Blanton Museum of Art image

Blanton Museum of Art

Tourist attraction Art museum

One of the Most Reviewed Art museums in Austin


Address

200 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Austin, TX 78712

Website

blantonmuseum.org

Contact

(512) 471-5482

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (2.6K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Tuesday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Wednesday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Thursday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Friday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Saturday: 10 AM to 8 PM
  • Sunday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Monday: Closed

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: museum (37) free (18) visit (14) Austin (12) time (12) parking (11) pieces (11) Blanton (11) exhibits (11) exhibit (10)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 1/5 Melinda B. 10 months ago on Google
    We Übered there so we didn't have to deal with parking. I always try to visit at least one museum when I visit a new city. I talked my friends into going on Tuesday during free admission. Thankfully, we did not pay because my friend who is an art major said that she would have asked for a refund. I don't understand art, but I like to look at it. All of the pieces seem like they were the last of every collection that other museums didn't want. The Latin American collection had a lot of pieces that were not created by Latin Americans but visitors to Latin American countries. I made an assumption, I misunderstood, and I got disappointed. My fault. The art was really underwhelming. Like someone else had remarked, there were blank canvases. Sure, it's probably because I don't understand it. I accept that. But, I can usually find multiple points of interest in other art museums. Another point worth noting is the staff. They are incredibly overbearing. I didn't have a purse/bag, didn't get close to the art, didn't even use flash on my phone to take pictures. But, they hover over everyone at such uncomfortable proximity that it's nearly impossible to enjoy the art at all. And, there's so many of them I grew up around DC. The museums there are free and there's no one breathing down your neck while you're walking around. There is maybe one person in each salon available to answer questions. I don't understand art, but I can still admire the pieces and try to learn something new. Constantly having people you don't know very obviously follow you around really takes the fun out of learning.
    11 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ann V. 3 months ago on Google • 343 reviews New
    There are some really great sculptures at the Blanton Museum of Art. One of my very favorites is the Plexus No.44 by Gabriel Dawe. The museum also has a fantastic contemporary art collection. Tuesdays are free admission! Definitely worth a visit!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Hope R. 1 year ago on Google
    Cute local art museum. Pretty quick walk through. Can do it in about 2 hours and still see everything. A mix of old and new with the art separated out into regions and eras. Free on Thursdays!! And discounted parking at the college garage next door. Don’t mind the construction, it’s temporary and the grounds will be so beautiful when finished. Here are some of my favorite pieces that were on display during my visit!
    8 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Morghan T. 2 years ago on Google
    Really enjoyed this museum! It only took a couple hours to visit all the exhibits. Modern and Baroque seemed to be the main style focalization. Teachers getting in for free was a happy plus! Also, if you pack in the Blanton parking garage right by the museum, they will validate it inside for $4 all day parking
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Michael S. 2 months ago on Google • 262 reviews New
    World-class museum on the UT campus. Outstanding selection of contemporary, and classic art, across mediums. Second Saturday of every month lets you snag some snacks, buy a drink, and listen to live music in the gallery space. True Austin gem.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ali S. 2 years ago on Google
    What a time to be alive and what a beautiful art museum to visit. So glad we have Blanton Museum here in Austin, with one of the most fascinating art collections I’ve ever seen. Not the biggest museum in North America; nevertheless, collection is big enough to take about 2 hours to go through. Lots of parking options available around the museum.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 LS S. 5 months ago on Google • 187 reviews
    Breathtaking building filled with exquisite art. There was something beautiful to see in every space. Big fan of the Western/Southwestern art of Maynard Dixon and Marsden Hartley. Glad to see both on display. Thanks for the current exhibition on climate change.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dara G. 2 months ago on Google • 174 reviews New
