A stone’s throw from the hustle and bustle of Zilker Park, the Umlauf Sculpture Garden + Museum is an entryway into another universe.
A tranquil, artistic refuge in which bronze sculptures rise from the covering green foliage, while the hum of removal descends into twittering and gurgling fountains.
Today, let’s find out what the Umlauf Sculpture Garden is exactly. We’ll also learn about opening times, the best time to visit, and more.
What is the Umlauf Sculpture Garden + Museum?
Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum is a unique area that spans six acres of lush vegetation.
It honors the life and work of American artist Charles Umlauf, while encouraging visitors of all ages to develop a profound appreciation for sculpture.
The UMLAUF provides an immersive experience that enthralls art lovers, families, and casual visitors alike with its harmonious fusion of art and environment.
The peaceful garden is a perfect spot for the curious wanderers to ponder and interact with the sculptures.
UMLAUF’s unique feature is that all its bronze sculptures can be touched. It is a family-oriented venue offering various programs and activities with touchable works of art set in Texas’s native landscapes.
So far, Umlauf has the highest number of public sculptures in Texas.
The UMLAUF is dedicated to preserving the legacy of Charles Umlauf, showcasing quality contemporary artworks, and creatively engaging the public! Make sure to explore the garden and find your favorite sculpture.
Brief history of the Umlauf Sculpture Garden + Museum
Charles Umlauf (1910-1994) received scholarships to the Art Institute of Chicago at the age of 11.
After honing his craft and completing commissions in the Windy City, he and his wife, Angie, relocated to Austin in 1941 to take a position as professor of life drawing and sculpture at the University of Texas Art Department.
He taught there for 40 years, exhibiting in innumerable national exhibitions and completing public commissions around the country.
Umlauf’s works are in private and public collections all over the world, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Smithsonian Institution.
His home, studio, and private sculpture garden are visible from the UMLAUF garden.
Top Highlights of Umlauf Sculpture Garden + Museum
Visiting the Umlauf Sculpture Garden + Museum, one might feel as if one has stepped into the living, breathing gallery of art and nature dancing together.
Here are some things which you must not miss when you are here.
Sculpture Highlights
The garden has over 40 works on permanent display, but a few really deserve to catch your eye:
- Mother and Child: One of Umlauf’s most famous subjects, portraying the tenderness of a mother’s love in smooth lines of bronze.
- Spirit of Flight: A breathtaking depiction of uplift and movement, representing freedom and aspiration.
- Kneeling Woman: A calm, contemplative figure that bids you to sit and ponder.
Well, each of the sculptures has a tale. Legends inspire some, while others touch on human emotion or nature, truly making your stroll a conversation between the artist and your imagination.
Umlauf Sculpture Garden + Museum Instagram Spot
Photographers, rejoice! Umlauf is the feast for your eyes:
- Light streaming through trees striking the bronze figures.
- Water lilies blooming in moody ponds.
- Curved pathways that look like secret trails through art.
Bring your camera or smartphone and feel free to take pictures; personal photography is encouraged!
Pro tip: Go during the golden hour immediately after sunrise or just before sunset for the most dreamy lighting.
Seasonal Exhibitions & Collaborations with Artists
Besides featuring works by Umlauf, the museum also exhibits rotating exhibitions that bring local and national artists into the mix and inject new energy every season.
- For the Umlauf, resident visiting artists during the year include rising and established sculptors.
- These artists frequently hold lectures, live demonstrations, and workshops for audiences interested in experiencing how the creative process unfolds.
- Annual events like UMLAUF Garden Party and After Dark series transform the garden with live music, light installations, and curated pop-up exhibits, thus providing a wholly different, vibrant experience at night.
Quiet Corners for Reflection
Some visitors come to sketch. Others come just to sit.
- It is perfect for sitting in peace with a sketchbook or just enjoying the peaceful ambiance.
- Some garden spaces are created to be extra peaceful, with minimal human interference, and gentle sounds of water nearby.
- These make for great spots for one-on-one meditation or simply stopping to reflect.
- Here, artists and writers get so inspired. The soft caressing sound of the leaves, the interplay of light and shadow, and the strong kinetic forms of the sculptures are simply perfect to ignite inspiration.
Planning Your Visit to Umlauf Sculpture Garden + Museum
A little planning makes a great difference when visiting the Umlauf Sculpture Garden + Museum.
Here is a little more information to help plan the best outing.
Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum Tickets
The tickets start at $8 per adult, are quite inexpensive for a fantastic cultural experience. One of the best bargains available in Austin.
- Entry price is reduced to $6 for seniors (60 years and above), and $4 for students with an ID, and active military. Just remember to produce an ID for qualifications
- Children under 12 are often given free access, which can be a very affordable family trip.
