The UMLAUF Historic Preservation, Expansion, and Unification Plan is a project to improve access to and expand the use of UMLAUF’s sculpture garden, museum, and grounds, while preserving and incorporating an adjacent site that includes the home of Angeline and Charles Umlauf, their private sculpture garden, and the artist’s studio. The plan is complete and is currently being reviewed by Boards and Commissions. City Council District 5
Update
For the latest on the plan, please visit https://www.umlaufsculpture.org/visionplan
Background
The UMLAUF is located adjacent to Barton Creek, near the Barton Hills and Zilker neighborhoods, and it has been affected by the same environmental and water concerns of the area, such as stormwater runoff and surface pollutants.
Since its founding just over 30 years ago, the UMLAUF has been committed to art education in one of the most picturesque settings in Austin. As our collection and grounds have grown, so have our ambitions. The goal is to become one beautiful, approachable and accessible venue with a number of programmatic offerings to support the UMLAUF as a top destination in Austin.
In 1944, Charles and Angeline Umlauf purchased a carriage house that became their home at the top of a hill overlooking Barton Springs Road. In 1985, they gifted their home, property, his art studio and 168 sculptures to the City of Austin for public enjoyment and education. Landscape architect Aan Coleman designed the Garden and the internationally recognized architect Lawrence Speck designed the UMLAUF’s gallery and terrace that opened in 1991. The Roberta Crenshaw learning center was added to our site in 2001.
Project Description
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The UMLAUF will become the arts destination in Austin to learn, play and reflect. Our vision is to make the entire eight-acres accessible and available to the public, connecting Charles Umlauf’s artist studio, the Umlauf family home and property to the existing Museum and Sculpture Garden. We seek to make improvements to the grounds, expand the permanent collection, and broaden our ability for rotating exhibitions and community activities. We will pursue community and other support to prepare for and expand the Museum.
As a culturally rich arts destination, the UMLAUF envisions using its expanded collection and facilities to increase awareness of Charles Umlauf’s impact and influence as an artist, educator and philanthropist, and to honor the Umlauf family’s gift to the community by providing experiences that include art in nature, immersive exhibitions and educational opportunities, health and wellness programs, a venue for gatherings and events, and a peaceful breathing space within the heart of an urban capital city.
Anticipated Schedule
- Summer 2023: Community Engagement and Plan Development (Complete)
- Winter 2024: HPEU Final Vision Plan (Complete)
- Summer 2024: Boards and Commissions Review (Ongoing)
For the complete schedule of Boards and Commissions presentations, please visit: https://www.umlaufsculpture.org/visionplan
Community Engagement
Community engagement began in July 2023 and lasted through October 2023.
Phase 1: Discovery
- Small Group Work Sessions:
- Arts: August 7, 2023
- Environmental: August 8, 2023
- Neighborhood: August 9, 2023
- Community Conversations and Card Game: August 24, 2023, 6:30 p.m.
Phase 2: Exploration
- Small Group Work Session: Arts, Environmental and Neighborhood Review of Priorities: September 12, 2023
- Museum Day, September 17, 2023
- A Garden Scavenger Hunt: Exploring Concepts: September 25, 2023
- Small Group Work Session: Arts, Environmental and Neighborhood: October 10, 2023
- Imagine UMLAUF: October 23, 2023
Funding and Resources
Funding for the planning process is provided by UMLAUF.
Contact Information
For more information, visit https://www.umlaufsculpture.org/visionplan