Support Us Button Widget

Artwork inside the Austin Convention Center rehomed

Ahead of the Austin Convention Center’s demolition, find out the fate of four legacy art installations that once called the facility home.

ATXtoday-Austin-Convention-Center-Art-April-2025.JPG

“Index for Contemplation” is made of yellow zinc-plated steel and powder-coated steel + aluminum.

Photo by ATXtoday

As the Austin Convention Center’s demolition looms, many locals have wondered what will happen to the public art inside its halls.

The city of Austin confirmed last week that four legacy art pieces will be preserved, each with a new chapter ahead. Here’s where they’re going next.

“Index for Contemplation” by Margo Sawyer

Officials are in talks with Sawyer about displaying these colorful steel and aluminum blocks in the new Austin Convention Center, set to open in late 2028.

“Riffs & Rhythms” by John Yancey

A gif of "Riffs & Rhythms," a colorful mosaic by John Yancey.

“Riffs & Rhythms” was created with broken ceramic tiles and depicts the Texas music scene.

Gif by ATXtoday

When the mosaic is removed this week, its ownership will be transferred to Yancey. City officials hope the art will eventually be reinstalled in east Austin’s African American Heritage Cultural District.

“Waller Creek Shelves” by Damian Priour

A circular atrium in the Austin Convention Center with tall limestone walls, a high domed ceiling with metal supports, and multiple small windows allowing natural light. Glass and metal art pieces are mounted on the walls, and a staircase with a limestone railing leads to an upper level. Large glass doors provide access to the outside.

“Waller Creek Shelves” were previously displayed in the Austin Convention Center’s rotunda.

Photo by ATXtoday

These 21 hand-blown glass vessels will be relocated to the Austin Public Library.

“Macro/Micro” by Rolando Briseño

A mural in the hallway of the Austin Convention Center.

“Macro/Micro” will remain in the city of Austin’s Art in Public Places collection.

Photo by ATXtoday

Comprised of 39 giclee prints, this mural is currently being considered for future relocation. In the meantime, a digital version is under development.

More from ATXtoday
The 16th annual edition of Small Business Saturday falls on November 29 — the perfect time to help you add a local sparkle into your holiday shopping.
The Sunday dinner service from Aaron Franklin harkens back to Midwestern dinners and family-style meal traditions that began back in the early 1900s.
A new study from real estate firm Franklin Street states that 14.8 million sqft of commercial space in Downtown Austin is empty.
Join us in being thankful for Austin’s foodie community, which has shared some of their favorite Thanksgiving recipes to make your table a little more local.
A new wine styles selector tool can help you find your new favorite wine made from Texas Hill Country-grown grapes.
The new Shine On campaign will bring major changes to the tune of $65 million to both historic theaters starting this summer.
Austin Public Library will begin to sell its retired material out of its branches instead of the one central used bookstore.
Did you know the city and county provide interactive GIS maps of Austin to connect you to resources and help you get to know your communities?
This list of volunteer opportunities in Austin, TX includes everything from building homes for people in need to fostering shelter animals.
Austin is home to some ancient history, including gigantic aquatic lizards, prehistoric humans, and dinosaur tracks uncovered by flooding.