The Jack S. Blanton Museum of Art (often referred to as the Blanton or the BMA) at the University of Texas at Austin is one of the largest university art museums in the U.S. with 189,340 square feet devoted to temporary exhibitions, permanent collection galleries, storage, administrative offices, classrooms, a print study room, an auditorium, shop, and cafe. The Blanton's permanent collection consists of more than 21,000 works, with significant holdings of modern and contemporary art, Latin American art, Old Master paintings, and prints and drawings from Europe, the United States, and Latin America.
The museum was founded in 1963 as the University Art Museum on the campus of the University of Texas at Austin. The University Art Museum was initially housed in the Art Department of the University of Texas (though supervision of the museum was later moved to the Office of the Provost) and was founded through the proceeds from the sale of land donated by Archer M. Huntington. This land was donated with the stipulation that it be used to support an art museum at the University. In 1964, Donald Goodall became the museum's first director.
Monday | Closed |
Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Thursday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Friday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Saturday | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Sunday | 1:00 – 5:00 PM |
Barry Ullrich | Dec 5, 2017
I was not impressed. I felt the price of admission was a bit high for what you get to see or experience. Several displays were not available. There was also a guy painting in the hallway and every time the roller went up the wall it squeaked. I kept thinking, I paid money for this? The "American Road Trip" exhibit was not very interesting to me, I would even say it was boring. Overall, the social commentary being expressed through the art was a bit dark and depressing. I would not recommend this venue for a family outing.
Bruce Adams | Feb 23, 2018
The Blanton is a small musuem close to the University of Texas campus. They rotate new collections every year or so but have a permanent display of both Renaissance and Modern art.
Mumu Torres | Oct 6, 2017
Nice Venue, good lighting, decent events I attended a few events in this museum and I enjoyed the art, the cultural diversity, and the spreads are pretty good. Room for improvement: More knowledgeable and engaging staff interacting with attendees would encourage people to come back. Maybe throw some light activities to break the ice among the new social environments.
Oscar H. Fajardo | Feb 21, 2018
Great exhibits and had plenty of different types of paintings . Great location with nice views of the state capital. Parking free with student ID.
Earl Cohen | Jan 14, 2018
The Blanton is a good University museum. They've had some great special exhibits, and the standing collection is pretty interesting, too.
Rachel Cannon | Apr 29, 2018
My art museum! I love this place! Always comforting to get to see so much amazing work in one location. Love the permanent exhibition of abstract art, and the art from around the world. Usually whatever is going on downstairs is cool too. Love the student and military discounts. It means a lot to be in Austin and acknowledged in a positive way for my service.
Austin Weahkee | Apr 15, 2018
Good stuff, a little bit of a schlep to get to and from here, but it's pretty worth it. First floor is a little self congratulatory, but the second floor everyone should be able to find something to enjoy. Maybe could use a few more modern portraiture pieces? I don't know, I liked the abstractionist stuff, it just seemed like it was missing about 3 more tremendous pieces, or just better directional guarding us through the gallery.
Claudia Durand | Apr 24, 2018
Great variety of permanent works and well-curated exhibitions. Parking is easy nearby, bus routes drop nearby, and admission is free for UT students. New Ellsworth Kelley piece adds to experience. Fun public programs including music, tours, and speakers are great.
Jennifer Starkey | Apr 28, 2018
I love the Blanton! The collection isn't the biggest, but they have a nice selection of different styles and time periods. I enjoy their special exhibitions and recently went to Ellsworth Kelly's *Austin*. It was great. There's free admission on Thursdays, and 3rd Thursdays feature events.
Ryan Sagare | Mar 28, 2018
A beautiful place to hold a conference. The staff were very accommodating for our needs. The rainbow church looking exhibit is stunning. You have to visit this place when you come head to the UT campus! Thank me later!
Brock Foley | May 28, 2018
Very beautiful art museum. The building is grgeous and the art is moving. Though there was one piece criticizing the actions of Jesuits in Brazil during the colonial era and I wonder at the poignancy of such criticism. Are there even Jesuits anymore? Either way good job of the art even if the timing is a little bit off.
Chris Reyes | May 8, 2018
Definitely one of the best museums in the city. They always have rotating exhibits on the first floor and on the second floor, the pieces are frequently switched out and changed as well. Although I really enjoy the meuseum, it is still a little small and I would like if they had more than just two exhibits on the first floor at a time.
Christine Alemany | May 19, 2018
The art collection at UT is amazing, the architecture alone is worth a visit! We were also lucky to have one of the museum staff walk us through the design process of the Rothko chapel. It was fascinating.
Karen Pavlovic | Jul 19, 2018
This far exceeded my expectations. We really enjoyed the aborigine exhibit. The stories accompanying the paintings were fascinating. This is been on my list of places to go in Austin for almost 7 years. Glad we finally made it. The collection of art was way more extensive than I would have thought and we spent a couple of hours walking room to room. I brought my kids, they are 12. When we were done we headed across the way to do the free craft. Excellent afternoon adventure!
Alana Holt | Jul 9, 2018
The museum was beautiful! Now until the beginning if September they have an Australian Aboriginal Art exhibit that is fascinating and I highly recommend going before it's gone. The vast second floor has an incredible diversity of art from all over the world. If you park in the parking garage next to the musem you can also bring your ticket in and they'll validate it for you. If you're a student you get a discount. Happy museum-ing!
Caleb Polashek | Jun 24, 2018
The authority on visual art in Austin, the Blanton Museum always has something intriguing on view. A wide variety of works from their collection and traveling installations make this a great place for an afternoon of art appreciation. If you're lucky (or plan ahead) you could even catch some music as you enter the great central hall.
Christine Liang | Jun 13, 2018
Great spacious art museum. I love the modern art section and their current Australia installation. The museum is free on Thursday and make sure to get your parking validation for $4 before you leave. Would definitely come back.
Wander is a travel search engine that allows you to find the perfect travel destination that fits your budget and preferences.
Cheap travel packages from Washington, D.C.
Cheap travel packages from Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA)
Cheap travel packages from Andrews Air Force Base (ADW)
Cheap travel packages from Baltimore/Washington Intl. Thurgood Marshal (BWI)
Cheap travel packages from Richmond Intl. (RIC)
Cheap travel packages from Philadelphia Intl. (PHL)
Cheap travel packages from Newport News Williamsburg Intl. (PHF)
Cheap travel packages from Norfolk Intl. (ORF)
Cheap travel packages from Roanoke Regional Woodrum Field (ROA)
Cheap flights to New Braunfels
Cheap flights to Fredericksburg
Get compensated for late flights
The Ultimate Long Haul Flight Guide
Winter Wonderland: Top Destinations for Winter 2018
The Ultimate Travel Checklist!
What is it about Inspirational Travel Quotes?
Top Destinations for a Romantic Getaway