Blending historic elegance with contemporary art, The Contemporary Austin – Laguna Gloria is a sculpture-filled retreat on the shores of Lake Austin. Originally built in 1916 as the Italian-style villa of philanthropist Clara Driscoll, this lush 14-acre estate is now one of the city’s most stunning destinations for modern art.

The grounds serve as an open-air gallery, featuring large-scale sculptures and installations by internationally renowned artists, seamlessly integrated into the landscape of towering oak trees and tranquil waterfront views. Inside the villa, rotating exhibitions showcase cutting-edge works, connecting Austin to the global art scene.

Laguna Gloria is also home to The Art School, where visitors can take hands-on classes in painting, ceramics, and sculpture. Whether wandering through the sculpture park, admiring the villa’s Mediterranean-style architecture, or enjoying a picnic along the lake, this Austin gem offers a rare mix of art, history, and nature—all in one breathtaking setting.