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Parks and Recreation
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Arts and Museums

The Parks and Recreation Department offers an wide scope of citywide arts services and programs through its Museums, Theaters, Julia C. Butridge Gallery, the Sheffield Education Center, Recreation Centers, Senior Centers and the Dougherty Arts Center. In addition, programs are offered that enable artists and arts groups to provide cultural arts presentations contributing to the city's diverse artistic environment.
Photo of child in art class at the Dougherty Arts School
Photo of Cathy Savage: This Can't Be Right, a piece of art from an exhibit at the Julia C. Butridge Gallery
Carver Museum photo
Photo of the Splash! Into the Edwards Aquifer exhibit at Barton Springs Pool
Photo of an art project produced by a student of the Dougherty Arts School

Join us for a fascinating encounter with native animals, plants and the geology of Central Texas. Come explore this unique environment with hands-on exhibits, interactive nature and science trails and live Texas wildlife! Located on the 80 acre Zilker Preserve, the Austin Nature and Science Center is a great place to explore Austin.

A variety of dance and art classes are offered at the 20 Recreation Centers and 3 Senior Activity Centers.

George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center, the first African American neighborhood museum in the state of Texas.

Elisabet Ney Museum, the former studio of the 19th century portrait sculptor Elisabet Ney (1833-1907.)

O. Henry Museum, William Sidney Porter's home serving as a museum furnished with artifacts and memorabilia from the author's life in Austin

The Mexican American Cultural Center is to be dedicated to the preservation, creation, presentation, and promotion of Mexican American cultural arts and heritage.

Sheffield Education Center, home to the Splash! Into the Edwards Aquifer exhibit, for an interactive immersion experience into the Edwards Aquifer. Experience a rain drop's journey deep inside a simulated karst cave and discover the mysteries of the aquifer through displays, exhibits and games.

Beverly S. Sheffield Zilker Hillside Theater offering a broad range of performances including dramas, musicals, dance, instrumental and vocal music groups

23rd Street Artist’s (Renaissance) Market provides an area for crafts people to sell their work.

The Umlauf Sculpture Garden, located at 605 Robert E. Lee Rd., displays 130 of Charles Umlauf's sculptures



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Contact Us: Parks@ci.austin.tx.us or 512-974-6700.
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