    Lots of great art to check out. 2 stories of different art forms. Plus, the outdoor exhibit was fantastic. Just try and visit it when it's sunny to really see how amazing it is.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Stacie K. 3 months ago on Google • 110 reviews New
    I am an Austinite and this is the first time I have visited the Blanton. It was nice. Right now they have a central and South American exhibition of some phenomenal pieces. I think it is amazing that some young scientist dug this up somewhere, cleaned it up, cataloged it and got it ready for display. I like to think of the excitement of this scientist. This is also the first time I saw flint shaped I to something other than an arrowhead. Who knew you could make a flint scorpion. Overall I enjoyed the museum. I still don’t get modern art though. Many great paintings to see and one instillation that will make you rethink or think about colonialism.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Merc N. 7 months ago on Google • 42 reviews
    I went solo had good time. Wished had sketch book and pencil. Loved outdoor area bring your lunch. Museum is very big so many rooms lots of art to explore. I came on free day so parking price didn't bother me.. if you come on cooler day you can cross the street to Capitol Mall.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Gigi T. 1 year ago on Google
    Free on Thursday’s! The size of the museum is perfect as it’s not humongous and it would eat up too much of your day nor is it tiny. Lots to see and a good variety of exhibits.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Nicole C. 1 year ago on Google
    This is such a beautiful museum, staff is friendly, ladies room is clean & big enough if you've got little ones with you, works are well-marked with detailed descriptions, there are benches often if you are the type who likes to sit & take in a piece of artwork, and the installation art is wonderfully unique. I would have given five stars if not for the challenges finding the entrance because of construction, the closed exhibits, and lack of direction from ticket desk staff on where to begin. Would recommend for a short day trip and will be back myself when the construction is finished so I can get the full effect.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 janna k. 6 months ago on Google
    Amazing as always...Absolutely LOVE the flower petal canopies in the court yard. The Ellsworth Kelly pavilion is magical, especially when the sun beams through the stained glass windows. The modern exhibit is always a treat. The temporary (should be permanent) Global Warming exhibit is a must see.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Natalie R. 9 months ago on Google
    What a pleasant surprise! Every Second Saturday here at Blanton! Great vibes and my favorite DJ Chorizo Funk was playing! The weather was perfect and I appreciated Rambler giving FREE cans to stay hydrated. It's definitely a family affair and bring your picnic 🧺 blanket on the lawn. Street Parking was easy to find at least for this day.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 C K. 9 months ago on Google
    Enjoyed checking out the museum on a Tuesday free community day this summer. Lot of nice exhibits. Austin by Ellsworth Kelly was very unique and nice. Make sure you check out the Butler sound gallery outside and the Plexus No. 44 at check in.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Riley I. 1 year ago on Google
    100% worth the visit. This space has something for everyone… from European collections, to Modern & Contemporary, or even (my personal favorites) 1,600+ drawings and sketches! Just enough exhibits to keep you busy for a few hours, but not overwhelming. Good to Knows - No Bags, Backpacks or Beverages… they will provide you with a locker to store your belongings while you explore! - Construction… you have to pay *extra* attention to find the entrance. Signage wasn’t totally clear. But excited for the big reveal in 2023!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Taylor P. 2 months ago on Google • 163 reviews New
    We came to visit the museum for the first time on a rainy Saturday! There weren't many people there at opening. Their website says that entrance is free for military members because they are a blue star museum, but we were still charged even after showing our military ID's (though at a discounted rate). I would suggest making the website a little more clear on this and what the prices are! We happened to come on a members-only preview weekend, so we weren't allowed to enter the first 2 exhibit rooms on the main floor. The art upstairs was fun to look at and my kids said they enjoyed it more than they thought they would! That's a win!

