East Austin cultural hub honors both new and historic artistic styles

Surrounded by new construction and streets full of parked cars, the former French Embassy sits behind a stately stone fence on San Marcos Street.

The museum's director, Martha Withers, said the space is technically called the French Legation. The home was first built in the 1840s for Alphonse Dubois, the French liaison to the Republic of Texas.

"[This area represents] the recognition of this fledgling republic by a foreign country, which, without that, we may not be here today," she said. "We may be part of Mexico still. That recognition was very important in [terms of] getting loans from other countries."

However, it is believed Dubois never lived in the home, Withers said. Throughout the years, ownership of the Creole cottage-style home and land would change hands, eventually falling under the ownership of Dr. Joseph Robertson, whose family lived there, she said.

When emancipation occurred after the Civil War, Robertson began selling off different parts of the property to former slaves so they could build their own homes.

"This whole neighborhood was really the start of the first suburban movement," Withers said.

The house is the oldest existing wooden structure in Austin and the only structure remaining from Dubois' time. The site includes a building for the kitchen, which was reconstructed after a fire in the 19th century. The carriage house serves as the French Legation Museum's office.

"We know they had a carriage house on the property, but it probably didn't look anything like this one. It shows up in a few old drawings, but we don't have a whole lot to go by," she said.

The French Legation Museum is important because of its unique architecture, Withers said.

"We're a touchstone for people to know where Texas has been and where it's from," Withers said. "The legation itself is unusual for Austin in its style. It makes wonderful use of its environment and local materials."

Museum doubles as art venue

About two years ago, sculptures began appearing on the grounds of French Legation Museum.

Their appearance was on behalf of the Texas Society of Sculptors, whose members' work is now showcased on the grounds and available for purchase.

There are typically 14 art pieces on the grounds at all times—just enough to not crowd the area, Texas Society of Sculptors President Mary Morse said. She said she is seeking to add more pieces and hopes to get other groups involved.

Marla Ripperda, an artist who has a sculpture showing at the museum, said the location provides great exposure.

"It's so beautiful. I so enjoy being here. It's so peaceful, and to think I-35 is right there," Ripperda said.

The work selected to be showcased at the museum typically has a playful or upbeat feel, Morse said. They avoids pieces that could be controversial, such as ones that feature nudity, she said.

Because the site is a historical landmark, there are also limitations as to how pieces can be installed. For instance, none can be secured deeper than 12 inches into the ground.

French Legation Museum, 802 San Marcos St., 512-472-8180, www.frenchlegationmuseum.org