Blanton Museum of Art | Austin

The Blanton Museum of Art, located on the campus of the University of Texas at Austin, is one of the premier university art museums in the United States. It serves as a central hub for visual arts in Texas and the American Southwest, offering a rich and diverse collection, dynamic exhibitions, and striking architecture. Here's a detailed overview:

Founding and Development

The museum was established in 1963 as the University Art Museum and was renamed in 1997 in honor of Jack S. Blanton, a prominent Houston oil executive and university supporter. The current museum building opened in 2006, significantly expanding the Blanton's visibility and facilities.

It operates as part of the University of Texas at Austin but is open to the public and professionally curated to museum standards. Over time, it has grown into a major institution with a comprehensive art collection, innovative public programs, and landmark architectural features.

The Collection

The Blanton houses over 21,000 works of art, spanning multiple time periods, cultures, and styles. Its collection is known for its depth and academic significance.

European Art

Enriched by the Suida-Manning Collection, the European holdings include Renaissance and Baroque works.

Notable artists: Paolo Veronese, Luca Cambiaso, Guercino, Rubens, and Parmigianino.

This segment offers a focused view of Old Master paintings and drawings from 14th to 18th centuries, often used in academic study and exhibitions.

Latin American Art

One of the strongest collections in the U.S., with over 2,000 pieces.

Includes modern and contemporary works by artists such as Tarsila do Amaral, Diego Rivera, Joaquín Torres-García, Carlos Cruz-Diez, and Cildo Meireles.

Pioneering in integrating Latin American art into a broader curatorial dialogue with U.S. and European art.

Modern and Contemporary Art

Strong focus on post-war American art.

Includes works by Agnes Martin, Jasper Johns, Robert Motherwell, Ellsworth Kelly, and Joan Mitchell.

A major contribution came from author James Michener and his wife, Mari, who donated a vast collection of 20th-century American paintings, especially abstract expressionism.

Prints and Drawings

Over 16,000 works on paper.

Includes important pieces by Albrecht Dürer, Goya, Rembrandt, and Rauschenberg.

Housed in the Julia Matthews Wilkinson Center for Prints and Drawings, serving both research and exhibition purposes.

Ancient Art

Smaller in size but includes Greek, Etruscan, and Roman pieces such as pottery, coins, and glassware.

Also notable is the Battle Collection of Plaster Casts, comprising 86 19th-century casts of classical sculptures used in academic instruction.

Architectural Features

Blanton Building

Designed by Kallmann McKinnell & Wood Architects, the museum’s main building (opened in 2006) is a modern yet classic structure with wide gallery spaces and an airy atrium.

Ellsworth Kelly’s Austin

Completed in 2018, Austin is the only standalone building designed by artist Ellsworth Kelly.

A 2,715-square-foot stone building, it serves as a non-denominational sanctuary filled with light from colored glass windows, a wooden totem, and abstract reliefs.

Considered one of the most important public artworks in Texas and a destination on its own.

Stacked Waters

A permanent installation by Teresita Fernández in the museum’s atrium.

Composed of hundreds of panels of layered blue acrylic, creating the illusion of being submerged underwater.

Outdoor Renovation (2023)

In 2023, the Blanton unveiled a redesigned outdoor plaza by Snøhetta, featuring tree-covered walkways, a mural by Carmen Herrera, and art installations by Kay Rosen, Gabriel Dawe, and Bill Fontana.

Educational and Public Programs

The Blanton is deeply committed to education and public engagement:

School Programs: Offers curriculum-based tours and workshops for K–12 and college students.

SoundSpace: A unique interdisciplinary performance series combining music, dance, and art.

Lectures and Symposia: Hosted regularly with scholars, artists, and curators.

Family Days and Community Events: Includes hands-on activities and live performances, open to all ages.

Visiting the Museum

Address: 200 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Austin, TX 78712

Hours:

Tuesday to Friday: 10 AM – 5 PM

Saturday: 10 AM – 8 PM

Sunday: 10 AM – 5 PM

Closed Mondays

Admission:

Adults: $15

Seniors (65+): $12

Youth (13–21) & College Students: $8

Free for UT Austin students, staff, and children under 12

Free admission on Tuesdays, courtesy of the Moody Family Free Day Endowment

Parking: Nearby metered street parking and university garages

Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible with elevators and ramps; sensory guides available upon request

Museum Shop and Amenities

Gift shop with books, prints, educational toys, and artist-made goods

New café scheduled to open in 2025 as part of the outdoor renovation plan

Visitor guides and multilingual resources available

Importance and Legacy

The Blanton Museum is not just an art repository—it is an academic and cultural engine that reflects the diversity of Austin and the intellectual vitality of the university community. It blends historical depth with contemporary innovation and serves as a model for what a university-affiliated art museum can achieve.

Whether you are a student, researcher, art lover, or casual visitor, the Blanton offers a deeply enriching experience anchored in world-class collections, immersive installations, and a welcoming public space.