  • 5/5 Geoff B. 2 months ago on Google • 130 reviews New
    Saw the Japanese art exhibit here which was fun. Meandered around the rest of the museum. I’m not a fan of European art from the Middle Ages, just oils of the aristocracy. The Latin American art here is truly dark. So much so that we skipped most of it. Some of it was downright repulsive!

  • 5/5 Jia L. 9 months ago on Google
    The Blanton Museum of Art in Austin, Texas is a genuine gem that effortlessly merges art and culture. It houses a diverse array of exhibitions, ranging from European paintings to modern and contemporary American art. The museum's Ellsworth Kelly's 'Austin' building is a radiant and immersive piece of architecture that is a testament to the sublime potential of art. The staff are highly knowledgeable, ensuring your visit is not just enjoyable, but also educational. Their rotating exhibits keep the museum fresh and engaging. Whether you're an art connoisseur or a casual observer, the Blanton Museum will captivate you with its powerful blend of traditional and innovative pieces. It is an essential cultural destination when visiting Austin.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 rogueFactor 5 months ago on Google
    Amazing, as always. The wife and daughter brought me to view the Ancient Maya Exhibit in display, L.A. So many other exhibits to take in, on two huge floors. if you're into museums and the things in them don't be afraid to spend an entire day here.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Olya S. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful space, entrance fee is $12 per adult + they have free tours(highly recommend). Museum space is not big but they have put together wonderful exhibitions! Everyone is very friendly and knowledgeable. Highly recommend for visit! P.S. it was hard to find the space to park with the current construction in the area, I wish there were more signs as we made couple loops on search of a space.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Elior A. 1 year ago on Google
    Admission is FREE on Thursdays! Spent about 1.5 hours and really enjoyed it, despite my lack of artistic background. It features several galleries and exhibits, from Contemporary American Art (not Modern Art!), European Art, and Latin American. It's mostly paintings that are very impressive and thought provoking, along with a small exhibit of ancient findings from the Greek and Roman eras.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Karla P. 1 month ago on Google • 42 reviews New
    🌈I really enjoyed my time at this colorful and fresh museum. ⭐️Very well curated and clean! 10/10 recommend. Kid friendly too!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Janey V. 2 months ago on Google • 14 reviews New
    It's got art
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Anastasia S. 1 year ago on Google
    The guide at Kelly’s chapel is amazing without him i wouldn’t even know that this black and white plates are, in fact mean different phases of crucifixion, the angle of the cross. The museum itself also has pretty wide art collection. I m also exited for their renovation project, when they gonna be done.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Glory C. 2 years ago on Google
    Visited on a Thursday after hearing about how thats the free admission day and I had a fantastic time! You’re given a map and an option to listen to audio piece descriptions while you gaze at the art, which I thought was neat so bring your headphones! I look forward to returning to visit any new exhibits they’re featuring.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Oscar F. 2 years ago on Google
    The museum has a wonderful architecture and hosts interesting pieces for the public to see. The galleries could be better sorted and explained—especially because those with older artworks are mixed through many centuries and styles. The admission is free on Thursday’s and you can park in the UT garages. (The museum’s access is being remodeled so check their website for the access map, as it can get confusing)
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 kurt k. 5 months ago on Google
    Blanton was the 1st museum ive checked out after moving out here. Was a good choice, they had pretty much all kind of arts from ancient to modern. The building itself is beautiful. Will come by again for sure.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Makenzie C. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful art, modern, renaissance and Spanish for sure. Loves walking through the exhibits. The museum is quite small and under major construction. The entrance is hard to find and since it’s on UTs campus, don’t plan on taking a city electric ride or scooter. There was extremely loud stage practice going on throughout the center of the museum. I understand that stuff needs to happen but it was ear piercing and distracting
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Victoria O. 11 months ago on Google
    I had high hopes for this museum in comparison to other ones in the area, but I was a bit disappointed. Not only was I told that they wouldn’t give me the $4 all-day parking (that everyone is talking about in the reviews) because I wasn’t a member, but the museum wasn’t great. The staff didn’t seem super excited to be there either (normally I have some really great conversations with staff, but I felt like I was being followed in the exhibits, which has never happened to me before, and everyone seemed a tad rude for no reason). Even though it was free admission (also, why waste paper on tickets if it’s free?), I ended up being a few minutes over an hour, and I got charged $6 for parking. I don’t feel like the museum was worth my money or time. There are so many art museums in Austin and around the USA that are way better. You can skip on this one.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Chris P. 5 months ago on Google
    Blanton has several different period pieces and decent representation. If you are looking for masterworks this isn’t your spot. Nice pieces but not swimming in VanGogh, Picasso, and Matisse. A few gallery areas were also closed. Not a bad experience at all. The Ellsworth Kelly piece “Austin” that is the giant chapel outside the entrance to the museum is a cool experience. If you don’t like modern art it may be a little strange. The outside sculptures in the courtyard are iconic and flowing while still very functional as shade and a framing mechanism for the Capitol Mall.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Holly 6 months ago on Google • 7 reviews
    Made a last minute decision to go here today and ended up with a free ticket - I guess Tuesdays are free days. It was a great experience! Very relaxing and meditative, and we had a wonderful time checking out all of the artwork. I think my favorite exhibit was the Latin American Contemporary Art. Highly recommend!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ailiya Z. 10 months ago on Google
    Such a beautiful and vibrant spot on the UT campus. The "Day Jobs" exhibit was so raw and the stories behind the art and artists were equally interesting and thought-provoking. I wish I had arrived earlier and could have truly read through each and every piece's history. The Contemporary Project section was super eye-catching and an excellent conversation starter among my group. Pictures and videos don't do this museum justice. This is a place I would come back to visit again the next time I'm in ATX!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 D N. 2 months ago on Google • 62 reviews New
    I enjoyed it. If the cost of tickets or parking increases I might not.

