Quick Details
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Departs from: Austin Visitor Center
- Extras: Receive discounts through our Pink Tag Partners Program
See the creme-de-la- creme of Austin Art & Architecture!
The AO Tours Austin Art and Architecture Tour (2.5 hours) shows you the creme-de-la-creme of Austin. You cruise around town past both modern and historic buildings, while getting to stop at some of the most interesting and iconic public art pieces. This tour is a sure way to see the artsy and sophisticated side of Austin!
Who is this tour good for?
This tour is wonderful for those wanting to understand Austin from a design perspective, not just hear about the party scene on Sixth Street. Being able to explore the city with the eye of an architect and artist, guests learn about why Austin has such a diverse and vibrant city design.
What you will see
Starting off in the heart of downtown, you’ll get to see a mix of some of the oldest and newest architecture in Austin. From what’s been
considered the most iconic building in Austin for decades, the Texas State Capitol, to more modern stars in the Austin skyline, downtown is packed with fascinating and beautiful architecture, like Gothic, Greek Revival and Modern style.
You’ll also see several works of public art, including the tallest mural in Austin, the Willie Nelson statue, and Kempelen’s Robotic Owls.
Continuing through downtown, we’ll lead you through the newest and most modern section: the Seaholm District. Here you’ll see such unique buildings at the Austin Central Library, the butterfly bridge, the Jenga-like tower of the Independent, and the former City of Austin power plant that the district is named after.
North of downtown, we’ll visit Judges Hill, Neill Cochran House and West Campus. You’ll see the Barbara Jordan Statue and the Clock Knot Statue on the UT Campus as we make our way north to the historic neighborhood of Hyde Park. Enjoy a variety of sculptures at Elizabet Ney Museum followed by a drive through the area featuring historic home architecture including Victorian, Queen Annes, Tudor Revivals, and American Craftsman bungalows. Finally, a stop at Waterloo Greenway provides for a peaceful stroll. Celebrate the spirit of our community at this wondrous downtown public park that winds along Waller Creek.
Stops on this tour*
- Austin Central Library
- Elisabet Ney Museum
- Neill–Cochran House
- Waterloo Greenway
- At least two works of public art
*Subject to change due to events or closures