Elisabet Ney (1833-1907) was a true pioneer of the arts. Born in middle-class Munster, Germany, she began her artistic journey as the first female student at the renowned Munich Academy of Art followed by the Berlin Academy, then quickly gained acclaim and commissions from notable European influencers of all kinds.

In her late 50s, she relocated to Austin as a cultural refugee, finding belonging in our city as a creative with progressive ideas, passion for dialogue, and a determined spirit. Today, the same ideals that Elisabet nurtured remain what makes this community unique. We are a city that sees value in expression, innovation, tolerance, and connection.

When Elisabet created her studio, Formosa, it became the first bespoke art studio in Texas. By the turn of the 19th century, the creative space became a gathering place for influential Texans drawn to Elisabet and the stimulating discussions of politics, art and philosophy that took place there. This is the home of the historical gem we now call the Elisabet Ney Museum, that thousands look to each year for artistic, creative, and community-centric programming.

The Mission of the Elisabet Ney Museum is to preserve the memory and legacy of Elisabet Ney (1833-1907) for educational, historical, and artistic purposes. The Vision of the Elisabet Ney Museum is to expand upon Elisabet Ney’s goal: to inspire humanity by creating unique visitor experiences that portray and attract a diverse audience and leave them challenged, uplifted, and positively motivated by their visit.

The Elisabet Ney Museum is a City of Austin property, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is both a Recorded Texas Historical Landmark and a City of Austin Historic Landmark. It is also a founding member of Historic Artists Homes and Studios, a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation; the National Collaborative for Women’s History Sites; and the American Association for State and Local History’s Women’s History Affinity Committee. Finally, it is a cornerstone of Austin’s Hyde Park National Register Historic Neighborhood.

The Ney also features exhibitions of contemporary art both indoors and outdoors, largely of Austin-based women artists. It also features an active Native Prairie Historic Landscape recreation. For the latest on exhibition and event information, check the museum’s Facebook page or website. #sursum