Laguna Gloria: Austin’s Historic Lakeside Villa Transformed Into a Modern Cultural Landmark
Once home to Clara Driscoll, with roots that predate the city itself, The Contemporary Austin's lakeside sculpture park continues to evolve as a vibrant site for culture, nature and community
To some, South Texas-born Clara Driscoll was the socialite next door. To others, she was the savior of the Alamo and a celebrated philanthropist. But to modern-day Austinites, she is the patroness of the namesake villa on the sprawling grounds of Laguna Gloria, The Contemporary Austin‘s 14-acre sculpture park and campus.
The enchanting site — now home to a Mediterranean Revival–style villa, contemporary pavilions, an art school and a lakeside sculpture park — sits along the Balcones Escarpment, an ecologically rich zone formed millions of years ago. Its location at the base of Mount Bonnell and the Colorado River only adds to its romantic appeal. When Driscoll and her then-husband, Hal Hulme Sevier, a Texas legislator and newspaper editor, arrived in Austin, following their 1906 honeymoon in Lake Como, they sought to bring a little bit of Italy to the Lone Star State.
A Mediterranean gem
Designed by San Antonio architect Harvey Page, the 1916 villa features classic Mediterranean elements: a hipped four-story tower, arched galleries, a stucco-and-masonry exterior, wrought-iron balconies and terraced patios. Inside, a solarium (now staff offices), a window modeled after Mission San José’s famed Rose Window and a carved wood panel made from one of the Alamo’s original rafters reflect Driscoll’s dual love of place and preservation. Outside, formal Italianate gardens, fountains, Venetian statues and serene walking paths complete the picturesque setting.
“Part of why I came to Austin and to The Contemporary was because of Laguna Gloria,” says the museum’s executive director and CEO, sharon maidenberg (stylistically spelled lowercase). “It’s a unique combo of nature, history and art and is one of few accessible properties on the lake. It’s a gem for Austinites and visitors.”
But history hasn’t come without challenges. The villa was designed as a private residence, not a public museum.
Adapting the villa for today
“The property is historic, the villa is historic and not designed for current use. I always find it interesting when you are taking something with a different intention in mind and trying to repurpose it for today’s audiences,” says maidenberg.
Over the past two decades, strategic restorations have addressed the architectural complexities of adapting the 20th-century structure for accessibility, safety and overall guest experience.
In 1943, Driscoll donated the estate to the Texas Fine Arts Association. Her gift marked a turning point for the property and formalized its role as a cultural institution. But as Sarah Chestnut, senior manager of learning and interpretation, believes, Laguna Gloria’s history stretches back far beyond Driscoll’s time.
Evolving grounds of Laguna Gloria
“The cultural landscape history report that The Contemporary Austin commissioned with funds from the City of Austin Heritage Preservation Grant covers the 1800s through 1943 and even before the 1800s – how it was used by Indigenous groups moving through the area,” she explains. “Mormons set up shop for a bit, and Clara Driscoll marks a milestone in the history of the land, and that would be the demarcation of where the villa and the boundaries of Laguna Gloria as we know it today took shape.”
During her years at the villa, Driscoll transformed it into a social hub. “She was a cultural host,” Chestnut says. “She would have musicians (play) up in that little overhang… while people were milling about.”
While the villa remains a symbol of that golden era, it now coexists with striking contemporary interventions like the Moody Pavilions, designed by Trahan Architects and Reed Hilderbrand. These additions enhance orientation, inclusivity and connection to the sculpture park, offering a thoughtful counterpoint to the villa’s classical presence.
Upcoming Laguna Gloria events
Laguna Gloria is also home to a variety of exciting community events, especially in the fall when visitors can gather to view new exhibits and take part in the excitement of Austin Museum Day in September. In November, the site comes alive with glamour for the annual Art Dinner, an exquisite gala and celebration of the vibrant art scene in Austin.
Additionally, families can look forward to The Very ‘Rary, a family-focused, fun-filled event that benefits The Contemporary’s arts K-12 education programs. To keep up with all of the happenings throughout the year, be sure to check out the robust calendar of events on The Contemporary’s website.
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