The RIP Austin Matchbook Memorial is Austinites' homegrown matchbook collection.
Change happens so rapidly in Austin. I spoke with many Austinites about their favorite places that have since closed, and the more conversations that took place, the more stories emerged of hole-in-the-wall bars where spouses met, coffee shops where book club discussions turned into life talks, and how the weird restaurants right around the corner that became frequent haunts because the weirdness became part of the charm. These places deserve to be memorialized in the way that the restaurants and third places of yesteryear were: with a matchbook.
RIP Austin Matchbook Memorial takes stories submitted by Austinites and turns each memory into a graphite drawing on the inside of a physical matchbook, with each drawing mounted on a collage. The style of graphite drawing was chosen because of its slightly messy nature. The drawings are intended to feel like a memory upon viewing, rather than reading like a direct interpretation of the spaces. This artistic choice is meant to spark memories within viewers, inviting them to bring color and clarity to the matchbooks by drawing from their own experiences.
This exhibition gives people a proper chance to say goodbye to the places they miss and creates a space in the community where everyone can come together to celebrate Austin’s past.
The first iteration of the RIP Austin Matchbook Memorial is on view from 1/17/2026 through 2/28/2026 at the Dougherty Arts Center.
Have a place you would like to memorialize? Submit your RIP Austin story.
