Banner with the Old Bakery and Emporium and the State Capitol building in the background
celebrating 150 years - black and white image of historic building

1876 - 2026

Celebrating 150 Years!

Join us on Saturday, April 18th, from 1-4 pm to celebrate 150 years of the historic Old Bakery & Emporium (1876-2026)

Our Fine Art Gallery is hosting a special exhibition looking back on 150 years of history at the Old Bakery & Emporium.

The exhibit will feature many images from throughout the Old Bakery's storied history, a complete timeline of the last 150 years at the site, as well as stories from the community who have visited over the years.

The opening reception will have live music and a taste of the food that used to be served when the Old Bakery had a cafeteria.

RSVP for FREE
Mural behind park with red tables

Rent Our Plaza!

Our plaza, known as Pat Crow Memorial Plaza, is now available for public rental! With our prime location in the heart of downtown, right next to the Capitol, our space is sure to be a great fit for your next event!

The Pat Memorial Plaza is available for rent only during the business hours: Wednesday – Friday (10 am – 6 pm) and Saturday (Noon – 5 pm).

To see images, layout, and other helpful information, please refer to our Old Bakery & Emporium user guide: 

 Facility Rental User Guide

To apply for a rental and reserve the space, please download and complete our:

Rental Application

group of people cutting a ribbon in front of a mural

Mural on Display Now!

This is the first mural painted at the historic Old Bakery and Emporium. Entitled “Generational Ties”, the mural visually represents the site’s rich culture and history. The muralist, Ruben Esquivel, is a local Austin-born artist of Latino and Indigenous descent, who was voted Austin Chronicle’s Best Muralist 2024.

The mural explores the Indigenous heritage of Austin and the Swedish legacy of the Old Bakery and Emporium. The design prominently features two native women whose braids are intertwined, illustrating the beauty and wisdom that are passed down from generation to generation. The braids are filled with flora, fauna, and the Swedish national flower - the giktgräs. Hummingbirds, believed to symbolize love, joy, and rebirth, and a protective swallow add to the rich symbolism. The background is adorned with a traditional Swedish textile pattern, blending the heritage of both cultures.

The mural is in partnership with the Downtown Austin Alliance Foundation's Writing on the Walls program and a partnership with the Austin Parks Foundation and the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department. An 18-month-long community engagement project ensured the mural project’s success.

Generational Ties | Mural by Ruben Esquivel

Learn more about the mural in our award-winning video interview with the artist, Ruben Esquivel. 

exterior of historic building

Our Team