The UMLAUF Sculpture Garden and Museum, in collaboration with the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department and Page/ architecture firm, is set to publicly release its Historic Preservation, Expansion and Unification Plan. The unveiling event will take place on Wednesday, May 29 at 5:30 p.m. at 605 Azie Morton Rd and is open to all interested parties.
This plan represents a crucial initial move for the Austin art institution as it seeks to enhance accessibility and extend the utilization of its 5.86-acre sculpture garden, museum, and grounds. Simultaneously, it aims to preserve and incorporate an adjacent 1.93-acre site that encompasses the historic residence of Angeline and Charles Umlauf, their private sculpture garden, and the artist’s studio.
The plan advocates for the preservation and activation of the historic Umlauf home and studio for public access. It proposes more gathering spaces, programmatic areas, as well as strategies to exhibit additional art currently in storage. Additionally, it recommends implementing sustainable practices along with innovative stormwater management strategies.
The planning process began in summer 2023 with community engagement followed by a feedback period during which public responses to various conceptual ideas were gathered and integrated into the plan.
The UMLAUF Sculpture Garden and Museum was established following the Umlaufs' generous donation in 1985 of their personal residence, art studio, seven acres of land, and over 150 sculptures to the City of Austin for use as an art museum. The museum opened its doors to the public on adjacent land in 1991.
Further details regarding this planning process can be accessed at UmlaufSculpture.org/VisionPlan.
About the UMLAUF Sculpture Garden and Museum:
The UMLAUF Sculpture Garden and Museum is a non-profit organization centered around a vast collection of work by American sculptor Charles Umlauf. Charles Umlauf (1910-1994) was a professor at The University of Texas for forty years, retiring as Professor Emeritus in 1981. The UMLAUF exhibits the work of Charles Umlauf and other visual and performing artists in a museum and garden setting. Its mission is to cultivate curiosity, community, and connection through nature, contemporary artists, and the work of Charles Umlauf. More information can be found at UmlaufSculpture.org.