Elisabet Ney Museum

Elite '08

115

428

Larry M.

Austin, TX

This beautiful, beautiful museum anchoring the history of best-neighborhood-in-the-universe Hyde Park is a bit of a disappointment.

Not that the life or work of artist/pioneer Elisabet Ney isn't fascinating, its just that the museum would function better with a more comprehensive use of the space inside (looks like someone tried to make it appear "old" when instead it looks "cheap.")

Wonder how more full-fledged it would be if they married more of Hyde Park's history with the history and work of Elisabet Ney (and again, her sculptures are amazing), since our hood has a tome of history pertinent to the development of our city.

Feels like a lot wasted space and the grounds feel like a missed opportunity to spruce it up with some kick-ass landscaping. If they made the grounds lush and beautiful like Laguna Gloria, they could host events to help pay for a face lift of the museum.

Still, with a block from "downtown" Hyde Park, and worth stumbling into if they're open.

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41

Astra P.

Austin, TX

I first became interested in -- and in fact, first heard of -- Elisabet Ney after reading a fiction novel by Steven Saylor called "A Twist at the End." It was about the infamous Austin serial killer who pre-dated Jack the Ripper in the late 19th century (known as the "Servant Girl Annihilator," and my personal theory as to why he isn't more well-known is that he has a really silly name). Saylor included a number of Austin's historical citizens as characters, and one of 'em was Elisabet Ney. I'm not sure how accurate the book was, but it piqued my interest, and eventually I wound up going to check out her museum.

It's quite small, but then again, it WAS her home, and I doubt it was built with the idea of being a future tourist-spot in mind. The rooms are full of Ney's work, and they're quite impressive. From what I've gathered, she studied in Germany and rose to fame there, sculpting various aristocrats and leaders, until eventually she had to relocate to America -- possibly because of some political turmoil she got embroiled in (I'm sketchy on the details).

At any rate, the place is chock full of historical tidbits about her, and if I'd paid more attention, I could probably write a better review. But I was more intrigued by the house itself. My favorite part of the visit was getting to visit the little attic-tower room. There's a "secret" door up at the top of the stairs, and the curator let us go through it and all the way up to the top of the tower, to overlook the city. I'm sure, way back when Elisabet lived there, it was just wilderness as far as the eye could see. But now it's a nice little view of Hyde park. Makes me wish I had the money to live there. *sigh*

All in all, very fascinating little place. And a fascinating woman. Check out her Lady Liberty at the Bob Bullock some time, too. It used to grace the top of the capitol.

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305

Alexandra L.

Austin, TX

The museum is the former studio of 19th century portrait artist and sculptor Elisabet Ney - she built it in 1892.  It's one of the oldest historical landmarks in Texas, it's free, and hardly anyone knows about it so it's a nice spot for a peaceful afternoon, outdoor photo shoots, or sitting up against a shady tree with a sketchpad.

The sculpture and portrait collection is rather impressive, and the studio itself has the feeling of a tree house.  Although Ney used it as her studio, she practically lived there - my favorite room is the tower reading nook.  Trust me, after you see it, you'll wish  you could live there.

Even though her fame as an artist may not be great, she did play a large role in establishing the Texas State universities and the Texas Fine Arts Association.  You'll want to visit if you're interested in seeing a part of Texas history.

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Elite '08

206

458

Susie G.

Austin, TX

This home was built in the mid-late 1800's and houses a magnificent collection of statues and sculptures, many of them life size,depicting important figures of the time, Steven Austin, Sam Houston  ect. The museum is actually Elisabet Ney's home. They used to hold sculpture classes on the grounds. A beautiful walk through some really unique sculptures.

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