Laguna Gloria facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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The Contemporary Austin - Laguna Gloria
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| Location | 3809 W. 35th St Austin, Texas, USA |
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| Built | 1916 |
| Architect | Jack Johnson |
| NRHP reference No. | 75002005 |
| Added to NRHP | December 6, 1975 |
The Contemporary Austin - Laguna Gloria is a beautiful art center in Austin, Texas. It used to be the home of a famous person named Clara Driscoll. Her amazing 1916 villa, built in the Italianate style, sits right by Lake Austin.
This special place was once the main home for the Austin Museum of Art. Today, it is one of two locations for The Contemporary Austin. It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which means it's a very important historical site.
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History of Laguna Gloria
Early Days and Native American Visitors
Long ago, before settlers arrived, Native Americans often visited this land. They came for a natural spring nearby, which is now underwater. The land itself was once owned by Stephen F. Austin, a key figure in Texas history. In 1832, he even wrote about wanting to build his home here, but it never happened.
Clara Driscoll's Dream Home
In 1914, Clara Driscoll and her husband, Hal Sevier, bought the property. Hal was an editor for the Austin American newspaper. They finished building their stunning villa just two years later, in 1916. They got the idea for their home after visiting Lake Como in Italy on their honeymoon.
Clara Driscoll loved gardening very much. She spent many years planting all sorts of plants, both local and from other countries. She also designed the beautiful terraced gardens that you can still see today. In 1943, Clara generously gave her home to the city. She wanted it to be used as a museum for everyone to enjoy.
Becoming an Art Museum
In 1961, Clara's former home officially became the Laguna Gloria Art Museum. It quickly grew into a very important place for art in Austin. Soon after, the museum started offering art classes. As more students joined, a special building for the art school was built in 1983. This new facility was about 5,300 square feet.
Evolution of the Art Center
The institution changed its name to the Austin Museum of Art in 1992. Four years later, in 1996, the main art exhibits moved to a new location downtown. Laguna Gloria then became the primary site for The Art School.
In 2003, the historic Driscoll Villa was updated and opened again for art exhibits. It began to focus on showing art from local and regional artists. Today, Laguna Gloria continues to be a vibrant part of The Contemporary Austin. It offers art classes, outdoor sculptures, and beautiful gardens.
Nearby Historic Site
Right next to Laguna Gloria is Mayfield Park. This park is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Both sites offer a glimpse into Austin's rich history and natural beauty.
Texas Historical Marker
A special marker from the Texas Historical Commission stands at Laguna Gloria. It tells us more about the property's history. The marker says: "This Mediterranean style villa was built in 1916 for Henry H. and Clara Driscoll Sevier. It was named Laguna Gloria because of a nearby lagoon off the Colorado River. The home is made of stucco and has a decorative window like one at San Jose Mission in San Antonio. In 1943, Clara Driscoll gave the site to the Texas Fine Arts Association. Clara is also famous for helping to save the Alamo. Her former home is now owned by Laguna Gloria Art Museum." This marker was placed in 1983.
