Austin, Texas is known as a top destination for enjoying music and culture. The Blanton Museum of Art is a world-class museum located in the heart of Austin, Texas. It is a part of the University of Texas at Austin and is one of the largest university art museums in the country. The museum was founded in 1963 and has since then grown to house over 18,000 works of art, ranging from contemporary to ancient art. The museum’s collection is diverse and includes European paintings, prints, drawings, and sculptures, as well as American, Latin American, and contemporary art pieces.
One of the things to see in Austin Texas is the Ellsworth Kelly-designed building that was opened in 2006. This modern building was designed to showcase the museum’s permanent collection while also providing space for temporary exhibitions and educational programs. The stained glass windows in this building add natural light to the space while also creating a chapel-like feel. Spending a day exploring the exhibits at the Blanton Museum of Art is a great way to add interest and culture to your Austin itinerary!
Blanton Museum of Art
The Blanton Museum of Art is home to a variety of exhibitions that showcase the diversity and range of the museum’s collection. Throughout this collection you will find art in a variety of mediums and from a diverse range of locations and time periods.
Among its permanent collections, visitors will enjoy a wide range of art pieces that highlight the creativity of a variety of regions, including European art, art of the Spanish Americas, and Latin American art. There is also a varied collection of pieces created by artists of the United States that extends from the pre-1900s to the present. There are numerous American paintings from Mari and James A. Michener, as well as a European collection from the Suida-Manning family that are all well worth a visit.
In addition to the wide variety of art that can be enjoyed in the extensive permanent collection, the Blanton Museum of Art also features temporary installments that always offer something new to see and enjoy, whether you are new to the museum or a repeat fan. The current exhibition entitled Day Jobs provides a particularly interesting look into the role of artists as not only creators of art, but also participants in the daily workforce that keeps the country moving.
Planning Your Excursion
If you are planning to visit the Blanton Museum of Art, be sure to make the most of your visit by doing some advance preparation. Check the museum’s website for information about current exhibitions, hours, and admission prices. The museum is currently open from Wednesday through Saturday from 10am-5pm, on Sundays from 1-5pm, and is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. These hours are in effect until May 9, 2023. On May 13th, the museum will host a grand opening ceremony to reveal the extensive renovations and updates that have recently been completed. Admission to the Blanton Museum of Art is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors 65 and older, $8 for youth, and free for children five and under.
Consider taking a guided tour of the museum on your visit! The museum offers a variety of tours, including general tours of the collection, tours for families with children, and tours focused on specific exhibitions. Taking a guided tour is a great way to gain an inside look and deeper understanding of the exhibits on offer. Be sure to also check out the museum’s events calendar, where you will find a range of programs for visitors of all ages, including lectures, workshops, and classes.
On your way out, stop in the museum’s gift shop, which offers a wide variety of books, gifts, and souvenirs inspired by the museum’s collection.
The Blanton Museum of Art is located on the University of Texas at Austin campus at 200 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Parking is available in the Brazos Garage or the Trinity Garage for overflow.
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