French Legation Museum – Austin, Texas
In 1840-41 the French built this facility as the home for the charg’ a’ affrires who was the representative to the Republic of Texas.
In 1848 the Legation became the home of Dr. and Mrs. Joseph Robertson and remained in the family until 1949 when the State of Texas acquired it. The site has been restored and furnished with items from the original prime period by the Daughters of the Republic of Texas.
The mansion is built in the Anglo-French style. The paired columns showcase the French neoclassical architecture.
When you tour the house you will see the beautiful canopy bed and other Victorian furnishing which belonged to Dr. John Robertson and his wife. Only three pieces of the original furnishings are still in place, the others were lost to history. The smaller bedroom, used by the Robinson children, is also on the tour. There were 11 children so you can imagine how crowded the room was at times, even using trundle beds. The Parlor holds the armchair and the settee of the Legation. There is also an elegant pianoforte, complete with sheet music, and a chess set on an inlaid game table that would have been typical for the entertainment of guests during the 19th century. You will be able to tour the Wine Cellar which was a typical part of French culture.
Visit the kitchen which was a separate building with a dirt floor, the Legation kitchen was destroyed by fire in 1880. More modern cooking facilities were then put in by the Robertson’s as part of a new wing. Restorations in the 1950’s removed the Robertson addition and rebuilt the Legation kitchen where the foundations of the original hearth have been discovered. Around the hearth is one of the most extensive collections of antique French kitchenware in the US. The tall clock is more than 150 years old and is a stunning piece of beautiful workmanship.
Location: 802 San Marcos Street, Austin, Texas.
Hours: Tuesday through Sunday from 1 – 5 (last tour begins at 4).
Admission: $5 Adults; $3 Senior Citizens (62 +); $2 Students/Teachers.
Phone: 512-472-8180
Parking: park on San Marcos Street and enter the French Legation grounds through one of the main gates or take 9th St. west to the small parking lot located at the corner of Embassy Dr. Additional parking is available in the public parking lot under the freeway.
Email: programs@frenchlegationmuseum.org
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