- Website Link
- 1006 Congress Avenue
- (512) 974-1300
- Across Street from Texas State Capitol
The “Not A Bakery!” sign in front of the Old Bakery & Emporium is the first indication all is not what is seems at this historical building. Located half a block from the Capitol building, the Old Bakery and Emporium is one of downtown Austin’s most distinctive gift shops. It also serves as a visitor center, gallery, and retail space showcasing locally made art and crafts.
An Austin Gift Shop with Local Art and Crafts
The Old Bakery & Emporium is often one of the first stops for visitors exploring the Capitol area. In addition to serving as an official City of Austin visitor center, the shop features handmade souvenirs, fine art, and home décor created by local Austin artisans over the age of 50.
The building’s original stone walls provide a dramatic backdrop for rotating art exhibits, turning the space into both a gallery and a retail experience. Staff members are happy to answer questions about Austin, share local trivia, and offer brochures for nearby attractions, tours, and historic sites.
Handmade Goods by Austin Artisans Over Age 50
Everything sold at the Old Bakery & Emporium is created by local artists and craftspeople aged fifty and over. Shoppers will find a wide variety of items, including jewelry, ceramics, quilts, woodcraft, and original artwork. Each piece offers a meaningful, locally made alternative to mass-produced souvenirs.
The curated art exhibitions celebrate Austin’s cultural diversity and creative history, featuring artists working across many mediums and backgrounds. The goal of these exhibits is both educational and inspirational, reflecting the city’s long-standing support of the arts.
Old Bakery & Emporium as a Visitor Center and Bookshop
In addition to art and gifts, the Old Bakery & Emporium is also a place to learn more about Austin. As an official visitor center, it provides maps, brochures, and recommendations for exploring the city.
Both Austin Texas Right Up the Road and the Austin Family Activity Book are available for purchase at the Old Bakery.
The Historic Roots of the Old Bakery Building
The Old Bakery building dates back to 1876, when Swedish immigrant Charles Lundberg opened a bakery near the Texas State Capitol. Constructed of limestone with a brick façade, the building is crowned with a large cast-iron eagle overlooking Congress Avenue.
In the late 19th century, bread was sold fresh and unsliced, and Austinites, often children or household workers, would line up with cloth-lined baskets to carry loaves home from the oven. Lundberg’s specialties included sponge cake, ladyfingers, glazed kisses, and almond-meal macaroons.
The original oversized oven can still be seen on the second floor of the building, along with a long wooden paddle once used to place and remove loaves from the fire.
A Senior Arts Project of the City of Austin
After operating as a bakery for more than sixty years, the building eventually fell into disrepair. It was purchased and restored by the Austin Heritage Society in 1962 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1969.
In 1976, the Old Bakery & Emporium reopened as a senior and volunteer project of the Austin Parks and Recreation Department. Today, the building is owned by the City of Austin and continues to support local artists and craftspeople.
New Downtown Mural Celebrates Austin’s Cultural History
In 2024, a new mural titled Generational Ties was unveiled on the south exterior wall of the Old Bakery & Emporium. Created by Austin artist Ruben Esquivel, the mural honors the city’s layered cultural history.
The artwork weaves together Austin’s Indigenous heritage with the Swedish roots of the Old Bakery, featuring intertwined braids symbolizing the transmission of knowledge across generations. Elements such as hummingbirds, a protective swallow, Swedish textile patterns, and the Swedish national flower appear throughout the composition.
Why the Old Bakery & Emporium Is Worth a Visit
Whether you’re searching for a meaningful Austin-made gift, interested in local art, or curious about the city’s history, the Old Bakery & Emporium is well worth a stop. Its location near the Capitol, welcoming staff, and focus on local craftsmanship make it a uniquely Austin experience.
The Old Bakery & Emporium is one of the downtown Austin destinations featured in Austin Texas Right Up the Road.
