So my plan was to originally visit for free because I heard they had an event on the weekend but The Contemporary has TWO locations and it was free for the downtown museum only that day. This is Laguna Gloria, and it features sculptures all outdoors. We ended up paying since we were already there. BUT Laguna Gloria is FREE on Thursdays. Other days is $10 pp and if you didn't pay in advance online, they can take payment at the gift shop. Though, I'm not sure how they enforce it because it looks like you can just pass by the gift shop and enter the park. As a former art student, I just wasn't that impressed or intrigued by the art. You have to walk a ways away to visit the next sculpture. They provide a map at the gift shop, but since I'm not good at geographic directions, I just allowed my husband to plan the walking route for us. We got to see all the sculptures (there aren't a lot...15?) In total, we were probably there for less than an hour. I didn't understand some sculptures. I saw a lonely, abandoned light pole covered with spiderwebs and joked to my husband, "look at this artwork!" It turns out, it was actually art because there's a sign next to it introducing the art piece and everything. Awkward. Anyway...appreciated walking around the grounds. My favorite is the crying Miffy fountain, which is one of the first things you see when you enter the grounds. Street parking only (unless you are an art student or staff there). read more

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The Contemporary is an outdoor museum that felt like a mini adventure all in one! We were greeted and given a map to all the installations on the property. Make sure to bring some sunscreen, water, especially on a sunny/hot day! There were several sculptures/ installations that were in shaded areas, but the sun can be very brutal since you will be outdoors. Not sure if there was parking on the property, but we parked down the hill and walked about 5 mins up. read more

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The Contemporary Austin - Laguna Gloria is an absolutely stunning place to visit. The moment you arrive, the combination of art, nature, and history makes the whole experience feel special. The grounds are peaceful and beautifully maintained, with sculptures thoughtfully placed throughout the trails so it feels like you're discovering something new around every corner. The historic villa adds so much charm, and the mix of indoor and outdoor art creates a really unique atmosphere. Even if certain pieces aren't your typical style, everything is curated in a way that feels intentional and engaging. It's relaxing, inspiring, and the perfect spot to wander, take photos, or just enjoy a quiet afternoon surrounded by creativity and nature. The staff is welcoming, the views are gorgeous, and it's honestly one of the best experiences Austin has to offer. Highly recommend Laguna Gloria to anyone looking for an unforgettable art outing. read more

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Love this museum. It's outdoors and there are pretty cool sculptures to check out. Pro Tip: It's free Thursday's go around 6:30 pm and grab pizza afterwards. 10/10 Sculptures read more

The Contemporary Austin - Laguna Gloria - Art - Museums Near Me - Austin, Texas

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What a lovely experience to do especially when the weather is the way it's been the past few days. This place offers tons of outdoor sculptors and tbh I was very entertained for at least a hour to maybe two! Beautiful lake Austin is located on the left side as you're walking your way through a wooden path:) read more

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This place is so beautiful! My friend and I went on a Thursday so admission was free. The weather was perfect so we really enjoyed just wandering around. I really liked the giant sculpture of the person looking up. I was surprised to read that it was made up of baking tins and such. If you look close you could see them! The artists all had different styles and I appreciated all of the art. The gift shop was small but had some cool items in it. The staff members were all very nice and welcoming. I will recommend this spot to anyone living or visiting Austin. It truly has a "wow" factor to it! For parking, you really need to find a spot on the street. There is some parking on W 35th and other side streets. read more

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-FYI, they have limited hours. They close at 3pm every day (aside from extended hours on Thursday, their free admission day) -Limited parking as well. There is no lot and only street parking (which is also shared with Mayfield Park next door) -Closed toe shoes are best. Mostly unpaved with lots of fallen leaves etc. plus massive fire ants While I do think they would benefit from a few more sculptures to make your admission fee feel worth it, this place is really lovely. Lots of trees and a beautiful view of the lake (with huge gorgeous swans). Personally, I think this spot works best as a personal retreat. Grab a book or a notepad and sit on a bench. We came here with our two small kids in a wagon stroller and it was a nice walk but a bit challenging to navigate. Lots of stairs here and not ideal for a stroller (although manageable). There are 2 paved paths but they don't connect. Grab a map and look for the handicapped signs -- the two paved paths are on opposite sides of the park. You have to backtrack and walk to the other one. Not a big deal but for parents of small children -- if baby wearing is an option for you, might be more convenient and faster to get around. read more

