Blanton Museum of Art

The Washington Post recently named the Blanton Museum of Art among the nation’s top five college art museums. The moment you arrive at the UT-Austin museum, you’re greeted by enchanting works of art and one-of-a-kind immersive art installations. From the three-story outdoor Petals sculptures to the entrance hall’s delicate textile rainbow, the museum delights art lovers and Austin visitors alike. And this is just the beginning. 

The sleek and modern museum is as captivating as the artwork it holds. The minimalist design and spacious galleries allow all focus to rest on the vast collection of art. And vast it is! The items number over 21,000 and represent the largest art collection in Central Texas. The galleries feature these pieces on a rotating basis. The museum also hosts highly acclaimed traveling exhibits, so each visit offers a chance to appreciate something new. 

Are you in the mood to reflect on the European Renaissance and baroque paintings, centuries-old drawings and prints, or thought-provoking contemporary pieces? You’re in luck. Blanton’s artwork spans the globe and explores centuries of creative endeavors by artists as varied at Rembrandt and Andy Warhol. 

Latin American art from the 1600s to present day and the contemporary United States Latino art displays alone are worth the trip. The extensive collections emphasize the profound influence Latin America has had on global culture and the continued impact contemporary Latino artists are making on visual storytelling. 

The Blanton’s art collection extends well beyond the museum’s walls. The revitalized outdoor space is a work of art as well, with larger-than-life sculptures, murals, and native landscaping. And speaking of landscaping, be sure to experience Landscape Soundings in the outdoor Butler Sound Gallery. Imagine hearing the echolocation of bats emerging from Bracken Cave or the underwater sounds made by cypress trees. This first-of-its-kind sound art installation creates a sonic portrait of Austin and the Texas Hill Country. 

One of the museum’s most celebrated exhibits is an immersive art experience, called Austin. It is artist Ellsworth Kelly’s most monumental work and occupies an entire chapel-like building on the museum grounds. Kelly designed the large-scale installation to spark joy and contemplation. Once you step inside this tranquil sanctuary and soak in the colorful kaleidoscope created by 33 stained glass windows, you’ll know he accomplished his mission! 

Blanton Museum of Art received its high marks not only because of highlights like Austin, but also because of its “dynamic programs, commitment to research and public-facing engagement,” according to art critic Sebastian Smee. “It’s a teaching museum — just not only for college kids.”  From family programs to Blanton All Day — a monthly event with storytelling, art projects, food, and music — the museum excels at being a museum for the people.

There’s always something new at the museum. To plan your next visit and to purchase tickets, check out Blanton Museum of Art’s official website.