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Austin, Texas / Public art

The Stevie Ray Vaughan Statue

Located along Lady Bird Lake, this iconic bronze memorial by Ralph Helmick honors legendary guitarist Stevie Ray Vaughan. The realistic statue stands on a low pedestal, inviting music fans to pay tribute.

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The Stevie Ray Vaughan Statue
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Where is The Stevie Ray Vaughan Statue located?

The statue is located on the south side of the Colorado River at Auditorium Shores, along the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail on Lady Bird Lake in Austin, Texas.

Is it free to visit the Stevie Ray Vaughan Memorial?

Yes, the memorial statue is free and open to the public.

What does the statue look like?

The realistic bronze sculpture depicts Vaughan in a reflective standing pose, cloaked in a poncho and wide-brimmed hat with his electric guitar by his side. It features a low pedestal to encourage direct visitor interaction, and includes an extended bronze shadow behind it showing a silhouette of Vaughan playing guitar.

Who created the memorial and when was it installed?

The memorial was created by artist Ralph Helmick and fabricated by Argos Foundry in Brewster, New York. It was erected by the City of Austin and installed in 1994 (with some sources noting 1993) by the Austin Parks & Recreation Department, which continues to maintain it.

What should I check before going?

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

What to know

Erected by the City of Austin to honor the legendary Texas guitarist, the Stevie Ray Vaughan Memorial Statue stands as an iconic landmark at Auditorium Shores on Lady Bird Lake. While the official Stevie Ray Vaughan site notes the memorial was erected in 1993, other records show the Austin Parks & Recreation Department installed the work in 1994, and they continue to maintain it today. The site itself is deeply meaningful, as Auditorium Shores was the location of several of Vaughan's concerts. Crafted by artist Ralph Helmick, the bronze sculpture is unapologetically realistic. It depicts Vaughan in a calm, reflective standing pose, cloaked in a poncho and a wide-brimmed hat with his electric guitar by his side. The sculpture measures 94 inches high, 43 inches wide, and 13 feet long. It was fabricated by the Argos Foundry in Brewster, New York. A key design choice by Helmick was placing the statue on a low pedestal, which was intended to encourage direct, egalitarian interaction with visitors. Behind the realistic figure lies an extended, flat bronze shadow. This sculpted silhouette depicts Vaughan actively playing the guitar, serving as a subtle allusion to his energetic and pyrotechnic musical legacy. Over the years, the memorial has become one of Austin's most popular tourist attractions. Located on the south side of the Colorado River along the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail, it is a frequent stop for music lovers. Visitors often leave flowers and other devotions at the base of the statue to pay their respects to the late musician.

Visitor tips

  • The memorial is free and open to the public, making it an easy budget-friendly stop.
  • Look closely at the base of the statue, where visitors frequently leave flowers and other tributes.
  • Walk behind the sculpture to view the extended bronze shadow that depicts Vaughan playing his guitar.
  • Access the statue via the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail on the south side of the Colorado River.

Nearby context

The statue is situated on the south side of the Colorado River at Auditorium Shores, a scenic park area along the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail. Just across the river to the north, you can spot the modern Austin Central Library, bridging the natural beauty of Lady Bird Lake with Austin's vibrant downtown district.

Sources

Evidence and links