UMLAUF Sculpture Garden + Museum Celebrates 35 Years with Annual Garden Party

Beloved Austin art space hosts popular fundraiser featuring top local restaurants and live music.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 6:23pm

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An abstract, out-of-focus scene of blurred shapes and pools of warm, colorful light, evoking the mood and energy of an outdoor garden party celebration.The UMLAUF Sculpture Garden + Museum's annual Garden Party fundraiser brings the community together to celebrate art, nature, and local food and music in a warm, atmospheric setting.Austin Today

The UMLAUF Sculpture Garden + Museum in Austin, Texas is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year, and is marking the occasion with the return of its popular annual Garden Party fundraiser on April 16, 2026. The event will feature bites from over 25 of Austin's top restaurants and chefs, premium drinks, and live music, all to support the UMLAUF's year-round programming of free public events, youth education, exhibitions, and community outreach.

Why it matters

The UMLAUF Sculpture Garden + Museum has been a beloved cultural institution in Austin for decades, providing the community with access to art, nature, and educational programming. The Garden Party fundraiser plays a crucial role in sustaining these offerings, which are often provided at no cost to visitors.

The details

Originally the home and studio of artist Charles Umlauf, the property was gifted to the City of Austin in 1985 along with a collection of 168 sculptures. The space officially opened as the UMLAUF Sculpture Garden + Museum in 1991, and has since expanded to include more than 2,000 drawings and 273 sculptures by Umlauf, with dozens always on display. Beyond the art, the UMLAUF has built a strong reputation for community programming, attracting over 35,000 visitors annually.

  • The UMLAUF Sculpture Garden + Museum opened in 1991.
  • The Garden Party fundraiser is happening on Thursday, April 16, 2026.

The players

UMLAUF Sculpture Garden + Museum

A beloved art space in Austin, Texas that was originally the home and studio of artist Charles Umlauf, who gifted the property and his collection to the City of Austin in 1985. The museum officially opened in 1991 and has since expanded its collection and programming.

Charles Umlauf

An artist whose home and studio were gifted to the City of Austin, along with a collection of 168 sculptures, forming the basis of the UMLAUF Sculpture Garden + Museum.

Ann Coleman

The landscape architect who helped shape the UMLAUF Sculpture Garden + Museum after it opened in 1991.

Lawrence Speck

The architect who designed the museum gallery and terrace for the UMLAUF Sculpture Garden + Museum.

Amanda Turner

The chef of Olamaie restaurant who is being honored at the 2026 Garden Party event.

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What’s next

Tickets for the 2026 UMLAUF Garden Party are now available on the museum's website, umlaufsculpture.org/gardenparty. The Garden Party Raffle, featuring a package from the Four Seasons, is also open to the public.

The takeaway

The UMLAUF Sculpture Garden + Museum's annual Garden Party fundraiser is a beloved Austin tradition that brings the community together to celebrate art, nature, and local food and music, all while supporting the museum's vital free programming and community outreach efforts.