Beyond the Fair: Where to find art in Austin all year long
Here’s a guide to some of Austin’s most beloved art museums, what you’ll find there, and why they’re worth your time.
Bella Villanueva
Wednesday 30 July, 2025
Affordable Art Fair Austin may only come once a year, but the creative energy it sparks doesn’t have to end when the fair closes its doors. The city is home to a vibrant network of art museums that offer year-round opportunities to explore, reflect, and connect with art in all its forms. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a curious newcomer, these institutions are essential stops on your artistic journey.
“The Affordable Art Fair is just the beginning. We want people to leave the fair feeling inspired, and then keep that inspiration alive by engaging with Austin’s incredible art institutions,” says Cori Teague, Fair Director of Affordable Art Fair Austin.
Blanton Museum of Art
The Blanton is a cornerstone of Austin’s art scene. Located on the University of Texas campus, it offers a rich blend of historical and contemporary works. Its iconic Ellsworth Kelly chapel is a must-see for lovers of color, light, and architectural serenity.
What you’ll find: European paintings, contemporary American art, and one of the largest collections of Latin American art in the country.
Why visit: For a deep dive into global art history and a meditative moment in the Kelly chapel.
“Blanton’s collection is a beautiful reminder that art is both timeless and timely,” says Teague. “It’s a place where you can see how the past informs the present—and where inspiration strikes in unexpected ways.”
The Contemporary Austin – Jones Center & Laguna Gloria
The Contemporary Austin offers two distinct experiences: the downtown Jones Center, with its rotating exhibitions of cutting-edge contemporary art, and Laguna Gloria, a lakeside sculpture park and historic villa that feels like a creative retreat.
What you’ll find: Bold, thought-provoking contemporary art in both urban and natural settings.
Why visit: To experience art that challenges, surprises, and invites conversation.
“The Contemporary is where Austin’s creative pulse beats loudest,” says Teague. “It’s experimental, it’s immersive, and it’s always pushing boundaries—just like the artists we champion at the fair.”
Mexic-Arte Museum
Mexic-Arte Museum plays a vital role in Austin’s cultural landscape, showcasing powerful exhibitions that honor tradition while amplifying contemporary Latinx perspectives. With a strong focus on education, community engagement, and cultural celebration, the museum continues to be a dynamic space for dialogue and discovery.
What you’ll find: Mexican, Latinx, and Chicano art that celebrates cultural heritage and contemporary voices.
Why visit: To explore the intersection of art and identity in a space that feels both intimate and powerful.
“Mexic-Arte reminds us that art is a living, breathing part of community,” says Teague. “It’s not just about what’s on the walls—it’s about the stories, the people, and the culture behind it.”
UMLAUF Sculpture Garden & Museum
Nestled near Zilker Park, UMLAUF Sculpture Garden & Museum is a serene oasis where art and nature harmonize. It’s perfect for a quiet afternoon of reflection or a family-friendly outing. It was founded around the work of Charles Umlauf, a prolific 20th-century American sculptor and former professor at the University of Texas at Austin. Umlauf’s expressive sculptures—ranging from classical figures to abstract forms—can be found throughout the garden, offering a deeply personal glimpse into his artistic legacy. Umlauf donated his home, studio, and hundreds of sculptures to the city of Austin in 1985, creating a space where the public could engage with art in a natural, reflective setting. Today, the museum continues to honor his vision while also showcasing contemporary sculptors through rotating exhibitions and educational programs.
What you’ll find: Outdoor sculptures by Charles Umlauf and rotating exhibitions by contemporary sculptors.
Why visit: For a peaceful, sensory-rich encounter with sculpture and a deeper appreciation of Charles Umlauf’s enduring impact on Austin’s art community.
“There’s something magical about seeing art in the open air,” says Teague. “UMLAUF offers a slower, more contemplative experience that’s deeply grounding—and it’s a beautiful tribute to one of Austin’s most influential artists.”
George Washington Carver Museum, Cultural and Genealogy Center
The George Washington Carver Museum is more than a museum—it’s a cultural cornerstone in East Austin. Dedicated to the preservation and celebration of African American history and culture, the museum offers a rich blend of visual art, historical exhibitions, genealogy resources, and public programs that uplift Black voices and experiences. Named after the famed scientist and educator, the Carver Museum houses four galleries, a theater, and a genealogy center that helps visitors trace their family histories. Its exhibitions often highlight both local and national Black artists, blending contemporary creativity with historical context.
The museum also plays a vital role in community engagement, hosting events like Juneteenth celebrations, artist talks, youth workshops, and cultural festivals that bring people together in meaningful ways.
What you’ll find: Exhibitions celebrating African American history, culture, and creativity.
Why visit: To engage with powerful narratives and support a space dedicated to cultural equity and community connection.
“The Carver Museum is essential,” says Teague. “It’s a space of empowerment, education, and celebration. Every visit feels like a call to action and a tribute to resilience.”
While the Affordable Art Fair Austin may be seasonal, your journey with art doesn’t have to be. These museums offer year-round opportunities to stay connected to the creative spirit that brings us together each spring.
“Art is a conversation that never ends,” says Teague. “We hope the fair is just the beginning of that conversation for our visitors—and that they continue it by supporting the incredible institutions that make Austin such a vibrant arts city.”
If you’re looking for a simple way to give back to the arts, consider becoming a museum member. Memberships at Austin’s art institutions are often surprisingly affordable—and they do more than grant you access. They help fund exhibitions, support local artists, and ensure that art remains accessible to everyone in our community. It’s a small gesture that makes a big impact.
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