Elisabet Ney Studio and Museum
historic place
The Elisabet Ney Studio and Museum in Austin, Travis County, is a historic place. Elisabet Ney, a world-renowned sculptor, was born in Muenster, Westphalia, Germany, in 1833. She began studying at the Academy of Arts, Munich, at age 19. Before turning 30, Ney had created statues of German royalty and European statesmen. In 1863, she married Dr. Edmund Montgomery. They moved to the United States in 1870 and to Texas in 1872. In 1892, Ney built her studio, named "Formosa," in Austin. This limestone structure, completed in two phases by 1902, was the earliest art studio built in Texas. Here, she sculpted figures such as Stephen F. Austin and Sam Houston for the 1893 World's Fair. After Elisabet Ney's death in 1907, friends purchased the studio to preserve it. The Elisabet Ney Museum was founded in 1911. The City of Austin assumed ownership in 1941. The site was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. This location preserves the work and studio of an influential sculptor who contributed significantly to Texas art and culture.