Owned and operated by three friends originally from Ukraine, the studio in Austin is located at the intersection of Neches and West Sixth streets in a historic building that in 1911 was a funeral parlor. The studio is home to about 35 colorful backdrops and props ready with cell phone stands and ring lights. The backgrounds for selfies are designed and trademarked by the founders, Alex Kurylin and Igor Benchak, who set up the first Original Selfie Museum studio in Denver.
What seems to be a historic place from outside is completely transformed from inside into the colorful world of Instagram. Every corner has a different theme. The Banana Room has the image of a monkey and a yellow swing. The Infinite Room has mirrors all around. The Garden Room has greenery and flowers. The Crayola Crayon Room has original black and white doodle artwork by Denver artist Joe Palec.
“The idea is to come in, have fun, take lots of pictures, have quality time and have memories for years to preserve through the lens of your phone,” said Margaryta Schwery, who owns the Texas locations with the founders. “You're having fun. You're in the moment you get candid shots of your emotions, and everything here is bright and beautiful. And it's hard not to have fun.”
The first in Austin and the eighth to open nationwide, the two-story family-friendly business has a changing room in case customers want to bring different outfits for pictures.
Schwery, who grew up and went to school in Ukraine, moved to the U.S. for college education. In time, her parents also moved here but kept going back until the Russia-Ukraine war happened. Now she tries to raise awareness about the war and supports causes related to the war through her business.
Selfie aware
Tickets: Texas Selfie Museum tickets may be purchased online in one-hour time slots for $20 on weekdays and $32 on weekends. People can stay longer if they are not done. Customers may also bring their own digital cameras at no extra charge.
An annual pass is $68 and allows people to use any of the facilities at any time, and 100% of those proceeds go to Ukraine.
Customers may also book the business for private, corporate, team-building and special events. The studio is in the final stages of obtaining a liquor license for a mimosa bar. Food is allowed only for private parties and not during regular business hours.
Pet policy: Mondays are pet-friendly days. Dogs up to 25 pounds or 25 inches tall are allowed, and one dog is allowed per adult.
Texas Selfie Museum
503 Neches St., Austin
512-651-8383
www.originalselfiemuseum.com
Parking: street and Convention Center garage
Hours: Mon.-Thu. noon-8 p.m., Fri. noon-9 p.m., Sat. 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
