Helpful Hints

Welcome to the Blanton Museum of Art. We hope the guidelines below will help you plan a great experience. While you're visiting, feel free to ask any member of our staff to assist you further.

For Families | Where to Eat | Additional Information

Here are a few helpful hints and “house rules” for your comfort and safety and that of our priceless art treasures during your visit:

  • Look and enjoy, but please do not touch the art.
  • Food and drink are not permitted in the galleries, including gum and water bottles.
  • Smoking is not permitted inside the building.
  • Cell phone use is not permitted in the galleries.
  • Pencils only (no pens) are permitted in the galleries and are available at the Visitor Services Desk.
  • All backpacks, umbrellas, bags, packages, briefcases, and purses larger than 11” x 15” must be put into a locker. Lockers are self–serve and require a quarter, which is refunded after the locker is emptied. The Visitor Service Desk has quarters you can use.
  • Photography for personal use is permitted in the permanent collection galleries on the second floor only. Flash photography and tripods are not allowed. Videotaping is permitted in the Rapoport Atrium and lobby only. No photographs or videotapes may be reproduced, distributed, or sold without advance arrangement and written permission.
  • Sketching is permitted in the galleries–pencil and colored pencil only, no ink–with sketchbooks no larger than 18” x 24”.
  • No baby backpacks, please. Soft frontpacks, or small single–child strollers, are allowed. Single–child strollers are available at the Visitor Services Desk. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate large or double strollers in the galleries.
  • Wheelchairs are available at the Visitor Services Desk.

Thank you!

What Families Need to Know

What families need to know
  • Changing tables are located in all restrooms; there are no restrooms or changing areas on the second floor.
  • All bags larger than 11” x 15”, including diaper bags, must be placed in a locker by the entrance. Lockers are self–serve and require a quarter, which is refunded after the locker is emptied. The Visitor Service Desk has quarters you can use.
  • Soft frontpacks and single–child strollers are allowed in the museum. Large–framed child carriers and double strollers need to be left in the checkroom or in a locker. There are a limited number of single–child strollers available at the Visitor Services Desk.
  • Snacks, drinks, and toys must be put in a locker in order to protect the collections.
  • Art games are available for use in our Meredith eLounge on the second floor.
  • Water fountains are located by the first–floor restrooms and by the second–floor elevator.
  • Nursing mothers may use the Blanton's eLounge or seating in the East Rotunda for a quiet place to sit.
  • PLEASE NOTE: Some works in the museum contain content or ideas of an adult nature. If you are visiting with small children, feel free to ask our Visitor Services staff or Gallery Assistants for further information about adult content in the galleries.

Please call the Visitor Services Desk at (512) 471–5482 for more details.

View our Helpful Hints page for more information on planning your visit to the Blanton.

Where to Eat

Where to eat

The Blanton's new Edgar A. Smith Building, opening in 2008, will have a fabulous museum café, as well as a full museum shop, 299–seat auditorium, lecture hall, classrooms, and offices. Until then, here is a list of suggestions on where to grab a bite nearby:

  • The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum café, located across the street from the Blanton on MLK serves sandwiches, salads and daily specials.
  • On the UT Campus:
    Jester Dormitory, located on the UT campus to the west of the entrance on 21st and Speedway, has cafeteria–style dining, Wendy's, and Starbucks.
    Prufrock's coffee shop at the Perry Castaneda Library is one block away.
  • For more local restaurant suggestions please ask the Blanton's Visitor Services staff or visit the Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau's Web site for dining options around Austin.

Additional Information

For additional information, please visit the appropriate links below:

  • Parking:
    Find out more about parking when you're visiting the Blanton.

  • Accessibility:
    Find out more about accessibility at the Blanton.

  • Groups:
    Find out more about group tours at the Blanton.