Laguna Gloria is one of the most beautiful and inspiring locations in Austin. The combination of historic architecture, waterfront views, sculpture gardens, and Mediterranean-style details makes it feel truly unique. As a brand and lifestyle photographer in Austin, I've photographed several sessions here and it consistently offers stunning, versatile backdrops. The natural light is especially soft and flattering, and there's so much variety throughout the property that clients can get multiple looks in one session. Beyond photography, it's also just a peaceful place to explore art, walk the grounds, or bring visitors. The atmosphere feels calm, creative, and timeless every time I visit. https://www.camilleadrianephotography.com read more

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This place is so much fun and the best part is it's FREE! It's an art park along the water with a villa in the center and art sculptures throughout the park. Maybe late summer is a better time to visit because it was scorching hot (late July). They have a cute little gift shop where you check in then you roam around at your leisure for as long as you want. Highly recommend! read more

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I came here to visit the talked about Miffy fountain and I fell in love with this place. You can walk a fun little trail, while exploring amazing art all around. It only costs $10 to get in so it's totally worth it. The Miffy fountain cries and the old car in the woods plays music. Beautiful place! read more

This was my first visit to the Contemporary Austin at Laguna Gloria and enjoyed it. I loved the walking trails though the woods and along Lake Austin seeing all the artwork in the Betty and Edward Marcus Sculpture Park. I was impressed by all of it including the grounds with the Driscoll Villa, Visitor Center/Shop, Art School and Spread and Co. Café. The only drawback is finding a parking spot along the street since there is no lot on site. However, I did plan my visit by seeing it during the week around lunchtime where easily found a spot and parking is free. It was very relaxing and peaceful felling you were away from the busy Austin city life. The staff was very friendly and like it so much I purchased a membership. read more

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I am a teacher and my teacher friends and I are doing some Austin Adult Field Trips this summer that are both budget friendly (#teachers) and fun! We chose Laguna Gloria and we luckily came on a "free day". We knew that teachers got a discount but lucky us to come on a free day! There is plenty of parking and even a cute little coffee/snack shop right when you come in. They have homemade popsicles. We didn't try one but they sounded great! There are several buildings for art classes. We must have looked lost ;) because someone popped over to talk to us and pointed out which way to go to hit the path and find the awesome sculptures along the way. One of my friends had been there before so she was a great docent during our walking tour. The grounds are charming. Down at the peninsula and in the woods, you feel like you are on a tropical vacation. When you pop out down near the estate house you feel like you're in California. :) My friend had attended a wedding here and said it was lovely. I can just imagine how perfect that must have been. It was a fun field trip. I will surely be back again! read more

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Laguna Gloria is probably my favorite museum in Austin. Admittedly, I may be biased since I'm a huge fan of sculpture gardens, but I think this place checks all the boxes! Come on a nice day to walk the lovely grounds with views of Lake Austin and admire the art. On Thursdays, admission is free all day! Most recently, we visited on a Thursday evening for the unveiling reception of Mariposa Relámpago, an awesome piece that was commissioned by the ICA Boston and is making its way around Texas. The base is an old school bus from El Salvador, and the artist attached a number of objects onto it including gongs that can be used for sound therapy. During the reception, 3 gong players did a sound ceremony, and we were able to watch them in action from outside as well as go inside the bus to feel the vibrations. A very unique experience! Laguna Gloria's permanent collection features a variety of different artists as well as sculptural styles and mediums. I love the big silver guy looking up outside the villa as well as the crying Miffy fountain and the swan by the lake. Each piece has signage close to it where you can read information about the sculpture. There's a good amount of space, so even during an event, it doesn't feel crowded. It's a very peaceful place where you can get some exercise, enjoy wonderful art, and spend quality time with those you love. read more

