New Landmark

Stunning sculpture makes landmark move to University of Texas campus

The stunning work from a world-renowned artist has a new home at the University of Texas. On Monday, Spiral of the Galaxy by Marc Quinn was formally unveiled at 15th and Red River streets, the gateway to the new Dell Medical School campus.

The 7-ton bronze sculpture is the latest addition to the Landmarks collection, UT's award-winning public art program. It joins 40 modern and contemporary works, including commissions from some of the most admired artists of our time.

Quinn, known for thought-provoking works like Allison Lapper Pregnant, often explores the relationship between science and art, fitting for the new medical school. Spiral of the Galaxy depicts an elegant conch shell with chambers that gradually expand in an outward direction. There are three other examples of the piece; the one acquired by Landmarks, which was the proof for the series, is the only in the U.S.

"With unprecedented support from our community, we are creating a medical school for the 21st century that draws upon innovative thinking from across disciplines, from engineering to the arts. Public art that starts conversations and inspires creativity and community connections is vital to the environment we envision," said Clay Johnston, dean of the medical school, in a statement.

Spiral of the Galaxy is the first of many future public art pieces for the Dell Medical School. A new photography project by American artist Ann Hamilton will debut at the school in early 2017.

The 7-ton bronze sculpture was installed in front of the Dell Medical School.

Photo by Lawrence Peart

The 7-ton bronze sculpture was installed in front of the Dell Medical School.

university-texas openings

New

Historic Austin museum will close for more than a year for restoration

Photo courtesy of the City of Austin

The Elisabet Ney Museum will close at the end of 2024 and reopen in mid-2026.

Every building needs some maintenance here or there, and the historic Elisabet Ney Museum needs some extra-special care. Formerly the art studio and residence of its namesake, it's been standing since 1892. It'll spend 2025 in relative solitude, as it undergoes renovation for a year and a half with no visitors allowed.

The museum will close to the public December 30, 2024, and open again in the summer of 2026 if all goes according to plan, a news release from the City of Austin shares. It'll be a quiet period compared to the 21,000 people visiting from around the world each year.

According to a museum overview on the city's website, Elisabet Ney, a European portrait sculptor, bought the property and called her new studio Formosa. She worked on sculptures depicting important Texans like Stephen F. Austin and Sam Houston, and collected works of European contemporaries.

The building at 304 East 44th St. includes 3,700 square feet of museum space, which was converted by Ney's friends after her death in 1907. It retains its unique look that juxtaposes a Neo-Classical main studio from 1892 with a later addition from 1902 including a tower for her husband, Edmund, to write in. It is also on 2.5 acres of land, which has largely been restored to its natural state with native species.

A press release lists these tasks (verbatim) within the scope of the new work, referred to as the Capital Improvement Project (CIP):

Restoration of original exterior wood doors and windows
Upgrades and replacement of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system
Replacement of the exhibit and general lighting systems
Repairs to the roof, masonry, plumbing, and interior finishes.

There will also be work to do outside of the building. Workers will replace the pedestrian bridge across Waller Creek, stabilize a 20,000-square-foot portion of the bank, and make the grounds more accessible by adding new pathways.

Funding comes from several sources, according to a release: "the 2012 Bond, Proposition 14, the Parkland Dedication Fund, the Historic Preservation Fund, Partners in Preservation through the National Trust, and contributions from the Friends of the Elisabet Ney Museum."

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