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Austin, Texas / Museums

Blanton Museum of Art

Discover Central Texas's largest art collection at the Blanton Museum of Art. Home to over 21,000 works, this premier university museum features Ellsworth Kelly's breathtaking, light-filled stone sanctuary, Austin.

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Blanton Museum of Art
ajay_suresh, CC BY 4.0

What is the Blanton Museum of Art known for?

The Blanton Museum of Art is one of the nation's leading university art museums and holds the largest and most comprehensive art collection in Central Texas. It serves as the primary art museum for both the city of Austin and The University of Texas at Austin.

What can I see in the museum's permanent collection?

The permanent collection features more than 21,000 works, including European paintings, prints, drawings, and modern and contemporary American and Latin American art. A major highlight is Ellsworth Kelly's "Austin," a 2,715-square-foot stone building featuring luminous colored glass windows, a totemic wood sculpture, and fourteen black-and-white marble panels.

What are the hours for the Blanton Museum of Art?

The museum is open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Is there a day when admission is free?

Yes, admission to the museum is free to visitors every Tuesday.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

The Blanton Museum of Art stands as one of the foremost university art museums in the United States. Over the course of 60 years, the institution has grown to become the principal art museum for both the city of Austin and The University of Texas at Austin. It proudly holds the largest and most comprehensive collection of art in Central Texas, making it a cornerstone of the region's cultural landscape. Inside, visitors can explore a permanent collection of more than 21,000 works. The museum is highly recognized for its European paintings, an encyclopedic collection of prints and drawings, and a stellar selection of modern and contemporary American and Latin American art. This diverse array of masterpieces ensures that art lovers of all tastes will find something to inspire them. The crown jewel of the Blanton's permanent collection is Ellsworth Kelly's monumental work, titled Austin. This 2,715-square-foot stone building is the only building that the acclaimed artist ever designed. The project originated from designs Kelly conceived in 1986, which were later revived. Construction on the structure began in 2015, leading to its highly anticipated public opening in February 2018. Designed as a sanctuary of color and light, the building features 33 luminous stained-glass windows meticulously selected by Kelly. The interior is further adorned with a totemic wood sculpture and fourteen striking black-and-white marble panels. It stands as a brilliant testament to Kelly's mastery of color and form, offering a serene, immersive experience.

Visitor tips

  • Plan your visit between the museum's opening hours of 10:00 am and 5:00 pm.
  • Take advantage of free admission, which is offered to all visitors every single Tuesday.
  • Make sure to step outside the main galleries to visit the 2,715-square-foot stone building designed by Ellsworth Kelly.

Nearby context

Situated on the campus of The University of Texas at Austin, the Blanton Museum of Art serves as a vital cultural gateway connecting the university with the wider Austin community. Its central location makes it an easy stop alongside other campus landmarks and downtown attractions.

Sources

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