Austin Past & Present

Remember when? As part of our celebration of America’s 250th birthday, the LBJ Presidential Library turns the lens on Austin. Through striking side-by-side photography, this exhibit pairs rare historic images from archives across the city with newly captured photographs of the same locations today. The result? A powerful visual conversation between past and present. From a growing seat of government to a bustling university town, Austin has transformed in remarkable ways. Streets have shifted. Skylines have risen. Neighborhoods have evolved. And yet — many of the city’s most iconic buildings remain, standing much as they did decades ago. As you explore these images, we invite you to reflect on where we’ve been, consider where we are, and imagine what comes next.