In January 2015, the renowned American artist Ellsworth Kelly gifted to the Blanton the design concept for his most monumental work, a 2,715-square-foot stone building with luminous colored glass windows, a totemic wood sculpture, and fourteen black and white marble panels. Titled Austin, honoring the artist’s tradition of naming particular works for the places for which they are destined, the structure is the only building the artist designed, and will be his most lasting legacy. Envisioned by Kelly as a site for joy and contemplation, Austin is a cornerstone of the Blanton’s permanent collection and will enrich the lives of visitors from around the world.

Please note the Blanton Museum of Art is temporarily closed and will reopen as soon as the situation allows. This includes the galleries of the Michener Building, “Austin” by Ellsworth Kelly, and the Blanton Café and Museum Shop.

We will post updates on our website and via social media when we have news to share. You can find University of Texas COVID-19 updates and guidance here.

In the meantime, explore a variety of our digital resources on our #MuseumFromHome page!

We look forward to seeing you when we reopen.

Entry is included with museum admission. Please check in at the Visitor Services Desk in the museum before visiting Austin.

Admission is free for all holders of a current UT ID.

We ask visitors to observe the following rules upon entering Austin:

• Please do not touch the art, including the wood totem and the marble panels
• Non-flash photography is permitted
• No food or beverage is allowed
• No backpacks are permitted inside
• Please silence electronic devices
• Please respect the quiet nature of this space

Admission is always free on Thursdays. On the third Thursday of each month, the Blanton remains open until 9pm.

Gift of the artist and Jack Shear, with funding generously provided by Jeanne and Michael Klein, Judy and Charles Tate, the Scurlock Foundation, Suzanne Deal Booth and David G. Booth, and the Longhorn Network. Additional funding provided by The Brown Foundation, Inc. of Houston, Leslie and Jack S. Blanton, Jr., Elizabeth and Peter Wareing, Sally and Tom Dunning, the Lowe Foundation, The Eugene McDermott Foundation, Stedman West Foundation, and the Walton Family Foundation, with further support provided by Sarah and Ernest Butler, Buena Vista Foundation, The Ronald and Jo Carole Lauder Foundation, Emily Rauh Pulitzer, Janet and Wilson Allen, Judy and David Beck, Kelli and Eddy S. Blanton, Charles Butt, Mrs. Donald G. Fisher, Amanda and Glenn Fuhrman, Glenstone/Emily and Mitch Rales, Stephanie and David Goodman, Agnes Gund, Stacy and Joel Hock, Lora Reynolds and Quincy Lee, Helen and Chuck Schwab, Ellen and Steve Susman, and other donors.