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Love Miffy, but the staff was quite rude. the lady in the gift shop wearing a hat and welcoming guests made our experience unpleasant by telling us we needed to get out right at 3 emphasizing that we were bothering her trying to come in when there were tons of people just sitting there as well but she was nice to them. we were super understanding of the situation as we just went to see miffy but she consistently told us basically to not even go because they closed soon. we are from out of town and they ruined our experience read more

Just another one of Austin's little gems that is nestled along Lake Austin. What a wonderful way to spend a Saturday looking at some of the best contemporary art in Austin. We had one of those days where Mother Nature thought she was going to keep us inside, but we weren't having it. We took our golf umbrellas, our bug spray (y'all, take bug spray the mosquitos are huge), and we got a glass of wine at the concession booth, and we enjoyed ourselves in the rain. The offer classes too! I might have to enroll in a few. read more

We go here at least twice a month. It's our happy place. Since it's an outdoor make sure to wear shoes you're ok getting dirty. There's parking instructions on the website. Thursday are free. They are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Overall, this place has very cool for all ages if you enjoy nature and art. read more

I love this place so much. I grew up in Austin, but live in Seattle now. This is one of the places that I always go to when I'm in town. I dragged one of my coworkers here since we were in town for a conference. I didn't even know it was free on thursdays! That was just icing on the cake. The people at the front desk were super nice and friendly. I had such a great time. Watching the water slowly lap against the shore of Lake Austin was amazing. All the sculptures were very interesting. The trails are great. Well worth the trip. read more

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Such an amazing experience! If you ever have the opportunity, I highly suggest visiting on one of their complimentary evenings. During our weekend trip, we stumbled upon this stunning treasure and were fortunate enough to gain free entry. What a win! The gardens are impeccably maintained and ... read more

I absolutely love coming to Laguna Gloria. The sculpture garden is beautiful and always feels peaceful, hidden escape from the city. It's also one of my go-to spots for a picnic. Highly recommend if you're looking for a mix of nature, art, and a relaxing afternoon. read more

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This was such a beautiful spot in Austin. My fiancé and I took our engagement photos here and had a great time. Please note that you need an appointment and permission to have a photo shoot here. I liked that the villa had bathrooms upstairs where we could get ready. Afterwards, we grabbed lunch on the property and it was delicious. I would love to come back to walk around and to grab lunch. read more

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The Laguna Gloria is a branch of the Contemporary Austin consisting of a lovely old villa on Lake Austin with landscaped grounds full of sculptures. The house itself can be toured to appreciate the architecture though it is mostly empty. The design is quite nice, though, and you will even find a carved wooden feature over the fireplace that was taken from the Alamo itself. Outside you will find a few stone statues and a fountain that match the age and style of the house, but most of the other sculptures are modern and can be quite odd. There's a 30 foot stainless steel sculpture looking rather alien in front of the house, and there are trails all around the lakefront property with many others, so you'll have to walk a bit to see everything. Don't miss the ones hanging in the trees! There is also an art school with a few small buildings on the grounds where one can occasionally take classes or have other activities. There's also a small gift shop and a restaurant on site. There is an admission charge but there are numerous free days if you check their web site. There is limited space for parking which is usually only a challenge during events, but there is free street parking if you are willing to walk. Be sure to check the schedule because this a popular place to hold weddings or other events that may interfere with the average visit to see the sculpture garden. read more

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This is about the school administration specifically -- I was enrolled in a weekend class and unfortunately my dog died two days before the class. Knowing that I would be in no shape to attend a class I emailed them immediately letting them know my dog had died and I wouldn't be able to attend the class. Initially, they refused any sort of refund since their policy requires a 8 days notice. I respect and understand that, but this is a really tough and exceptional time for me. I protested via email and they "graciously" offered me $90 credit towards another class that had to be used in the next 6 months. I refused since I will never take classes from their facility again given their cold and callous approach to my loss despite how much I enjoyed the teachers and courses. read more

