Take a break from the busy streets of Austin by stepping into the tranquil green environment of the UMLAUF Sculpture Garden and Museum. Not only is this lavish garden utterly beautiful, it is also home to an array of sculptures by significant 20th-century sculptor, Charles Umlauf. Enter the museum building to discover more of his work, as well as work by artists who influenced him and a rotating line-up of temporary exhibitions.
Charles Umlauf and his wife Angeline bought the house that would eventually become the UMLAUF Museum in 1944. They lived here for many years, but in 1985 they gave the property, along with 168 sculptures, to the City of Austin. Visit today and the beautiful garden you will see is not the original, but the work of landscape architect Aan Coleman, who designed it specially for the museum. The gallery and terrace, meanwhile, were designed by renowned architect Lawrence Speck. The most recent addition to the museum is the Roberta Crenshaw Learning Center, opened in 2001.
Wander between waterfalls and ornamental ponds, burbling creeks and swaying trees as you try to see every sculpture in the garden. Enjoy the peace and quiet of this beautiful space, enhanced by the stone and bronze sculptures dotted throughout, depicting real and imaginary animals as well as human figures. Make sure you see Lotus, the museum’s much-loved hippo sculpture. Among the many works by Charles Umlauf, spot those which were made by other artists.
Make your way to the visitor center to watch movies on the life and work of Umlauf. Inside the striking mid-century gallery itself, you’ll find the temporary exhibits. Check what is on before you come, as these change regularly.
Note that the UMLAUF Sculpture Garden and Museum is closed on Mondays and has reduced hours at the weekend. There is an admission fee for adults, but children under 12 can come in for free. Aim to visit when the weather isn’t too hot, so you can make the most of the gorgeous and unique garden.
