Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum: Austin, TX’s unique landmark

When looking for unique things to do in Austin, Texas on my most recent trip, I stumbled across the Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum. What I found: dozens of emotive, expressive sculptures in an outdoor setting just minutes from Downtown Austin.

I am always up for exploring a new landmark or museum, so I made my way to the Umlauf. I didn’t know what to expect, or even what/who Umlauf was, so it’s safe to say I learned and discovered a ton about this Austin sculpture garden!

If you like art or are looking for unique things to do in Austin, definitely check out the Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum. You’ll take in this local artist’s most impressive sculptures under an open Austin sky.

Who was Charles Umlauf?

First of all I wondered, who is this Charles Umlauf fellow? As I learned, he was an artist who moved to Austin to teach at the University of Texas, where he was an art professor for 40 years. He lived in Austin the rest of his life and, in 1985, donated hundreds of his sculptures—along with his home and studio—to the city.

The Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum sits on four acres of land that Umlauf and his wife donated. Although their home isn’t yet part of the museum, it is working on plans to open it to the public.

In the meantime, you can wander the grounds of this Austin sculpture garden and appreciate the diversity of Charles Umlauf’s sculptures.

Visiting Austin’s Umlauf Sculpture Garden

The Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum, a few minutes away from Austin’s Zilker Park, is an outdoor destination in its own right. Paths wind through the sculpture garden, leading you on a peaceful art walk.

Sculptures dot the garden so that every few feet, you come across another emotive piece of art. And the landscape design means you’ll see each sculpture from different vantage points as you walk through this sculpture garden in Austin.

I was surprised by the variety of bronze sculptures at the Umlauf. Much of the art focuses on people and their relationships, but then there are others—like the quirky animals—that show Umlauf’s many interests.

Sculpture garden in Austin: Art for all

The Umlauf Sculpture Garden makes this art accessible, even to people who might not typically feel comfortable in an art museum.

First of all, the outdoors setting makes you feel as if you’re just taking a stroll through a particularly artistic park. If you like walking outside, you’ll definitely enjoy the Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum.

Secondly, there’s pretty much no wrong way to enjoy this sculpture garden. Some people don’t love traditional museums because they’re so hushed, with security guards keeping an eye on everything and everyone. (I know a lot of fellow parents feel this way!) The Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum, on the other hand, makes it clear you can explore the garden how you like—as long as you’re respectful of the art and other visitors, of course.

Finally, you get to interact with the art in a more personal and direct way. I loved getting up close to the sculptures, noticing tiny details and even evidence of the sculptor’s technique in crafting the figures. I circled the art, seeing it from every angle. And you’re even allowed to touch the sculptures. In fact, the rhino’s horn has been rubbed so often that it turned golden instead of the dark blue of the other metal!

More art at the Umlauf

Almost all of the art at the Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum was created by Umlauf himself. That said, the museum features works by other artists, too.

In the sculpture garden, keep an eye out for several sculptures that differ from the rest in style and materials. While we visited, I saw a large installation that was made from PVC pipe and lights—quite different from the traditional bronzes Umlauf is best known for!

Inside, a gallery room features shows from different featured artists. Unfortunately, we came at the tail end of one show, but I’d definitely want to go back to see what the museum has in store next.

Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum: Details

Here’s what you need to know to visit this sculpture garden in Austin.

Admission: $7 for adults, $1 for youth 13-17, and free for children 12 and under and veterans

Hours: Closed Mondays. Tuesday – Friday 10am – 4pm, Saturday – Sunday 11am – 4pm.

Pets are not allowed in the sculpture garden.

More details on the Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum site

Unique thing to do in Austin, TX

Even if you’ve never heard of Charles Umlauf, this Austin sculpture garden is definitely worth a visit. I loved seeing so much art in such a small place—the garden is absolutely filled with stunning bronze sculptures. And the sculpture garden showcases art in a totally different way than a traditional museum: You get to enjoy art in the outdoors, under the Austin blue sky.

Do you ever visit outdoor museums?

PS – Do you love unusual museums? Then you’ll love my post on off-the-beaten-path museums in NYC.