Well Dang Austin.. Just when I wasn't liking visiting anymore I found this gem. This must have been one of the highlights.. most definitely.. when visiting Austin. I had no idea how beautiful this sculpture garden was and how overlooked it is. Sculptures are immersed in such a beautiful forrest like scavenger hunt. Make sure to grab a map from the front and to definitely reserve a time to walk around. Due to covid it is recommended to reserve a time. Pictures do not do justice! read more

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the walk is beautiful but the check in experience threw it off for us. brittney girl lighten up it isnt that serious its a museum LOL but i hope your day gets better read more

We had my daughter's wedding here and it was truly a stunning event. This Italian style villa is breathtaking on its own, but as a wedding venue it is exquisite. It was a true Texas summer day with 100+ temperatures but luckily there was a little cooling room where we were able to chill for a bit. We also had a bartender serving ice cold beer & mixed drinks so there was never a notice of the sweaty foreheads, lol. The staff here were so easy to work with and the vendors on their list were top notch. If you are looking to host an outdoor event, you must check out The Laguna Gloria! read more

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This review is for the very lush, verdant grounds and sculpture garden on the twelve acre estate, which was once Stephen F. Austin's homesite. This is premium Austin real estate. It doesn't get much better than this. I've attended gorgeous, romantic weddings here. Live music concerts at the water's edge. I've chased after enormous puffs of foam that were part of a super playful and unforgettable installation by artist Richard Hiorns. Laguna Gloria has enriched my life. Last Thursday, having made reservations and secured tickets, I was able to enjoy this huge place in the company of two little girls. We saw three other people during our visit, in addition to a few staffers and many peacocks who must have been visiting from neighboring Mayfield Park. Access was touchless and everyone wore masks. In 1916, philanthropist Clara Driscoll had an Italianate-style villa constructed there, overlooking the lake. She was also responsible for "rescuing" the Alamo by preventing its sale to a hotel chain. Her then husband, Hal Sevier, founded the Austin American-Statesman. read more

The Contemporary Austin - Laguna Gloria - Lunch spot - Museums Near Me - Austin, Texas

Gorgeous grounds situated by the lake, interesting and diverse modern sculptures, romantic backdrop of Mediterranean villa - a unique mix between feeling of walking a historic villa gardens in Amalfi and admiring the carefully curated contemporary pieces in Austin. Bring a picnic, hang back a while, buy food at Spread & Co on-site or just stroll around day-dreaming. They have free admission on Thursdays but you have to register online. Oh, they do have restrooms onsite. read more

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Had a wonderful day at the contemporary Austin - Laguna Gloria. I took my family on a Thursday in January, the weather was nice and warm. I brought them on this day because every Thursday is free entry to the contemporary Austin Museum,. we walked around on the grounds of the museum, got a very nice view of the lake. All the sculptures around the area were very beautiful, everything was so serene and relaxing. Great experience, you sort of go on a little hike while looking around which was great. Good exercise, family interactive, wheelchair friendly. read more

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Proud to be a supporting member of this museum! The grounds are an outdoor sculpture park that I imagine is absolutely breathtaking at night. Winding walkways are covered by a canopy of trees and dotted with romantic lighting. The stringed lights only add to the sort of natural decadence in this other worldly reserve. It is absolutely magical that art classes are held here for the children- in a nice peaceful rustic Italian villa setting. I may bring my nieces and nephews here. Will definitely return for one of their many evening happy hours. read more

The Contemporary Austin - Laguna Gloria - Museums Near Me - Austin, Texas

Tip - go on thursdays because it's free! Only spent an hour there due to a tight schedule but probably could have stayed two hours. It feels very zen and I loved the lake overlooks. Spread and co had an awesome lavender lemonade! Street parking near the country club. read more

