Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum

605 Robert E Lee Rd, Austin, TX 78704, USA

Address:	605 Robert E Lee Rd, Austin, TX 78704, USA
Phone:	+1 512-445-5582
Site:	umlaufsculpture.org
Rating:	4.3
Working:	Closed 10AM–4PM 10AM–4PM 10AM–4PM 10AM–4PM 12–4PM 12–4PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 11

Leila Rahil

I recently discovered this little gem on their last free admission wknd of the summer. I cant believe I have lived in Austin for 5yrs and never made it out here! First, let me say, that this place is definitely a place meant and designed for quiet introspection and appreciation of the sculptures, thoughtfully placed and integrated into the landscape and grounds. The water feature at the entrance is especially pleasant and you can walk via a pathway to the top of it and sit and just get lost in thoughts and nature...in the middle of what is essentially downtown Austin! The sculptures are fantastic and span the spectrum from renaissance to contemporary to grotesque to macabre to religious to exquisite to simplistic...which is just fantastic! You can find one or two or ten and peruse the form, flow, and context, which I love! The visitor center, which also doubles as an exhibition gallery, was great! The "Shiva and Eve" exhibit they had with various interpretation of the female form was fantastic! My only qualm was, and in all fairness this may have been due to it being a "free" wknd, that there were 3 separate parents with very young/small children running around screaming and even touching and CLIMBING on the sculptures in the garden. This made it very unpleasant to enjoy the ambiance and environment this place was designed for and I could not believe the complete disregard and lack of respect the parents had for others and these art sculptures. Even if there hadnt been prominently posted signed to NOT touch or climb the sculptures, it is common sense that is NEVER OK! I was honestly appalled that anyone, let alone Austinites, would behave this way! I even told the docents in the visitor center and they just kind of shrugged and said "there isnt a lot we can do". What a sad commentary on Society and its lack of conscience and courtesy! Umlauf is a wonderful, peaceful abode where you can appreciate art and nature as one...it is not a playground or free babysitter for parents to bring their unruly offspring! There is the Thinkery in Mueller or, better yet, the grounds of Zilker, for just that! Please be respectful of this place and those that are trying to enjoy it next time you visit!

Aarika Marino

The Umlauf Sculpture Garden is quietly nestled right off the busy Barton Springs gateway. If you are looking for a quite afternoon of reflection, this is the place to go! Great for all ages, all walking paths are wide and wheel-chair accessible. The sculptures themselves are interesting and provocative, made with numerous mediums; however, I was hoping for a more varied collection of artists–it is just the work of Charles Umlauf. There were no name-plates on or near the sculptures, so it was difficult to understand the story behind the collection. The admission fee is $5, so it is worth a look, but I dont know if I would visit again. Also to consider are the many events that are hosted at the Umlauf. Events are seasonal, so it is best to check their website. I went for a craft night and it was a fun venue to meet other art lovers in the Austin community.

Arissa S

For starters, it was really neat to see such a comprehensive collection of one artists work in one place. Charles Umlaufs work has beauty and movement, and some pieces were just dreamy with a handful of sculptures having a religious theme.I went during lunch one sunny afternoon, and the gardens were nicely shaded so that I could enjoy my sandwich without fear of a sunburn. :) There are benches to sit on and I believe theres wifi there so you could even take a laptop to work after youve strolled the gardens. Which, really arent THAT big. I probably walked it in 20 minutes, then did the loop again to go back to some of my favorite pieces.A nice little adventure, for sure.

A Private User

Beautiful ground and sculptures and children can touch all outdoor sculptures! Its always nice when I dont have to spend an entire visit somewhere trying to keep my preschooler from touching things. My son loved getting up close and touching the sculptures and was especially fascinated by the baby sculpture. Its a really nice place to just sit, breath, and take in the surroundings. There was a group doing yoga during one of our visits and the other visit there was maybe two other families. The small admission charge is well worth it. Its also located near other fabulous places to visit--Zilker Metro Park, Botanical Gardens, Austin Nature and Science Center, etc.

Chef Rodi

Want to be whisked away in the artistry of the sculpture world? Well, this is the place. A natural, peaceful sanctuary to explore the many works of Charles Umlauf nested on a quiet piece of land downhill from his once private residence. His sculptures r lifelike & real leaving room for a personal interpretation. Guests weave through the garden by way of dirt paths, around ponds with lily pads, arching, large shade trees, a glass atrium for events & a welcoming that says take a seat, create & stay awhile. One could get lost in their own creative mind & world just as I imagine what Umlauf wanted us to. A definite must visit & see.

David McAlister

Unless youre really, really into the works of Charles Umlauf, this museum isnt worth your time. The gardens were pretty nice, but its a small park filled with some rather boring sculptures, every single one by the same artist. Im not an art fanatic, and a few statues were pretty intriguing, but the remaining ~20 were pretty much the same uninspired template. The small museum about Umlauf and his creative process was also some what interesting. But again, unless youre really, really into Umlauf or Catholic themed bronze sculptures, dont waste your time

Wini Griffin

If you have an appreciation for handcrafted sculptures that carry some local history come to this little plot of land and soak up the love of Charles Umlauf by way of sculpture viewing. If you want things to be a bit more structured or dont quite have an eye for sculpted art, ask for a tour guide theyll lead you to understanding. This places serves as a beautiful wedding and reception venue & the prices arent too bad for the location.

A Private User

This is a really cool sculpture garden but it is pretty small. You can easily go and see/enjoy everything and be out of there in 30 minutes. I recommend talking to the lady at the front desk and watching the informative video if you want to have a better understanding before viewing all the sculptures. My favorite sculpture is of Icarus.

Don McAlister

Just to clear, this park has the sculptures of one artist, Umlauf. They were good sculptures, some really good, but I was expecting more. The presentation is nice, lovely grounds and plantings. There was an excellent presentation of his studio and how his sculptures were made. But the suggested donation of $5 a person was steep.

Alan McGill

This is a lovely little place to wander around on a nice day. The artwork is wonderful and the setting is beautiful. It isnt that big but its worth a look. The admission price is very reasonable or if you check their calendar of events there are often times you can get in and wander around for free.

David Olvera

Umlauf. Hard to incapsulate everything that it is and how serene and beautiful it can make one feel. The pieces are amazing...and the grounds are pristine. A true destination for Austinites and visitors alike. It has a good number of pieces and is worth the relatively low price of admission.