When visiting UT Austin’s campus, check out these share-worthy spots, from iconic landmarks to inspiring art. These locations are some of the prime places on campus to take pictures. Post your photos with us on Instagram using the hashtags: #HookEm, #Longhorns, #UTAustin, #UTTower and #WhatStartsHere.
Listed below are some of the most popular locations, but this is just a sampling. For a full list, click on the Google Map with GPS coordinates.
The UT Tower
The UT Tower is the most recognized photo spot on campus. The 307-foot-tall Tower was completed in 1937 and through the years has served as the university’s most distinguishing landmark and as a symbol of academic excellence and personal opportunity. It is hard to take a bad picture of the Tower. From selfies to architectural shots, it stands strong. To capture one of the most photographed scenes on campus, go to 21st Street and University Avenue, with the Littlefield Fountain in the foreground. Other popular locations are just north of there, on the steps of the Main Mall across from Inner Campus Drive and the stone plaza and gateway sign situated at the intersection of University Avenue and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.
There are lots of options for more daring images, like this angle on the stairs between Hogg Memorial Auditorium and the Dorothy L. Gebauer Building on the southeast corner of the East Mall.
At sunset, head up the hill next to Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on Robert Dedman Drive and 23rd Street, or point your camera west from farther up the hill at Sid Richardson Hall.
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 and main corridors. The Landmarks pieces on campus include the large “Clock Knot” sculpture at the intersection of Dean Keeton Street 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.
Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium
If you’re a sports lover, head to the east side of campus to visit the Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium where Longhorn football games are played. The stadium is one of the most visible campus landmarks. For a close-up shot of inside the stadium, visit the southeast corner. Another great photo-op is on the north side of the stadium at the Red McCombs Red Zone logo.
There are also plenty of food options inside the stadium if you work up an appetite. At sunset, head up the hill next to the stadium on Robert Dedman Drive and 23rd Street, or point your camera west from farther up the hill at Sid Richardson Hall. For a unique view that includes the stadium, the Tower and the Texas Capitol, go to the seventh floor of the San Antonio Parking Garage.
The UT Turtle Pond
The turtle pond is near and dear to the hearts of all Longhorns. The pond was built between 1934 and 1939. The ponds along with the adjacent garden were dedicated in 1999 to the victims of the 1966 Tower shootings. The turtles are cared for by the College of Natural Sciences. The ponds hold a variety of turtle species, some of which are up to 40 years old.
Battle Oaks & Barbara Jordon
The Battle Oaks are among The University of Texas at Austin’s oldest living trees, ranging from at least 250 to 300 years old. These three Texas live oaks graced the grounds of the original Forty Acres when the university opened in September 1883. Standing in the center is the Barbara Jordan statue. 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. It is located at 24th and Whitis streets near the Texas Union.
The Drag
On the western boundary of campus is a portion of Guadalupe Street known as “the Drag.” It features 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 streets. Other murals along the Drag depict film and music icons and various Austin landmarks.
Moody Sky Bridge
The Moody College of Communication dedicated the Moody Bridge in March of 2016, making it one of the newest campus landmarks. Stretching across Dean Keeton Street, the pedestrian bridge connects the second floor of the Belo Center for New Media with the fourth floor of the Jesse H. Jones Communication Center.
For information about parking, visit the Parking and Transportation Services website, check out the campus parking map and look for special-events parking updates.
