Nestled near Barton Springs, the Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum is a hidden sanctuary where art and nature intertwine. Originally the private garden of renowned sculptor Charles Umlauf, this peaceful retreat was gifted to the City of Austin in 1985, along with 168 sculptures, his home, and studio.

Once an overgrown landscape, the site was transformed into a four-acre sculpture garden, where bronze and stone figures now stand thoughtfully placed among winding trails, koi ponds, and towering trees. Waterfalls and streams muffle the sounds of the city, creating a space where visitors can wander at their own pace, discovering graceful human forms, abstract shapes, and mythological figures in every clearing. Unlike many traditional museums, the bronze sculptures here are coated with protective wax, allowing visitors to gently touch the artwork, making the experience more immersive and accessible.

Inside the museum, rotating exhibitions highlight Umlauf’s expressive style alongside contemporary artists, while the surrounding garden hosts dance and music performances that blend effortlessly into the natural setting. The Art School, located on-site, offers hands-on classes in sculpture, ceramics, and drawing, keeping Umlauf’s passion for education alive.

Whether you’re admiring a bronze figure nestled beneath an old oak, reflecting by the koi pond, or simply enjoying a quiet moment on a shaded bench, the Umlauf Sculpture Garden remains one of Austin’s most serene and inspiring escapes—a place where art feels truly alive.