Murals galore

A backstage look at Moody Center's stunning design, secret speakeasy, murals, and more

Rockin' Horns by Ryan Runcie at Moody Center in Austin, Texas

Photo by Dani Dudek, SpilltheATX.com

If you've been to Moody Center, you already know the arena is outstanding. And we aren't the only ones who think so: Moody Center was just awarded Venue of the Year by the Academy of Country Music. Now, you can get a VIP tour of the space and go behind the scenes to learn about their stunning design, brilliant artwork, and experience the venue like a rock star.

Now through mid-August, you can purchase a venue tour where you'll see all the murals on the main concourse, tour the back of house area, step inside their secret speakeasy, and more.

It all starts with a walking tour of the Tempo Art exhibition. The interactive, self guided tour allows visitors to stroll through the past, present, and future of music and creative arts in Austin. The artwork illustrates the rich legacy of Austin's culture that is constantly changing and morphing with the city itself.

Highlights of the exhibit include "The Ambassador of Weird" by Will Hatch Crosby. This human-like creature faces the venue's east side and greets guests with the phrase “Hola Friend.” Inspired by Daniel Johnston and his "Hi, How Are You" mural, the artist intends for his work to serve as a cultural bridge between the Spanish-speaking and English-speaking communities of Austin.

Moody Center Artwork "The Ambassador of Weird" by Will Hatch Crosby.Photo by Dani Dudek, SpilltheATX.com

There's also a Willie Nelson-inspired piece called "Pretty Much Yeah," by Bradford “Bradlio1” Maxfield and Christin “Saeka” Keeley. Capturing one of the most iconic, seen, heard, and felt souls that Austin will ever know, the artists created a high-end design incorporating realism, right down to the 512 ring on the subject's left hand.

Willie Nelson Art at Moody Center "Pretty Much Yeah" by Bradford “Bradlio1” Maxfield and Christin “Saeka” Keeley.Photo by Dani Dudek, SpilltheATX.com

"On the Range" celebrates the legacy of Texas legend Bevo. The artist DAAS created the larger-than-life mascot of the University of Texas at Austin, surrounding him with native Texas wildflowers, the UT Tower, and a yellow rose.

Bevo Art at Moody Center "On The Range" by DAASPhoto by Dani Dudek, SpilltheATX.com

Following a walk around the concourse, which includes over a dozen works of art, guests make their way downstairs to go behind the scenes. This is where you'll see the load-in area, catering space, and a secret speakeasy that's usually only accessible to artists and guests with special access.

Moody Center Speakeasy The entrance to the speakeasy is located downstairs at Moody Center.Photo by Dani Dudek, SpilltheATX.com

The unremarkable door is simply labeled "storage." But, when the door is opened, you'll step into a swanky lounge complete with neon lights, artwork of Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton, and lockers filled with the alcohol choices of the highest level VIPS, like Matthew McConaughey.

Moody Center Speakeasy Stepping inside the secret speakeasy at Moody Center.Photo by Dani Dudek, SpilltheATX.co

After an hour or so of wandering and learning about everything the arena has to offer, the adventure is capped off with a top notch culinary experience.

Tickets are available on select days only and are on sale now. Prices start at $25. Proceeds from every ticket sold will directly benefit Red River Rising, Moody Center’s community initiative that focuses on providing economic opportunity for local musicians and combating homelessness in Austin.

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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Murals galore

A backstage look at Moody Center's stunning design, secret speakeasy, murals, and more

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

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