Our Content Manager, Heidi, has taken her three boys to the playground at Shipe Park in Central Austin’s Hyde Park neighborhood countless times but never ventured into the Elisabet Ney Museum just across the street. Last weekend, she decided to finally make a point to stop in, and she and her boys were so glad that did! Read about her experience…

I had just read a really great post on The Austinot blog, 3 Gorgeous Hill Country Castles Near Austin, and I was immediately motivated to go visit one of these amazing structures. However, our schedule these days is jam-packed, and a day-trip is just not feasible in the coming weeks. So I began to think about other castle-like buildings right here in Austin. (You know, the kind of thing where if you squint your eyes and use a little imagination you can pretend that you’re visiting a castle.) We’ve been to the Villa at  Laguna Gloria dozens of times, and it certainly has that fairy tale feeling. But then I thought about the Elisabet Ney Museum. It certainly has that castle look! So we set off on a sunny Sunday afternoon for a visit.

The Elisabet Ney Museum is the former studio created by 19th century sculptor Elisabet Ney, and it is dedicated to showcasing her life and works. Formosa, as Ney called the studio, was actually the first art studio ever built in Texas — completed in 1893 and enlarged in 1902. The studio, including 2.5 acres, was designed by Elisabet Ney and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Inside you’ll find a permanent collection of her portrait busts and personal memorabilia on display. The museum is now managed through City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department, and therefore it is free and open to public visitors.

Upon arrival, the boys were already impressed with look of this historic property and imagined what might be up in the tower. (I had to remind them that this was a museum full of sculptures and historical items, and that we couldn’t just run throughout the house.) Upon opening the grand front door, we were greeted by such a welcoming young woman who gave us a small bit of history and invited us to walk about freely. She noted to the boys that there was a secret door in the tower to look for, and of course that got them really excited.

We spent a little time talking about the sculptures, but my kids were mostly curious about climbing the narrow staircases upstairs to explore. On the second floor, we found more artifacts and paintings that gave us a glimpse into the life of Elisabet Ney. But the most exciting part for the boys was taking the tiny spiral staircase up to the tower to look for the secret door.

While our visit inside the museum was not lengthy, the kids really enjoyed peeking around. We then explored the grounds a little, including the creek behind the museum, before heading over to Shipe Park to play.

— Special Events at the Elisabet Ney:
During the month of January, adults, teens, and older kids are invited to attend a free Drawing Salon on Saturday afternoons in the museum. Be inspired by the sculptures and get drawing lessons, too:

• Drawing Salon Series: Saturday, Jan. 24 & Saturday, Jan. 31 — 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

  Using Elisabet Ney’s sculptural works as inspiration, participants will develop observational and conceptual skills through unique drawing exercises. The Museum will provide all required materials, and trained staff members will offer constructive advice and guidance. Participation is free!

— Hours and Admission:
Entrance into the Elisabet Ney Museum is free! Open Hours: