Mueller SunFlowers

Giant solar-powered sunflowers that glow blue at night.

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The Experience

Ethereal electric garden

An Electric Garden in the Heart of Austin

Discover the Mueller SunFlowers, a colossal public art installation that transforms a former airport site into a whimsical, electric wonderland. Standing as Austin's largest public art piece, these 15 towering sculptures, ranging from 18 to 24 feet tall, create a mesmerizing maze-like illusion along a popular hike-and-bike trail. Designed by artists Mags Harries and Lajos Heder, the SunFlowers were conceived as a sustainable and artistic buffer for the eco-conscious Mueller development.

Nature Meets Technology

By day, the massive photovoltaic "petals" cast dynamic shade patterns, offering a unique visual experience for trail users. As dusk settles, the magic truly begins. Solar-charged sensors activate ethereal blue LEDs within the flower "stamens," bathing the area in a soft, otherworldly glow. Originally designed to feed excess energy back into the city's grid, the installation remains a striking metaphor for Austin's commitment to innovation and sustainability.

A Blooming Landscape

Adding to the natural beauty, the artists collaborated with the Lady Bird Johnson Foundation to seed the adjacent highway embankment with wildflowers, turning a once-barren area into a vibrant, blooming extension of the artwork. Visitors often describe wandering through the SunFlowers as feeling like Alice in a surreal, electric garden, especially after dark when the lights create an unforgettable spectacle.

How to Find It

Located along the hike-and-bike trail within the Mueller development, adjacent to I-35.

Know Before You Go

The LED lights are activated by darkness and can be unpredictable; visit after sunset for the best chance to see them glow. The surrounding wildflower area is best enjoyed in bloom, typically spring through early summer.