Previously known as the AMOA-Arthouse, The Contemporary Austin relaunched itself on 18 July 2013 as Austin's first contemporary art museum, exhibiting the works of today's leading artists. It is spread out over two architecturally distinct venues, the first being the historic lakeside estate 10 kilometres northwest of downtown Austin, Laguna Gloria, and the Jones Center on Congress Avenue in downtown Austin. Both sites showcase some breathtaking contemporary art by Texan artists.
It was at Laguna Gloria that the museum found its roots. The Mediterranean-style Driscoll Villa was built by Hal Sevier, a local newspaper editor, and his wife, Clara Driscoll, in 1916. Driscoll donated the estate in 1943 to the Texas Fine Arts Association because she wanted it be to be used “as a museum to bring pleasure in the appreciation of art to the people of Texas.”
After your tour through the Laguna Gloria museum, explore the five-hectare landscaped gardens that surround the villa. Driscoll, an avid gardener, had brought the gardens to life during her years here. On the grounds is the Four Seasons Garden, a private garden filled with a series of sculptures Driscoll obtained in Venice. Come on a Saturday or Sunday to experience the history, art and nature of the villa on the Laguna Gloria Drop-in Tour, which comes free with admission. Those visiting with young children should join in on the art-making classes inspired by current exhibitions, held every second Saturday at the museum.
The Jones Center has always challenged the traditional boundaries of art, and has exhibited contemporary artistic mediums like video installation. Originally a department store and movie palace in the city centre of Austin, the building has transformed into an avant-garde piece of architecture. It regularly hosts film screenings and lectures on art and design issues.
The Jones Center sits on Congress Avenue in downtown Austin, while Laguna Gloria is about a 15-minute drive from downtown. Both galleries are open every day with the exception of Monday, but you can visit the grounds seven days a week. Both sites are closed on public holidays and Christmas Eve.