  • 1/5 Valerie D. 2 months ago on Google • 34 reviews New
    I paid full price to enter the museum, and paid for parking as well, but was not allowed to enter the two 1st floor galleries because I was not a member! I had driven to Austin from New England to see the museum & of course was not a member because I dont live there. Usually museums keep their members happy by offering them an after hours activity!! There is absolutely no reason to prevent guests from seeing the museum in its entirety. Please rethink your policies. Also get a cafe!!!

  • 4/5 Robyn K. 1 month ago on Google • 17 reviews New
    This is a very small museum within the UT Austin campus. They had one small rotating exhibit, and 2 permanent pieces which were what drew us to visit. They have one of only 5 original Gutenberg Bibles in the US, and the very first 'photograph' ever taken, the Niépce Heliograph. The later was hard to see but super interesting. The rotating exhibit was Public Works Art by Elizabeth Olds Which was quite interesting

  • 5/5 Katherine A. 10 months ago on Google
    First time experience at the museum and first impression is really pretty outside with the landscaping and the alphabet mural. I got free admission since it’s Tuesday, I recommend big families to come on this day. There are no food or drinks within walking distance or on site. Yeah definitely recommend to park at the garage parking. It’s under $10 for up to three hours.

  • 5/5 Julie H. 10 months ago on Google
    Free on Tuesdays! They offer guided tours but you are free to explore the beautiful art in this lovely downtown museum. Across from the Capitol Mall

  • 4/5 Jennifer 1 year ago on Google
    I like this place. Thursday is a free day. The elevator wasn't easy to find. The construction made it hard to find the entrance and it confusing. But...once you've made it in the building it's a great place to be. Do not try to do this quickly. You have an all in one experience. Don't try to rush through it.

  • 5/5 Ryan W. 10 months ago on Google
    Fantastic museum in the heat of Austin. A must-see when you’re visiting. Don’t miss Ellsworth Kelly’s “Austin” building. The recently renovated courtyard is beautiful and nice, shady space to spend some time between galleries.

  • 5/5 Shanta 1 year ago on Google
    Blanton Art Museum. Cover two must-see attractions with stop: Head over to UT Austin campus and drop into the Blanton Art Gallery. The permanent collection rotates so not everything they have is always on display. The lobby itself displays an engineering marvel with a massive sea creature suspended by a thread into the wall of water. I liked the pieces depicting early American experience especially the band of horses stampeding on the frontier. Satan Raising the Angels was not on display.

  • 4/5 Tommy P. 10 months ago on Google
    Went on a free day to check it out. Very nice facility and grounds but staff in museum were quite rude unfortunately.


Call (512) 471-5482 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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