General & Check-In
Where can I park?
The closest garage is Brazos Garage, located one block from the museum on the corner of MLK Jr. Blvd. and Brazos St. Blanton Members receive $4 discounted parking for Brazos Garage—bring your parking ticket to the Check-In Desk in the Smith Building to receive your member discount. General visitors can pay regular rates directly at Brazos Garage.
Where should my ride-share drop me off and pick me up?
Ride-shares like Uber and Lyft, and taxis can drop you off and pick you up at the Museum Drop-Off on the east side of the museum on Brazos St.
I’m a cyclist. Where can I lock up my bicycle?
Bike racks are located near MLK Jr. Blvd. on the west side of the Smith Building. Another rack is available outside Jester Circle, north of Brazos St. in between the Michener Gallery Building and Brazos Garage. Don’t forget a lock! Bicycle parking is at your own risk.
Scooter-users can dismount in these same locations.
What does museum admission include?
You can visit all temporary exhibitions, the Blanton’s collection, and Austin by Ellsworth Kelly with your museum admission ticket. Purchase admission tickets at Check-In in the Smith Building for entry to the galleries and Austin by Ellsworth Kelly.
Planning on visiting more than once a year? Then you’d make a great Blanton Member! Ask at Check-In how you can turn your admission ticket into a membership.
What day is free to visit?
The Blanton has free admission every Tuesday (rather than Thursday), generously provided by the Moody Family Free Day Endowment.
Is there a military discount?
As a Blue Star Museum, we’re proud to offer free admission for active military and up to five guests from Armed Forces Day to Labor Day.
How do I become a member?
Visit our Membership page to purchase a membership at any level and to learn more about membership benefits, which include free year-long admission and discounted parking. You can also apply your museum admission ticket toward the price of membership by becoming a member in person at Check-In or in the Museum Store.
Does the Blanton have a hashtag?
We love seeing creative photos from our visitors. Tag them #BlantonMuseum for general, #KellyAtTheBlanton for Austin by Ellsworth Kelly, and #MoodyPatio when roaming our grounds. (Your pictures might even be featured on our Instagram page!)
Do you have gender-inclusive restrooms?
Yes! A public everyone’s restroom is available in the Smith Building, behind our Check-In Desk. Another everyone’s restroom is located in our Michener Gallery Building, inside on the right after you enter the main entrance.
Where can I get something to eat?
The café is closed until 2025 (learn more about the new café in the press release), but our Museum Store does have a small selection of snacks and drinks available for purchase. There are also plenty of options nearby! See a list of other restaurants and cafes nearby in this interactive Google map. You can also view a PDF map of nearby “Bites and Brews” in web and print format. Get more ideas on what to do and where to go on the Austin Travel Guide by KAYAK.
I love to bring back souvenirs for friends and family! Do you have a store?
Yes, and you won’t want to miss it! Located in the Smith Building next to the Check-In Desk, our Museum Store has a wide range of art-inspired gifts for all ages, including postcards, books, jewelry, and homeware. Plus, Blanton Members get discounts every time they shop!
For Families
Where can I find baby-changing tables?
Changing tables are located in all restrooms; there are no restrooms or changing areas on the second floor of the Michener Gallery Building.
Can I bring along a baby bottle if I need to feed my infant while strolling the galleries?
All personal food and drinks should be stored in the free lockers, located behind the Check-In Desk in the Smith Building. However, if you need to carry a bottle for medical reasons, we recommend feeding in the Rapoport Atrium on the first floor of the Michener Gallery Building. If you’d like to clarify anything upon arrival, our Visitor Services team will be happy to assist you at Check-In.
I’m breastfeeding. Do you have any lactation rooms or quiet spaces I can use?
You’re welcome to breastfeed in all areas of the museum. If you’re looking for more discreet places, our Visitor Services team will be able to suggest other areas, and you’re welcome to use any outdoor seating on the grounds. The University of Texas at Austin also has a list of several lactation and quiet rooms across campus.
We’re bringing a diaper bag and stroller. Can I bring these into the galleries?
To protect the art, we don’t permit diaper bags, backpacks larger than 11 x 15 inches, or large-framed child carriers in the galleries. These can be stored in our free lockers in the Smith Building. You’re welcome to use soft frontpacks and strollers inside the museum. We also have a designated space to store strollers—ask our Visitor Services team at Check-In.
My toddler needs to snack! Can I bring some along while we look at the art?
Food and drink, including water, is not permitted in the galleries for any visitors. When you need a break, we encourage you to explore our beautiful Moody Patio. Use any of the available seating—you might even try to count the perforated holes in the “Petals” (the petal-shaped shade structures that soar three-stories high).
