousands of hipsters, groupies, and die-hard fans flock to Austin for the annual South by Southwest festival, which has catapulted the Texas city up the must-visit charts for many travelers. The sandstone Capitol building is symbolic of the Lone Star State’s "bigger is better" mentality, featuring a gorgeous whispering gallery rotunda and 22 acres of grounds. Cool off with a dip in Barton Springs, a huge natural limestone pool that’s fed by underground sources.
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1. Elisabet Ney Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 89 reviews
Sculptor Elisabeth Ney spent the last years of her life working in this building, which still contains some of her most beautiful sculpted pieces.
Reviewed By sessionsjim - Austin, United States
Well preserved home and studio of the artist who created some of our most important sculptures. Museum is small and most Austinites have never visited but certainly a rewarding place to visit.
2. The Blanton Museum of Art
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 501 reviews
This university art museum has a spectacular collection of 20th century American masters and the United State's largest collection of Latin American art. Reserve tickets and read our updates and rules at bit.ly/blantonmuseum
Reviewed By CJTravelerTexas - Texas, United States
Even though we are members, it had been several years since my wife and I visited the Blanton Museum of Art. Looking for a weekend getaway to Austin, one of the activities we had on our list was a visit to the Blanton. We wanted to see the special exhibit - The Avant-Garde Networks of Amauta: Argentina, Mexico, and Peru in the 1920s - as well as become reacquainted with the rest of the museum. We also visited the Ellsworth Kelly building, completed in 2018. This was a thoroughly enjoyable visit. The Blanton is an excellent art museum.
3. Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 226 reviews
Museum and garden dedicated to the works of American sculptor Charles Umlauf. The garden holds over 40 sculptures, framed by nature. Inside the gallery, rotating exhibits of Umlauf's more obscure pieces and other similar artists are on display. There are everyday activities for children and regular workshops/lectures for art-lovers of all ages.
Reviewed By karag448 - Chiang Mai, Thailand
If you like gardens, this will be your favorite Austin spot... not for the flowers, but the light canopy of trees protecting the statues resting on the grounds. It is best appreciated with a friend who is willing to stroll leisurely, and pause frequently. Students bring your ID for a discount, and bring your mom when she visits the area.
4. The Contemporary Austin - Laguna Gloria
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 76 reviews
The Contemporary Austin reflects the spectrum of contemporary art through exhibitions, commissions, education, and the collection. The museum has two distinct yet complementary locations, the Jones Center downtown and Laguna Gloria, a fourteen-acre site on Lake Austin, which is home to the Driscoll Villa, Gatehouse Gallery, the Art School, and the Betty and Edward Marcus Sculpture Park at Laguna Gloria. Please note: The historic Driscoll Villa is closed on Mondays and open Tuesday-Sunday 10A-4P. The grounds, including the Betty and Edward Marcus Sculpture Park, are open Monday-Saturday 9A-5P and Sunday 10A-5P
Reviewed By moorejjbb
Do yourself a favor and allow a couple of hours to visit this beautiful museum. Wander the lovely grounds to find works of contemporary sculpture by some of the best artists working today, in all styles. Visit the Mediterranean villa as well. Great but small gift shop. A must see!
5. Mexic-Arte Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 67 reviews
Mexic-Arte Museum is dedicated to cultural enrichment and education through the collection, preservation and presentation of traditional and contemporary Mexican, Latino, and Latin American art and culture.
Reviewed By Alvaroh633 - Dallas, United States
A beautiful thing put together to show you an aspect of the Mexican culture viewed from the local Mexican American art this side of the border. Lovely. Enjoyable.
6. Austin Museum of Art, Downtown
7. Wonderspaces Austin
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 22 reviews
Wonderspaces features extraordinary works of immersive, interactive, and conversation-provoking works of art from around the world.
Reviewed By 311karynb - Helotes, United States
My daughter and I really enjoyed visiting Wonderspaces in Austin. The displays were so unique and the interaction made it enjoyable to participate. The sights, sounds and colors were stimulating.
8. Davis Gallery & Framing
Centrally located on the corner of 12th and Shoal Creek, Davis Gallery is a friendly setting for contemplation and conversation through fine contemporary art. The permanent on-site collection of works for sale represents the diversity and talent the gallery has to offer. This comfortable, expansive space also provides a meeting ground for many of the community's non-profit organizations.
9. Landmarks
Works of public art have the capacity to resonate deeply, stimulate curiosity, and inspire the imagination in unexpected ways. At The University of Texas at Austin, the public art collection is one of the most distinguishing features of the main campus, shaping impressions and offering a distinctive setting for memorable experiences.
10. Soco Modern
SoCo Modern Art Gallery offers investment level art & design for the seasoned and curious collector. Our focus is primarily contemporary and modern art, along with an array of important 20th-century design.
