Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum

I'm honestly a little shocked by how many five star reviews there are...Not a bad stop, but by no means would I suggest someone to go out of their way to stop here. The sculpture garden itself was quite small and the art was...unique. I loved the animal sculptures, but the rest were not my taste. The $7 entry fee seemed a bit steep for how long we were there, but after finding out it used to be free it seems like a lot. The grounds were well maintained, but there seemed to be limited parking spaces.

Ok I would recommend this place but if you didn't go here you'd be fine. It was pretty underwhelming. Also: you could walk in and not be honest and pay but it didn't feel like they were enforcing something. We paid though - $7. Is it with $7? Eh. The sculptures are cool but they don't explain a thing unless you have the brochure with you. I could see it being a serene spot though.

I was able to visit this outdoor sculpture garden for Austin Museum Day, which granted free admission, had some fantastic live music performed on the outdoor stage area, and had a show of artists displaying their unusual creations which made this a fun experience. A free event like this is the only reason I'd recommend visiting.The landscaped grounds are beautiful with walking trails, hills, trees, a pond with flowing water and nature to enjoy all around. The problem is that all the bronze statues along the way are hideous! Many are utterly grotesque with gaunt bodies and huge hands bigger than their heads, roughly sculpted and incredibly repulsive. Probably 40% are religious, about 40% are nude, and maybe 20% are animals.While the sculptures do have some expressive poses, they're quite bad in most respects and each time you come around a corner and see a new one on your stroll you ask yourself Why?! Bad proportions, focus on suffering, the list goes on. His sculptures did improve somewhat towards the end of his career, but never enough to say I really liked any of them.The building with rotating exhibits is nice, the grounds are lovely, I appreciate the staff for keeping this a very classy museum and garden and think it would be great for events - if only the art didn't make everyone want to flee!

Yes! Can't believe I've been driving by this gem for decades. I have known its location for a few years but, other matters were more pressing on my Austin visits,I guess!Charles Umlauf was the son of immigrant parents of French and German heritage. After attending the Art Institute of Chicago and studying under master sculptors, he took a position at the University of Texas as a drawing and sculpture instructor for 40 years.He taught Farah Facet who changed her major to Art! In 1985 he and his wife donated their home and land to Austin who in turn created this beautiful garden art sanctuary. If in Austin, seek it out(after the BBQ Mexican food run of course!Definite Go!

Wedding venue - I think that Umlauf is beautiful and really interesting. I love spending time there and it's especially beautiful in the spring and at night. I'm not sure that we'd do a wedding there again though - some things that we didn't think of: 1. you can't get in to set up until 4 and the music has to stop at 10, so the whole wedding/reception time frame is very compact. Our venders made it work, but it definitely wasn't relaxed. Also, you have to have tents if the weather is threatening. We had them, and they worked very well, but renting them is more than twice the cost of the venue (yes, that's true), so it adds a lot to the cost of the event.

I have driven by this jam several times but have never ventured in. Visiting this garden was a fantastic decision! I highly recommend!I visited during the early afternoon. There was plenty of parking. There is a sign for overflow parking probably for when the gardens are busier.The current admission fee is $7 for adults. Do you to covid-19 restrictions, masks are currently required for all visitors over the age of two.The sculptures are extremely beautiful and the garden is peaceful and green. The pamphlet provided by the admission staff was very informative about each of the sculptures. I really enjoyed walking around the gardens and learning about the sculptures so I walked around a couple of times. The first time was while reading the pamphlet about each sculpture, wow the second time was just enjoying and taking it all in.Mr. Charles Umlauf was very thoughtful and deliberate with each piece. The details are amazing. In 1985, he gifted his home, his studio, and several sculptures to the city of Austin. The gardens opened in 1991.During my visit the studio and gallery were closed to the public, possibly do to covid-19 restrictions.Again I highly recommend! Where some coffee shoes because this is a garden obviously, unless you are going to be doing a photoshoot. There are was information about how to go about that and make prior arrangements with the staff. The grounds are not paved so strollers and wheelchairs might not have full accessibility in some areas. I plan on visiting again when the fall weather comes in!

I just have to say that this is one of the most magnificent finds around Austin that I have ever visited besides the Buddhist temple that I also had the pleasure of visiting shortly after. A MUST SEE! Such a beautiful sculpture garden and absolutely breathtaking! Recommend for friends and family during a visit through Austin. This amazing garden is Kept neatly preserved and maintained. Bravo for all of the work that must have been hard to manage through all of the crazy weather Texas has been handed lately. $7 for adults to enter and $5 for seniors. So worth it! Make sure to take the info pamphlet provided at the front. It gives you a description and story of each suture presented. Some of the sculptures were stories from the Bible, some were of mythology and others were about the sculptor l/creator Charles Ulmauf. Amazing winding trail and enjoyed every minute.

After Dark was so fun! It was honoring Hispanic Heritage month. There was a little market, drinks, a band and fine art! Such a lovely way to spend a cool evening.

The Story behind the Umlauf Sculpture Garden was quite interesting. Apparently, His interpretation of religious imagery seemed to be in conflict with some of his patrons.His work has a signature mark of making a person's hands and feet larger and disproportionately from the rest of the body.Umlauf gardens allowed us to peacefully walk through the garden. The guide offered to visitors is a nice reference piece to better understand Umlauf's work. Be sure to use it during your visit.

Quiet, serene and peaceful stroll through the garden. Well kept and clean. It was nice to see so many people enjoying the surroundings!