What is the Old Bakery and Emporium?

The Old Bakery and Emporium is a historic landmark in downtown Austin that was built in 1876. Today, it serves as a tourist information center, gift shop, art gallery, and museum, though it no longer serves baked goods.

Where is the Old Bakery and Emporium located?

It is located at 1006 Congress Avenue, on the northwest corner of Congress Avenue and 10th Street, just half a block south of the Texas State Capitol grounds.

How much does it cost to visit?

Admission to the Old Bakery and Emporium is free.

What can you see and do inside the building?

You can browse an artisan shop featuring unique, handmade items from local craftspeople on the main floor, and visit an art gallery upstairs. The building also houses a visitor center and a history exhibit exploring Austin's immigrant history through the Lundberg-Maerki Historical Collection.

What are the hours of operation?

The public hours are Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

Old Bakery and Emporium in Austin

Old Bakery and Emporium

Located just steps from the Texas State Capitol, this 1876 historic landmark features a local artisan shop, a gallery showcasing senior artists, and exhibits tracing Austin's Swedish immigrant history.

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What to know

Built in 1876 and located at 1006 Congress Avenue on the northwest corner of 10th Street, the Old Bakery and Emporium is a striking historic landmark in downtown Austin. Constructed of limestone with a brick facade, the building is easily recognized by the large cast-iron eagle perched at the peak of its gabled roof overlooking Congress Avenue. It operated as a bakery until 1936, and was added to the National Register of Historic Places on December 17, 1969. In 1970, the building was saved from demolition when excavations next door uncovered the foundations of the previous state capitol building. The structure was previously bought and refurbished by the Austin Heritage Society in 1962. Today, the building no longer serves baked goods, but instead functions as a vibrant multi-use space including a visitor center, gift shop, art gallery, and museum. The main floor serves as a local artisan shop, showcasing unique, handmade items crafted by local artists and craftspeople. Upstairs, the gallery specifically features the work of artists over the age of 50, a program designed to fight ageism in the art world and preserve local creative legacy. Visitors can also explore Austin's immigrant history, particularly its Swedish-immigrant heritage, through the Lundberg-Maeriki Historical Collection housed inside. The building also holds a place in literary lore, having been featured in several stories by the famous writer O. Henry. Outside, a mural project on the site stands as a testament to modern community art, created as part of the Downtown Austin Alliance Foundation's Writing on the Walls program.

Visitor tips

Admission to the building is completely free for all visitors.
Check the hours before visiting; the city lists public hours as Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Look up at the gabled roof to spot the large cast-iron eagle overlooking Congress Avenue.

Nearby context

Located in the heart of downtown Austin, the Old Bakery and Emporium sits just half a block south of the Texas State Capitol grounds. This prime location makes it an easy addition to a walking tour that includes nearby historic sites like the Texas Governor’s Mansion and the Capitol Visitors Center, allowing you to immerse yourself in the civic and cultural history of Texas.

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