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Austin, Texas / Public art

Monochrome for Austin

Encounter Monochrome for Austin, a striking 50-foot-tall outdoor sculpture by Nancy Rubins on the UT Austin campus. Assembled from 70 recycled aluminum boats, this massive public artwork is designed to spark conversation and turn heads.

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Monochrome for Austin
landmarks.utexas.edu, og_image_landmarks.utexas.edu

What is Monochrome for Austin and where is it located?

Monochrome for Austin is an outdoor sculpture by Nancy Rubins located on the University of Texas at Austin campus. It is installed outside the Norman Hackerman Building at the northwest corner of 24th Street and Speedway.

What is the sculpture made of and how big is it?

The sculpture is assembled from 70 recycled aluminum canoes and small boats clustered at the end of a steel column. It stands 50 feet tall, 52 feet wide, and 41 feet deep, with a total weight of 16,000 pounds.

What is the significance of this artwork in the university's collection?

It is the largest piece in UT Landmarks history and the first large-scale sculpture by a female artist in the collection. The sculpture was installed in 2015 as part of the university's Landmarks public art program.

What should I check before going?

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

What to know

Located at the northwest corner of 24th Street and Speedway, Monochrome for Austin is a monumental outdoor sculpture by artist Nancy Rubins. Installed in 2015 as part of the University of Texas at Austin's Landmarks public art program, it stands outside the Norman Hackerman Building. This towering installation is the largest piece in the history of the UT Landmarks program and holds the distinction of being the collection's first large-scale sculpture by a female artist. The sculpture is an engineering marvel, balancing with improbable grace. It is assembled from 70 recycled aluminum canoes and small boats clustered at the end of a central steel column. The massive structure stands 50 feet tall, 52 feet wide, and 41 feet deep, with a total weight of 16,000 pounds (7,300 kg). Constructed of stainless steel and aluminum, the piece flowers up and over the campus street, creating a dramatic overhead canopy. Funding for the sculpture came entirely from capital improvement funds designated for the construction of the Norman Hackerman Building, meaning no student tuition money was used. The artwork was officially unveiled to the public on March 5, 2015, with a celebratory outdoor reception featuring live music, food, and drinks. The sculpture is designed to turn heads and spark strong reactions. University leaders have praised its presence on campus; Dean Douglas Dempster described it as a thought-provoking, debate-worthy work ideal for a premier research university, while Dr. David Hunter stated that the sculpture represents the unleashing of potential across persons, discoveries, materials, ideas, and activities.

Visitor tips

  • Visit the northwest corner of 24th Street and Speedway to find the sculpture right outside the Norman Hackerman Building.
  • Since the sculpture is outdoors on the UT campus, it is fully publicly accessible at any time of day.
  • Take a moment to stand directly underneath the cantilevered boats to appreciate the massive 16,000-pound scale from below.

Nearby context

Situated on the vibrant University of Texas at Austin campus, Monochrome for Austin sits at a bustling pedestrian intersection outside the Norman Hackerman Building. This central campus location makes it an easy stop while exploring the university's historic grounds, academic halls, and other public art installations.

Sources

Evidence and links