Ever heard of Ruby City ? No, we’re not talking about Dorothy’s adventures to the Land of Oz (that’s Emerald City). However, this sparkling crimson building in Southtown features art + architectural works that are just as fantastical.
What is Ruby City?
The brainchild of art collector Linda Pace , Ruby City serves as a contemporary art center, housing works from local and internationally-renowned artists. The campus encompasses several structures including the main building, a studio space for special exhibitions, and Chris Park — a one-acre public green space honoring her late son.
Visitors can browse through a museum that boasts 900+ paintings, sculptures, installations + video works which are all completely free to the public.
A literal dream come true…
As mentioned, Ruby City was the vision of the late Linda Pace, whose mother was a descendant of the family that once owned the Pearl Brewery .
Just three years after finishing her art degree at Trinity University, she founded Artpace . Since then, the nonprofit artist residency program has grown dramatically, having awarded residencies to 240+ artists. Former resident Isaac Julien nicknamed Pace “the artist’s collector” for her deep understanding of artists and their plight for art making.
Sometime after, Linda awoke from a dream with the image of a dazzling ruby structure. Using color pencil, she sketched her inspiration + shared it with world-renowned architect Sir David Adjaye OBE . And thus, Ruby City was born.
Linda Pace died on July 2, 2007 following a long battle with breast cancer. Her legacy lives on through her foundation which continues to preserve + grow the contemporary art community.
What to know before you visit:
- Check out the free parking at the intersection of Camp Street + S. Flores Street.
- All Ruby City facilities are wheelchair accessible.
- Ruby City does not offer a café. However, you can visit any of the surrounding local restaurants or plan a picnic at the park .