Should I be concerned about any of the art? Is it age-appropriate?
Some art in the museum contains content or ideas of an adult nature. If you’re visiting with small children, feel free to ask our Visitor Services team or Gallery Assistants for further information about adult content in the galleries.
On The Moody Patio & Museum Grounds
Can I take pictures and video outside?
Photography and video for personal, non-commercial use are permitted on the grounds. Help us keep this a space for all visitors by not obstructing areas or restricting access and by protecting the plantings, trees, grass, art, and structures on the grounds. Please note, the Blanton reserves the right to restrict photography and filming at any time and to remove an individual or group that is causing a distraction that may detract from the experience of other visitors.
University rules prohibit photography or filming for commercials or advertisements on campus, as well as filming that implies endorsement of a business or organization (including nonprofits).
Is my pet allowed on the grounds?
Leashed pets are welcome on the Blanton’s grounds. Please note that dog waste bags and wastebaskets are not available on the grounds. Only service animals trained for a specific purpose are allowed inside the museum buildings. All trainers and handlers are responsible for the animal’s behavior, any damages caused, and waste removal.
Can I enjoy my lunch on the Moody Patio?
Absolutely! You’re welcome to bring your own food to eat outside on the Blanton’s grounds. During our Blanton All Day events, we encourage picnics on the Moody Patio. Please store any food and drink containers in our free lockers in the Smith Building before entering the galleries and Austin by Ellsworth Kelly. The Blanton café will open in 2025 and offer dine-in service and grab-n-go options.
How much is admission for Blanton All Day?
$20 for adults 18 & up; $10 for youth ages 6 – 17; FREE for kids 5 & under; FREE for Blanton Members.
Can I bring a cooler to Second Saturdays?
Coolers are welcome on the grounds. We suggest bringing only small, soft coolers if you plan to go inside the galleries and Austin by Ellsworth Kelly (both are included with Blanton All Day admission). You’ll need to store coolers and all drinks and food containers before entering the buildings. Our free lockers in the Smith Building are 23 x 12 x 18 inches. Plastic bottles and aluminum cans can be recycled in the recycling bins available throughout the grounds. Please refrain from bringing glassware and alcoholic beverages. There will be beer & wine as well as non-alcoholic beverages available for purchase at all Blanton All Day events.
What is not permitted on the grounds?
Bicycles, scooters, skateboards, and smoking are not permitted on the grounds.
See tips for bicycle and scooter parking at our Before You Visit page.
Smoking is not permitted anywhere on campus: The University of Texas at Austin’s tobacco-free campus policy applies to all university buildings and on university grounds. This includes inside the Blanton’s three buildings and surrounding walkways, sidewalks, and parking areas.
How do I find out more about the new features?
Visit our New Grounds page for FAQs and more detailed information about the art installations, architecture, and landscaping.
Austin by Ellsworth Kelly
How do I visit Austin? Is it free to visit?
Go to our Check-in Desk located in the Smith Building (look for the yellow, upside-down “U” entrance) to check-in or purchase a museum admission ticket.
Admission to Austin is included with the purchase of admission to the museum, the cost of which ranges from $8 to $15. Blanton Members; UT-Austin faculty, students, staff; teachers; and children 5 and under all receive free admission. Free admission every Tuesday is generously provided by the Moody Family Free Day Endowment.
Austin is open during museum hours: Tuesdays – Fridays & Sundays 10am-5pm and Saturdays, 10am-8pm. Closed on Mondays.
Is there an optimal time to visit?
The experience of Austin is unique at each time of day, and there is no suggested time to visit.
Is the building accessible?
Wheelchairs are permitted inside, and if a visitor group would like to check out a wheelchair, please check with our Visitor Services team at Check-In.
It can get hot in Texas. Is there air conditioning inside?
Austin is climate controlled and there is an air-conditioned system in place inside the building.
Can I bring my backpack? Are there lockers to store my belongings?
Backpacks and large bags are not permitted inside Austin. Use our free lockers located in the Smith Building next to our Check-In Desk; consider bringing a small bag that is smaller than 11” x 15”.
Where is the closest restroom?
Public restrooms are available to use inside our Smith Building. There are also restrooms located on the first floor of the Michener Gallery Building.
Can I take photos or video inside Austin with my phone?
Casual photography and video for personal, non-commercial use are permitted inside Austin. No flash photography, tripods, or large cameras and devices. Be sure to tag us @BlantonMuseum and #KellyAtTheBlanton.
Professional photography and video are not permitted inside Austin.
Where can I store my wet jacket and umbrella if it’s raining?
