The Old Bakery & Artisan Emporium
The Old Bakery & Artisan Emporium is a historic landmark located in downtown Austin. Local artists and craftspeople keep our artisan shop full of unique, handmade items.
Our Art Gallery features the work of local artists who are 50+ years old. We provide Visitor Center information and have a history exhibit that explores Austin's immigrant history through the Lundberg-Maerki Historical Collection.
Hours
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.
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:
To apply for a rental and reserve the space, please download and complete our:
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.
- Explore Our Artisan Emporium
Extraordinary handmade and one-of-a-kind merchandise celebrating the rich diversity of Austin's cultural heritage.
- On Exhibit in Our Gallery
Heritage, culture and art exhibits curated to educate and inspire.
- Explore Our Events & Programming
Connect with the community through special events and artistic opportunities.
- Learn About the Old Bakery
Austin's colorful past comes alive through the Lundberg-Maerki Historical Collection.
Our Team
- Herlinda Zamora, Culture & Arts Program Manager, 512-974-1314
- Mike Benitez, Grounds & Maintenance Assistant, 512-974-1300
- Taylor Baker, Marketing, 512-974-1317
- Melissa Parr, Conservation Program Manager
- Marienne Duran Henriquez, Administrative Assistant
- Naomi Hagy, Cashier
- Nia Medrano, Cashier
- Ricardo Rodriguez, Cashier
- Gabriela Gonzalez, Cashier