What is The Contemporary Austin?

The Contemporary Austin is Austin's primary contemporary art museum. It presents contemporary art through exhibitions, commissions, education, and its collection.

Where are the museum's locations?

The museum consists of two locations and an art school. The locations include the Jones Center (a downtown art space located at 700 Congress Avenue) and Laguna Gloria (a lakeside sculpture park on Lake Austin).

What was the museum originally called?

The Contemporary Austin was originally known as the Austin Museum of Art.

Does the museum have a gift shop?

Yes, the museum operates a store that offers a unique selection of artist-designed goods sourced both locally and globally.

What should I check before going?

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

The Contemporary Austin in Austin

What to know

The Contemporary Austin is the city's primary contemporary art museum, serving as a dynamic platform for modern creative expression. Originally known as the Austin Museum of Art, the institution has evolved over the years to become a cornerstone of the local cultural landscape. Today, the museum consists of two distinct exhibition locations and an art school, each offering a unique way to experience contemporary art in Texas. This specific downtown location is the Jones Center, situated at 700 Congress Avenue. As a vibrant urban art space, the Jones Center focuses on presenting a rotating schedule of contemporary art exhibitions, site-specific commissions, and educational initiatives. While this downtown site offers a sleek, gallery-focused environment, the museum's second location, Laguna Gloria, provides a contrasting lakeside sculpture park experience on Lake Austin. The museum is dedicated to reflecting the full spectrum of contemporary art through its exhibitions, commissions, education, and permanent collection. Visitors to the Jones Center can also explore the museum store, which features a highly curated selection of artist-designed goods sourced both locally and globally. This shop provides a tangible connection to the creative community, allowing you to take home a piece of artistic innovation. Situated right on Congress Avenue, the museum is highly accessible for walkers exploring the city center. Whether you are looking to dive deep into thought-provoking modern installations or simply want to appreciate the creative energy of Austin, this venue offers an enriching indoor escape. It stands as a testament to the city's growing reputation as a major hub for contemporary visual arts.

Visitor tips

Visit the downtown Jones Center at 700 Congress Avenue to view rotating contemporary art exhibitions.
Stop by the museum store to browse a unique selection of artist-designed goods sourced locally and globally.
Check out their second lakeside location, Laguna Gloria, if you want to experience a sculpture park on Lake Austin.

Nearby context

Located at 700 Congress Avenue, The Contemporary Austin's Jones Center sits in the bustling heart of downtown. Just a few blocks away, you can transition from contemporary visual arts to Austin's legendary music scene by visiting the historic Sixth Street entertainment district or stopping to see Antone’s famous exterior and marquee.