A container for your umbrella will be available inside Austin during wet weather. Please do not leave anything on the floors of the building.
Can we sit on the floor?
Yes, but please don’t lean against the walls or sculptures.
Are food and drink allowed?
No food or beverages, including water, are allowed inside for the safety of the art. Store all food and drink containers in our free lockers in the Smith Building.
Are there tours of Austin?
Austin is intended for quiet and calm reflection. For this reason, we don’t offer tours of the space.
We do offer audio guides of Austin in English / en Español that can be accessed via our Audio Guide & Resources page. If you’d like to follow along while inside Austin, please listen with headphones or with your phone held close to your ear.
Can I book Austin for a performance, event, or wedding?
Austin is not available for rentals.
Where can I find more information about Austin?
Visit kellyattheblanton.org or the Austin In Depth section on our website to learn more.
In The Galleries
Can I take photos and video of the art?
We allow photography and video for personal, non-commercial use. To ensure the safety of the art, we do NOT allow:
- Flash Photography
- Tripods
- Monopods
- Selfie Sticks
- Large cameras and devices
Learn more about our policy on our Photography / Video Guidelines page.
Can I draw or sketch in the galleries?
Please do! Pencil and colored pencil only, no ink or charcoal—with softbound sketchbooks no larger than 18 x 24 inches. And tag us @blantonmuseum so we can see your art and maybe feature it on our social media!
Are there any tours offered?
Yes! Our expert gallery teachers lead public tours that cover highlights of the Blanton’s collection and temporary exhibitions. All tours are free with admission and meet in the lobby of the Smith Building. Visit our Tours page to see the schedule of tours in English / en Español. Assisted listening devices are available at Check-In for use during tours.
We also have audio guides of Austin by Ellsworth Kelly in English / en Español that can be accessed via our Audio Guide & Resources page.
Accessibility
I will need assistance getting inside the museum. What’s the best way to plan this?
We are happy to help! Email us at accessibility@blantonmuseum.org with your specific needs or call us during opening hours at 512-471-5482.
Is there accessible parking?
Paid parking is available for persons with disabilities in all garages. The closest garage is Brazos Garage, located one block from the museum on the corner of MLK Blvd. and Brazos St. Blanton Members receive $4 discounted parking for Brazos Garage—bring your parking ticket to Check-In Desk for payment. General visitors pay regular rates directly at Brazos Garage. More information on UT parking garage access for visitors with disabilities can be found on UT’s “Parking for Visitors with Disabilities” page.
Is there an accessible route to the museum?
Accessible routes are available on the eastside, southside, and northside of the museum. See our Accessibility & Amenties page for a grounds map and more information.
The eastside route off of Brazos St. is the closest to the Brazos Garage entrance and Museum Drop-Off; the southside route off MLK Jr. Blvd. is the closest to the Faulkner Gateway, Moody Patio, and Check-In in the Smith Building; and the northside route off Speedway is closest to Austin by Ellsworth Kelly and the Butler Sound Gallery.
The museum grounds are ADA compliant and include new features like touchless wave sensor doors to the Smith Building and Michener Gallery Building.
Do you have any audio guides?
Listen to our audio guide of Austin by Ellsworth Kelly in English / en Español on our Audio Guide & Resources page. More audio guides are in the works.
What seating is available inside the museum?
Various types of seating are located throughout the Smith Building and Michener Gallery Building, and outside on the Moody Patio. Folding chairs are available for use in the galleries (first come, first served). Upon arrival, ask our Visitor Services team at Check-In or Gallery Assistants for assistance.
I’m hard of hearing. Do you have assisted listening devices available to use during a tour?
These are available upon request at the Check-In Desk. Please let our Visitor Services team know before the start of the tour.
My family member is autistic and can sometimes find spaces overstimulating. Do you have any tips for our visit?
Thank you for checking! In addition to contacting our Visitor Service team at accessibility@blantonmuseum.org, this guidance may help you plan your trip:
My family member is autistic and can sometimes find spaces overstimulating. Do you have any tips for our visit?
Thank you for checking! In addition to contacting our Visitor Service team at accessibility@blantonmuseum.org, this guidance may help you plan your trip:
- Our busy periods vary, but generally free admission days (Tuesdays starting May 9) are our busiest days. Wednesdays and Sunday mornings before 11 a.m. are generally quiet.
- Ask about current exhibitions at Check-In, so we can advise on any installations that may be noisy or feature flashing lights.
- When you’re inside the museum and looking for a quiet space, a Gallery Assistant will be able to assist you (look for the team members in blue shirts with a Blanton Museum of Art logo).