Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum, Austin

The Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum (UMLAUF) is a cultural institution in Austin, specifically in the Zilker neighborhood. This establishment is dedicated to showcasing the artistic creations of Charles Umlauf, an American sculptor renowned for his work. You can find it on Azie Morton Road, conveniently adjacent to Zilker Park in Austin.

Back in 1985, Charles and Angeline Umlauf made a generous contribution by donating their residence, studio, and an impressive collection of 168 Umlauf sculptures to the City of Austin. Six years later, in 1991, the city constructed a museum to house and exhibit this remarkable artwork, using private funds for the project. The ongoing maintenance and operation of the museum are made possible through a combination of grants, donations, and support from the City of Austin. These funds are utilized to care for both the museum and its beautifully landscaped xeriscaped garden. The museum follows a seasonal schedule, featuring exhibitions that highlight the works of Charles Umlauf, as well as those of his contemporaries from the twentieth century and contemporary artists.

The UMLAUF includes a gallery space that periodically hosts exhibitions featuring artists from various parts of the world. While the museum has a global perspective, it places a special emphasis on Texan and Southern artists. Some notable past exhibitions have showcased the works of artists such as James Surls, Farrah Fawcett (who was a student, mentee, and occasional muse of Charles Umlauf), Jesús Moroles, Luis Jimenez, and Michael Ray Charles.