Austin has long lived in the shadows of its neighbors Dallas and Houston, but the quirky city is showing us that it’s not to be slept on. The pandemic was Austin’s time to shine and it’s now viewed as another Silicon Valley. The city is a mecca for tech startups as well as tech giants.

Carlos Alfonso

#Afrotech2022 will also be held in Austin this year November 13-17. You can secure your tickets here

Related: Visit Six Square, Austin’s Black Cultural District

Here’s where you should go to enjoy Austin as an art and design lover:

1. Austin Proper Hotel

Arguably the most stylish hotel in Austin, this property captures the city’s artistry perfectly. The hotel features a beautiful lounge, Goldie’s Sunken Bar, and a poolside area, La Piscina. 

2. Comedor

The menu at Comedor is inspired by Mexico City, a destination filled with art, culture, and architecture. The exterior is made from black bricks and the interior is sleek, modern, and inviting. 

3. The Blanton Museum of Art

Located on the campus of The University of Texas at Austin, this museum features the only freestanding structure, Austin, designed by Ellsworth Kelly, an American minimalist. 

4. The Contemporary Austin

There are two locations, the historic Jones Center on Congress Avenue in downtown Austin as well as a fourteen-acre art-in-nature site, Laguna Gloria. Both locations are dynamic and feature contemporary art. Check out Laguna Gloria to fully immerse in the sculptural park.

5. Women & Their Work

This art space, located in Central Austin, is a place where women artists working and living in Texas can build community and show their work. 

6. Mexic-Arte Museum

This museum’s mission is to educate the public on the preservation and interpretation of Mexican, Latino, and Latin American art and culture. 

7. Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum

This six-acre property features work by Charles Umlauf as well as other visual and performing artists. It’s a true ode to the love of the arts, nature, and sculpture.

Related: Unique Experiences To Check Out In Austin, Texas