Best Public Art

The Philosophers Rock Statue

Going to Barton Springs is more glorious than ever since this statue's arrival. Now, every visit takes one by three illustrious Spirits of Austin Past - naturalist Roy Bedichek, historian Walter Prescott Webb, and folklorist J. Frank Dobie - engaged, as they often were in life, in lively conversation by the springs. Sculptor Glenna Goodacre's portrayal of these men - informal, languid in repose but vigorous in intellect, connected with the environment and each other, having a good time - captures their spirit and Austin's, too, at least Austin's at its best. It does what great statues do: recognize achievement, convey a sense of the community from which it sprang, and inspire us.

Zilker Park
2100 Barton Springs Rd., 512/974-6700
austintexas.gov/zilker