Precio del billete
| Categoría | Precio |
| Adult | $8 |
| Senior (60+) | $6 |
| Active Military and Veteran | $4 |
| K-12 Teacher | $4 |
| College Student | $4 |
| Youth (K-12) | $2 |
| Child (0-4 years) | Gratis |
| Members | Gratis |
Hours of Operation
The Umlauf Sculpture Garden + Museum is usually open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm.
- As with most museums, Umlauf remains closed on Mondays for maintenance and private functions.
- Morning visits (10 AM to 12 PM) are the best time. The temperature is cooler, the paths are quieter, and the morning light is good for photographs.
| Days | Time |
| Tuesday to Friday | 10 am to 4 pm |
| Saturday and Sunday | 11 am to 4 pm |
| Lunes | Closed |
Note: Opening at noon on Sunday, April 27th, 2025
Closed Saturday, May 24th, 2025
Opening at noon on Saturday, May 31st, 2025
HOLIDAY CLOSURES
Independence Day
ACL Fest
Thanksgiving Day + The Day After Thanksgiving
Dec. 24th – 25th
Umlauf Sculpture Garden + Museum Location
Just minutes from downtown and right next to the sprawling greenery of Zilker Park.
- The area surrounding Umlauf is vibrant yet peaceful, expect to see myriad joggers, bikers, and families enjoying nearby trails, parks, and gardens.
Dirección: 605 Azie Morton Rd, Austin, TX 78704, United States. Mapa de Google
Parking Tips
Umlauf has limited free parking in a lot just off Azie Morton Road. It fills up fast, especially on weekends and during events.
- There is additional parking on streets adjacent to Umlauf. Make sure to pay attention to all signs regarding permit requirements or time restrictions.
- With Austin’s budding bike culture, one can always get off the bike and hop into a rideshare to ditch parking anxiety.
- If you choose to take public transportation, there are CapMetro buses serving the Zilker area. Route-planning tips can be found in the CapMetro app.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair Friendly: The garden paths and museum spaces are designed with accessibility in mind for smooth walking and are wheelchair-friendly.
- Rest Spots: Benches and shaded resting areas are sheltered around the garden for visitors who may need to stop often.
- Service Animal: The garden welcomes service animals under the ADA.
- Visitor Services: Consider contacting the museum if additional assistance is needed, such as for loaning wheelchairs or helping with navigation, to ensure accommodations can be prepared in advance regarding your arrival.
Umlauf Sculpture Garden Travel Tips & Nearby Attractions
The right timing, plans of action with good insider tips, and knowledge about sites of interest nearby can upgrade any simple museum visit into a full day of art, nature, and relaxation.
As a first-time visitor or a regular in the art realm, these travel tips and local highlights will help you organize a memorable trip around Austin.
Best Time to Visit Umlauf Sculpture Garden
The best time to visit is spring and fall. Excellent temperatures, blossoming nature, and scarce crowds compared to the overwhelming summer months are all good reasons to come to Austin at this time.
The gardens are best enjoyed in the spring, with native Texas flora and fauna all in bloom.
Weekday Morning:
For the greatest serene experience, plan on arriving just after opening (approximately 10 AM) on any weekday.
Enjoy the quieter trails, good lighting for photographs, and more time relaxing next to sculptures without feeling rushed.
Golden Hour for Pictures:
If the aim is to take the most amazing photos ever, plan to visit during the late-afternoon golden hour, about an hour before sunset.
The diffused warm light gently washes over the sculptures and garden and creates incredible shadows.
What to Wear and Bring
The garden trails are mostly flat and well-maintained, but comfortable shoes to withstand a nice stroll and standing for long periods exploring are still a good idea.
- Although many paths are shaded, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are definitely super recommended, especially during sunnier months.
- Hydration is key! Some facilities may have water fountains, but it’s always good to have your water bottle on hand for refilling while on the move.
- One would surely be tempted to capture the artistic and natural beauty – whether it be with a quick shot or slo-mo artistic photography.
- The tranquil ambience will inspire quick sketches, reflective journaling, or poetry writing.
Umlauf Sculpture Garden: Nearby attractions
Add these nearby attractions to your agenda to make a complete, art-filled day:
Zilker Botanical Garden (About a 5-minute walk)
Often called “a jewel in the heart of Austin,” this beautifully maintained garden features many themed areas. It has the Japanese Garden, Rose Garden, and Hartman Prehistoric Garden, which are appropriate partners for your Umlauf visit, adding even more beautiful flora to gaze upon.
Barton Springs Pool (About a 10-minute walk)
Next, an invigorating swim in Austin’s iconic natural spring-fed pool. It has year-round temperatures hovering at the brisk 68-70°F, soothing the garden-tired soul at midday.
Zilker Park and Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail (Next to the Umlauf)
Stretch those weary legs and enjoy stunning views of downtown Austin while walking along this scenic trail system. With glorious parkland, the shores of Lady Bird Lake, and lush urban green-space vistas, it preserves a ballpark for a third of your day.
