History
The Old Bakery, a registered national landmark, has graced Congress Avenue since 1876, when it was built by Swedish immigrant Charles Lundberg. The building was used as a bakery till 1936, and after that for a variety of purposes, including a night club. The Old Bakery was vacant, deteriorating and scheduled for demolition when it was rescued through the combined efforts of the Austin Heritage Society, which purchased the structure in 1963, and the Junior League, which donated $12,500 for restoration work. The giant oven and the wooden baker's spade remain as reminders of the building's history. In 1964, the Heritage Society began operating a Tourist Information Center and Coffee Kitchen at the site. When the mortgage was paid off, the Old Bakery was sold to the State of Texas, who deeded the property to the City of Austin in 1980. The City of Austin Office of Bicentennial Affairs and the Texas Bicentennial Information Center occupied the building between July 1974 and September 1976.
Specialties
Everything inside the Old Bakery and Emporium is hand crafted by local artists who are 50 years and older. These are one-of-a-kind unique items that you would find anywhere else. We used to be a bakery back from 1876 to 1936 and our building is a national landmark, which is why we have kept the name. We do have a history exhibit and an art gallery on our third floor that is open to the general public.