The University of Texas at Austin’s campus is covered with iconic landmarks, inspiring art and breathtaking landscapes.
These share-worthy shots are some of university photographer Marsha Miller‘s favorite places on campus to take pictures. Post your photos with us on Instagram using the hashtags: #HookEm, #Longhorns, #UTAustin, #UTTower and #WhatStartsHere.
The UT Tower
Go to 21st Street and University Avenue, with the Littlefield Fountain in the foreground, to capture what Miller calls the “Rose Bowl” view of the Tower. It’s one of the most photographed scenes on campus. Another popular location is just north of there, on the steps of the Main Mall across from Inner Campus Drive. A newer hot spot for Tower photos is the recently installed stone plaza and gateway sign situated at the intersection of University Ave. and Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
At sunset, Miller recommends heading up the hill next to Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on Robert Dedman Drive and 23rd St., or pointing your camera west from farther up the hill at Sid Richardson Hall.
Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium
Home to Longhorn football, the Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium is one of the most visible campus landmarks. For a close-up shot of inside the stadium, visit the southeast corner. The best stadium façade photos are available from the north side on San Jacinto Street or from the plaza of Bass Concert Hall and along Red River Street near Martin Luther King Blvd.
For a unique view that includes the stadium, the Tower and the Texas Capitol, Miller suggests going to the seventh floor of the San Antonio Parking Garage.
Statues
Martin Luther King Jr.
Only the second likeness of the civil rights leader on a college campus, UT’s MLK statue was unveiled on the East Mall in 1999. The Tower can be seen in the background.
Barbara Jordan
Jordan, a civil rights champion, U.S. Representative and UT professor, was the first female public figure to be honored with a statue on campus. The statue stands at the site of the Battle Oaks at 24th and Whitis streets near the Texas Union.
Cesar Chavez
The Chavez statue (above) is the first of a Latino on the UT campus and is located on the West Mall between Battle Hall and the West Mall Office Building. Chavez fought for the rights of farm laborers and minorities, and Miller says his statue is a popular choice for school children taking photographs on campus.
The Mustangs
A popular photo op with visitors, The Mustangs statue stands at 24th and San Jacinto streets and consists of a stallion, five mares and a colt as they scramble down the side of a mountain.
Landmarks Public Art
Stroll around campus to soak in some of the works on display as part of the Landmarks public art program, which helps turn the 350-acre campus into a “campus-wide classroom” with colorful, creative art providing visual anchors at gateways, accentuating main axis corridors and consolidating architectural edges.
The Landmarks pieces on campus include the large Clock Knot sculpture at the intersection of Dean Keeton and Speedway, the dramatic Monochrome for Austin by Nancy Rubins at Speedway and 24th Street and other eye-catching projects.
Take a self-guided tour using a public art campus map or a mobile device. From the Landmarks mobile website, visitors can access an interactive map, listen to audio guides and read artist information from individual collection pages, all while viewing the collection.
The Drag
On the western border of campus is a portion of Guadalupe Street known as “The Drag” and featuring restaurants and shops, including the University Co-op. One hallmark of The Drag is its street art, including Daniel Johnston’s beloved “Hi, How Are You” mural at 21st and Guadalupe. Other murals along The Drag depict film and music icons and various Austin landmarks.
[The University of Texas at Austin is a vast place, with more than 40 acres of campus containing untold collections, artifacts and treasures. Our #HiddenUT series shines a spotlight onto UT’s unheralded gems.]
For information about parking, visit the Parking and Transportation Services website, check out the campus parking map and look for special-events parking updates.