Bouldin Creek Café (About a 5-minute drive)
A local favorite for brunches and lunches that appeal to vegetarians and vegans. For recharging one’s energies after all morning frolicking, it is the atmosphere and artfully creative dishes that make this a good stop.
Juliet Italian Kitchen (About a 3-minute drive)
If you are in the mood for traditional Italian food with a modern twist, this adorable little restaurant near Zilker Park offers cozy patio seating. It also has some wonderful handmade pastas perfect location for an indulgent, slow meal.
The Contemporary Austin – Laguna Gloria (About 10-15 minutes’ drive)
This is yet another sort of art destination set on a lovely lakeside piece of property. Outdoor sculptures in contemporary style crowd the grounds of Laguna Gloria, with a beautiful historic villa looking on.
Retreat to Nature — Stay Onera, Wimberley
If you are looking for a home base that is calm, stylish, and in nature, Stay Onera in Wimberley is a dream come true. After enjoying here, it is the perfect location to relax.
- Stay Onera offers eco-conscious luxury cabins and glamping tents with sleek modern interiors, soaking tubs, and stunning views of the Hill Country.
- It is not simply a place to stay, but an experience altogether.
- Stay Onera keeps you close enough for impromptu excursions in Austin, which is only about an hour’s drive away.
Conclusion | Umlauf Sculpture Garden + Museum
A visit to the Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum must always be incorporated in any journey to Austin.
It is for that kind of peaceful and inspiring, unforgettable experience. It is, indeed, a site where art breathes along with the wind, and every path brings one step closer to beauty.
And when the city buzz begins to fade, take your journey further into the wilderness for a restorative. Come to Stay at Onera, where you can find starry skies, soft beds, and the songs of nature will lull you into deep relaxation.
Book your escape right now – art, nature, and peace await you in the Texas Hill Country!
FAQs | Umlauf Sculpture Garden + Museum
1. What is the Umlauf Sculpture Garden + Museum in Austin?
The Umlauf Sculpture Garden + Museum is a serene six-acre outdoor museum in Austin, Texas, showcasing the bronze sculptures of Charles Umlauf alongside rotating contemporary exhibitions. It offers a unique blend of nature and art, allowing visitors to touch the sculptures and enjoy peaceful garden paths.
2. How much are Umlauf Sculpture Garden tickets?
General admission is $8 for adults. Seniors (60+) pay $6, students and active military get in for $4, and children under 4 are free. Memberships also grant free entry, making it an affordable Austin art experience.
3. When is the best time to visit Umlauf Sculpture Garden + Museum?
The best times are weekday mornings or during golden hour, just before sunset. Spring and fall are ideal for blooming flora, cooler weather, and fewer crowds.
4. Is the Umlauf Sculpture Garden kid-friendly?
Yes! Children are encouraged to explore and interact with the touchable sculptures. There are family-friendly programs and events designed to engage all ages.
5. Are the sculptures at Umlauf touchable?
Yes, one of the garden’s unique features is that visitors are allowed—and encouraged—to touch the bronze sculptures, making it an immersive and interactive art experience.
6. What are some must-see sculptures at Umlauf?
Highlights include Mother and Child, Spirit of Flight, and Kneeling Woman. Each piece tells a story and evokes deep emotions through form and movement.
7. Is the Umlauf Sculpture Garden wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the garden paths and museum areas are designed to be wheelchair-friendly. There are also benches and shaded rest spots available for visitor comfort.
8. Where is the Umlauf Sculpture Garden located?
It’s located at 605 Azie Morton Rd, Austin, TX 78704, just next to Zilker Park and minutes from downtown Austin.
9. What are Umlauf’s hours of operation?
Tuesday–Friday: 10 am to 4 pm
Saturday–Sunday: 11 am to 4 pm
Closed Mondays. Note that hours may vary on certain holidays or special event days.
10. Is there parking at Umlauf Sculpture Garden?
Limited free parking is available onsite, with additional parking on nearby streets. Consider rideshares or biking to avoid parking hassles.
11. What other attractions are near Umlauf Sculpture Garden?
Nearby attractions include Zilker Botanical Garden, Barton Springs Pool, and the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail. Restaurants like Bouldin Creek Café and Juliet Italian Kitchen are also just a short drive away.
12. Can I take photos at Umlauf Sculpture Garden?
Yes, personal photography is encouraged. Golden hour—just after sunrise or before sunset—is the perfect time for capturing the garden’s beauty.
13. Does Umlauf host special events?
Yes, the museum holds annual events like the UMLAUF Garden Party and After Dark series, along with seasonal exhibitions, artist residencies, and workshops.
Where can I stay after visiting the Umlauf Sculpture Garden?
Stay Onera in Wimberley is a perfect nearby retreat. Located about an hour from Austin, it offers luxury cabins and glamping immersed in the Texas Hill Country nature.