The capital of Texas and a vibrant metropolitan city, Austin is also one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. It seems that everyone wants to visit “The Live Music Capital of the World.” And while there are certainly plenty of venues to host live music events, Austin is also home to many unique and interesting spaces that will make your next meeting one to remember. Here are our picks for the most interesting meeting spaces in Austin.
Chapter Overview
8 memorable Austin meeting venues
1. Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library
For a truly unique meeting space in Austin, look no further than the LBJ Presidential Library, open for meetings and special events by corporate and non-profit organizations.
Three spaces are available, with capacity for up to 1,000 guests:
- The Great Hall, with its elegant and open space and views of the archives
- The Brown Room, which can be set up auditorium, classroom, or luncheon-style
- The Atrium, ideal for receptions and dinners
2. Jack S. Blanton Museum of Art
Part of the University of Texas, the Blanton is one of the top university art museums in the country. It has the largest public collection in central Texas, with more than 18,000 works of art.
Hold your next meeting here, and your guests will be inspired by a fantastic collection of European paintings and modern American art. Several spaces across two buildings offer capacity for up to 299 guests.
3. Paramount Theater
Built in 1915, the Paramount Theatre was the first performing arts theater in Austin.
This venerable space — with its historic architecture, traditional theater seating, and state-of-the-art sound and digital projection — will make a big impact on meetings and events that require screenings, presentations or a stage, with capacity for 1,273 guests.
There’s also a professional event specialist that will help you plan the perfect meeting or event.
4. Bullock Museum
For a memorable Texas experience, hold your next meeting at the Bullock Texas State History Museum, full of artifacts and exhibits on Texas history and culture.
There’s a wide range of versatile indoor spaces for private meetings and events, including multiple lobbies, a grand rotunda, and two theaters, with capacity for 3,000 guests. An experienced events staff can help arrange and coordinate with vendors, caterers, and audiovisual elements.
5. Atelier 1205
Located in the heart of downtown Austin, this charming and restored 1915 bungalow houses an art gallery. Spanning 1,200 square feet, it’s an ideal space for private meetings and events, with flexible indoor gallery space and outdoor space that includes an inviting front porch and spacious patio.
There’s capacity for 150 guests standing or 60 seated, as well as plentiful on-site and non-metered street parking, a rarity for the area.
6. Brazos Hall
Originally a grain mill in the 1900s, Brazos Hall has been converted into a beautiful mixed-use space, with exposed brick walls, pine floors, and plenty of industrial chic.
In addition to an open Main Hall with 8,400 square feet of versatile space, there’s also a 3,500-square-foot rooftop deck that offers sweeping views of downtown Austin. There’s room for 1,300 standing and 700 seated across both levels. Furniture and audiovisual equipment are available as well.
7. UMLAUF Sculpture Garden and Museum
Add an element of creativity and elegance by holding your next event at the UMLAUF Sculpture Garden and Museum.
The light-filled Crenshaw Room is ideal for meetings and lectures of up to 40 guests, and includes audiovisual equipment, Wi-Fi, and unique panoramic views of Charles Umlauf’s notable sculptures. Additional outdoor spaces are available and include the Covered Terrace, Lawns, and Arbor.
8. Waller Creek Boathouse
For a classy setting with beautiful views and the chance to get out on the water, host your meeting at the Waller Creek Boathouse. Located right next to Lady Bird Lake in downtown Austin, several spaces offer room for up to 225 guests, including a patio that overlooks the lake.
Combine your meeting with a rowing class or rentals of kayaks and standup paddleboards for a memorable experience. A dedicated events team can help you make your meeting a success.
Planning the perfect meeting or event: planning tips
With so many unique and interesting meeting spaces in Austin, the toughest part may be deciding where to hold your special event or meeting. The list above highlights some of the more interesting spaces that are available, guaranteed to make a lasting impression.
Before booking any venue, make sure that it’s a good fit for your meeting or event, both in terms of the aesthetics and the overall goals. Check to see if the timing works, as certain venues are only available at certain times.
There may also be restrictions on who can hold an event at that venue. Check that audiovisual equipment is available if that is something that you need. And if catering is required, see if the venue can provide it or if it has restrictions on preferred vendors that you must use.
Many venues that rent out their space for private meetings and events often have an events team on their staff that can help you set up your meeting and coordinate with different vendors. Take advantage of their expertise and let them help you make your next meeting in Austin one to remember!