Visiting Austin

CONSERVATION NOTICE

In the past few months, visible mold in the form of black streaks has developed on the limestone exterior of Ellsworth Kelly’s Austin. This is a common occurrence on limestone buildings on the UT campus (the limestone on Austin came from a quarry in Alicante, Spain). Rainwater and moisture feed this mold. Working with an architectural conservator, the Blanton is testing materials that will safely remove the biological growth. Once the substance is removed and the stone is dry, a water-resistant coating will be applied to the exterior stone.

This necessary conservation work on Austin will require us to close the building to the public for approximately two months. This closure is currently planned for September-October 2022. Please check back here for updates to this schedule.

ABOUT

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.

VISIT

Visits to Ellsworth Kelly’s Austin are included with general museum admission.

If you wish to purchase admission tickets online, you can do so here.

To visit Austin, check in at the main museum entrance first. Check our main Before You Visit page for updates and closure dates.

HOURS

RULES FOR VISITING “AUSTIN”

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

CREDITS

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.