The Contemporary Austin

A wonderful blend of nature and human achievement, this campus set on the shores of Lake Austin is part of the Contemporary Art Museum. The centerpiece of the grounds is an Italianate style villa built following the original owner’s trip to Lake Como Italy more than a century ago. Laguna Gloria features an amphitheater for events and film screenings, an art school, and a sculpture garden and has hosted works by artists such as Ai Weiwei, Anya Gallaccio, Nancy Holt and many more. The grounds around the building at once have the feel of a garden, a lakeside estate and barely tamed rain forest, with pieces of art almost hidden in nooks throughout.