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Free parking on the street. Free entry for kids. Free entry for military. Poison Ivy warnings are posted, so if you have little ones that like to explore, be aware. We enjoyed our hour here exploring the property. Kids marked off the statues as they found them on the map. Not many of the pieces spoke to me, but it is a scenic trail on the water. They have excellent bathroom facilities and a spot to refill water bottles. You'll need the latter visiting during the summer because we couldn't last more than an hour in that heat. 50 foot statue next to palm trees is amazing. Reminded me of Trump staring at the solar eclipse. I'll return during the cooler months. read more

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Since we can't shop and drink all day, we thought we ought take in a little of art and culture in Austin. On a good sunny day in winter, Laguna Gloria makes a for a pleasant stroll in the woods along the Colorado river. You'll see modern contemporary works of art...some fascinating, weird, some questionable...all of which can be really good...or really bad in some cases. Can't explain it, just look at the pictures. Overall not a bad way to spend $10 and 60-75 minutes, if its not over 90 degrees during the hot Texas summer. read more

I really enjoyed walking this area. Parking isn't the beat. Check in was easy. Follow the arrows. Plenty of olaces to take pictures. Also along the water which is cool read more

The Contemporary Austin - Laguna Gloria - Museums Near Me - Austin, Texas

Yikes?! Please save yourself the money, and if you really want to get the Laguna Gloria experience, come on a THURSDAY WHEN ADMISSION IS FREE! Though I question even then if it would be worth your time. I'm not typically an art critic, but holy cripes this art sucks! We humored it for the first...the second...wow...but by the sixth and seventh piece of street trash impostering as art, our jaws were dropping lower and lower. If you want to see better art for cheaper, just go to a junkyard. Then maybe you can even take it home for free, stick it straight up in the ground, and charge admission! Old lamp posts? A crappy array of old 70s style bollards? Oh this one looks at least like it was made with some craftsmanship..oh wait those are some old train track components placed upright. And don't get me started on the bronze sculpture(s) that looks like literal crap stacked up. The villa itself wasn't even pretty - looked like newer half-assed architecture - and we couldn't go in. We circled about wondering what they mean by "wear your masks indoors" when there wasn't any indoor exhibits to walk through? read more

If you are looking for a perfect date spot - this is it! It is such a beautiful ground with great sculptures from contemporary artists all over the country. It's located near Lake Colorado so you even get glimpses of the lake as you walk through with statues incorporated into the water. My friend was even considering this to be a wedding venue for her, that we didn't get to go inside to see the event space. Overall the walk was about 2 acres and took around an hour and a half to complete. I included some pictures of my favorite sculptures. Heads up this place is free on Thursdays for everybody which is when we went and I highly recommend. read more

The Contemporary Austin - Laguna Gloria - White snow - Museums Near Me - Austin, Texas

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This is primarily a review of the grounds, trail and sculpture garden of this local institution. The setting is a beautiful little gem very close to the city but still apart from it. The walking trail takes to close to the lake and is very bucolic. The site specific installations are well placed and interesting. I was particularly taken by a 50s car cast in bronze with sound recordings nestled into a clearing by the lake. Terry Allen's Road Angel is worth a visit by itself. There is also a piece by Ai Weiwei. I was also struck by a 30' tall sculpture by Tom Friedman of a figure looking up into the sky. Totally worth a visit, y'all. read more

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I've lived in austin for 15 years, why did I sleep on this? A gorgeous Mediterranean villa on the water with trails that have art sculptures all through the trails. A beautiful lawn with sculptures that are so amazing and stunning. This almost felt like I was in Italy. The grounds were kept so well. I was fortunate to go to a sxsw party here and to enjoy this beautiful space! Wow! read more

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Fabulous variety of creativity courses expertly taught by professionals in their respective fields. read more

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So much fun during the day and during the late night session on Thursdays. Wonderful location to stroll through a beautiful garden while enjoying creative and interactive art pieces. Great place to take the kiddos to explore and experience. read more

The Contemporary Austin - Laguna Gloria - Museums Near Me - Austin, Texas

I wish I had more time and it was a little cooler so I could thoroughly explore this place. Contemporary art is usually not my favorite but it was interesting to see all the different pieces. read more

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