Austin, TX

French Legation Museum in Austin

Address: 802 San Marcos St., Austin, TX 78702 - MAP
Phone: (512) 472-8180
Web: www.frenchlegationmuseum.org

The French Legation Museum was originally built by the French diplomat to The Republic of Texas in the 1840s. The original home was quite a marvel in early Austin, where most residents lived in tents and cabins. The exterior design of the home is Louisiana-Bayou influenced.

Originally set on 22 acres, the French Legation Museum was built to accommodate European diplomatic duties, dinner parties and entertainment.

The home was eventually sold to Dr. Joseph Robertson and became known as the House on Robertson Hill. The last family member to live there was daughter Lillie Robertson, who lived in the home for 84 years and gave tours to guests daily.

In 1956, the home became a museum under the custodianship of The Daughters of The Republic of Texas.

The home has since been restored and the gardens were transformed into a French-inspired landscape. Interior restoration includes a French-country kitchen reconstruction.