Gyde
Open prototypeProto
Back to all Austin places

Austin, Texas / History

Old Bakery & Emporium

Located just steps from the Texas State Capitol, this 1876 historic landmark features a charming brick facade, a local artisan emporium, a gallery for artists over 50, and a rich history of Austin's early immigrant entrepreneurs.

Open prototype Official site Get directions
Old Bakery & Emporium
www.austintexas.gov, website_hero_img_www.austintexas.gov

What is the Old Bakery & Emporium and where is it located?

The Old Bakery & Emporium is a historic landmark building in downtown Austin, located at 1006 Congress Avenue near the Texas State Capitol grounds. Originally completed in 1876 as a bakery, it is now owned by the City of Austin and serves as an art gallery, artisan emporium, visitor information center, and historical center.

What are the hours of operation?

The public hours for the Old Bakery & Emporium are Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

What can visitors see and do inside the building?

Visitors can explore a local artisan shop on the main floor, view an upstairs gallery featuring artists over the age of 50, and browse the Lundberg-Maerki Historical Collection, which features an exhibit highlighting Austin's Swedish-immigrant history.

What is the history of the building?

Built in 1876 by Swedish immigrant Charles Lundberg, the building operated as a bakery until 1936. It was rescued from demolition in 1963 through efforts by the Austin Heritage Society and the Junior League, and was later deeded to the City of Austin in 1980.

What should I check before going?

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

What to know

Built in 1876 by Swedish immigrant Charles Lundberg, the Old Bakery & Emporium stands at the northwest corner of Congress Avenue and 10th Street in downtown Austin. This historic limestone building features a striking brick facade and a distinctive cast-iron eagle perched at the peak of its gabled roof. It originally served as a bustling bakery under Lundberg and later operated as the Maerki Baking Company until 1936, representing Austin's early immigrant-founded commercial development. After closing its doors as a bakery, the building faced uncertainty. It was rescued from demolition in 1963 by the combined efforts of the Austin Heritage Society and the Junior League, who offered $12,500 for its restoration. A subsequent demolition threat in 1970 was averted when excavations next door uncovered the foundations of the previous state capitol building. In October 1976, the site officially reopened as a co-sponsored public project, and the State later deeded the property to the City of Austin in 1980. Today, the City of Austin operates the building as a multi-use cultural venue. The main floor serves as a visitor information center and a local artisan consignment shop. Upstairs, a unique art gallery showcases the work of local artists over the age of 50. The building also houses the Lundberg-Maerki Historical Collection, which preserves Austin's Swedish-immigrant history. The site continues to engage the local community through vibrant public art projects. In the fall of 2023, a public call for a new mural drew more than 50 artist submissions. Over 800 community members participated in a vote to select the winning design, titled "Generational Ties," further cementing the landmark's role as a bridge between Austin's past and present.

Visitor tips

  • Plan your visit between Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., or Saturday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Head upstairs to view the art gallery featuring works by local creators over the age of 50.
  • Check out the Lundberg-Maerki Historical Collection to learn about Austin's Swedish-immigrant history.
  • Look for the 'Generational Ties' mural, which was selected by over 800 community members.

Nearby context

The Old Bakery & Emporium is situated in the heart of downtown Austin at 1006 Congress Avenue, just half a block south of the Texas State Capitol grounds. This prime location places it right alongside other major civic landmarks, including the nearby Heman Marion Sweatt Travis County Courthouse, making it an easy and rewarding stop on any walking tour of the city's historic core.

Sources

Evidence and links