The Contemporary Austin - Laguna Gloria

The Contemporary Austin – Laguna Gloria is located in an Italianate villa built in 1916 on the shore of Lake Austin, with interior galleries and outdoor spaces for art. The grounds span about 14 acres and include a sculpture park where rotating contemporary installations are set among trees and terraced gardens.

Clara Driscoll and Hal Sevier built the villa in 1916, inspired by the Italian lakeside setting of Como, and the owner later transformed the property into a museum when it was donated in 1943. The shift from private home to public art institution happened gradually as the collection and educational mission expanded over time.

The garden terraces that Clara Driscoll designed remain central to how visitors experience the grounds today, creating a setting where art and landscape work together. People move through these planted spaces to encounter sculptures and installations in a naturally flowing way.

The location on the lakeshore means visitors can explore both indoor galleries and outdoor areas with water views, and the grounds are walkable throughout. Wearing comfortable shoes is a good idea since the terrain is hilly and paths lead through gardens and across the sculpture park.

The villa still contains personal furnishings and decorative details from when Clara Driscoll lived there, offering glimpses into her daily life and design choices. This blend of private history with public art space creates an unusual feeling of continuity between the house's two identities.

Location: Texas

Location: Austin

Architectural style: revivalism

Part of: The Contemporary Austin

Address: 3809 W 35th Street

Phone: +15123236380

Website: http://thecontemporaryaustin.org/lagunagloria

GPS coordinates: 30.31222,-97.77417

Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:03