Blanton Museum of Art: Exhibits and Collections
Did you know the Blanton Museum of Art in Austin has over 21,000 artworks? These include everything from Old Master paintings to modern pieces by Alice Neel and Jasper Johns. In 2019, it welcomed 200,000 visitors, making it a key cultural site.
If you love Italian Renaissance or enjoy Minimalism and Latin American art, the Blanton has something for you. With art for every taste, it’s a place where all art lovers can find something amazing.
Founded in 1963, the Blanton Museum of Art sits at the heart of Central Texas. It boasts vast collections and engaging exhibitions like Ellsworth Kelly’s “Austin”.
Visitors can explore its treasures virtually via a 360-degree tour. This makes the Blanton a gem for art fans everywhere, near and far.
Key Takeaways
- The Blanton Museum of Art holds over 21,000 artworks.
- It welcomed 200,000 visitors in 2019.
- The Suida-Manning Collection includes over 650 European artworks.
- Modern and contemporary art holdings feature over 4,000 pieces by renowned artists.
- The Latin American art collection was significantly expanded in the 1970s and 1980s.
History and Overview of the Blanton Museum of Art
The Blanton Museum of Art is a key part of Austin’s culture. Since its start, it has grown to showcase the history and progress of art. It shows how art has developed in the community.
Founding and Purpose
Founded in 1963, the Blanton aimed to enhance Austin’s cultural scene. It soon became a cultural staple in Central Texas. It offers a variety of art that helps people appreciate and understand art’s role in society.
Growth of the Collection
The Blanton’s art collection has grown to over 21,000 pieces. It includes Old Master paintings, prints, and more from different movements like Minimalism. Its Latin American collection is among the largest in the U.S., thanks to donations during the ’70s and ’80s.
Its modern and contemporary art holds over 4,000 works, donated by James Michener and Mari Yoriko Sabusawa. The print collection is the biggest in Texas and highly respected. Since 2006, the museum’s membership jumped from 1,200 to 10,000 households.
This growth reflects the Blanton’s commitment to art and community. It stands as a top cultural site in Austin, showing its long journey of collection expansion and community service.
Key Art Collections
The Blanton Museum of Art showcases collections from different art periods and styles. It focuses on modern and contemporary American and Latin American art. The museum is also known for its Renaissance art, prints, and drawings.
Modern and Contemporary American and Latin American Art
The museum features modern American art and Latin American artwork. Highlights include works by Argentinean modernists Juan Batlle Planas and Gyula Kosice. The Judy and Charles Tate Collection displays art by artists like Tarsila do Amaral and Frida Kahlo.
This collection covers the early 20th century to today. It shows how modernism evolved in Latin America, including various mediums and themes.
Italian Renaissance and Baroque Paintings
The museum has an impressive collection of Italian Renaissance and Baroque art. These pieces offer insights into art movements from the Renaissance to the Baroque era. A notable piece is an engraving after Michelangelo’s Last Judgment by Giorgio Ghisi.
Prints and Drawings
The museum’s prints and drawings date from 1480 to now. It’s the largest public collection in Central Texas. The exhibits track the evolution of printmaking and European drawings.
The Blanton’s drawings collection is highly visited in the United States. Spanning over 500 years, it showcases art’s enduring appeal. This makes the museum a key cultural site in Austin and beyond.
Highlighted Exhibits
Ellsworth Kelly’s Austin is a key highlight at the Blanton Museum of Art. It shows Kelly’s unique vision. The Blanton is proud of its focus on modern art. Visitors get to dive into a world of color and shape that’s deep and thought-provoking.
Ellsworth Kelly’s Austin
Ellsworth Kelly’s Austin is a celebrated piece, mixing painting, sculpture, and architecture. It invites guests to see the unity of shapes and bright colors in Kelly’s work.
Art of the Spanish Americas
The Art of the Spanish Americas is key to the Blanton’s collection. It’s a stunning set of artworks showing Spain’s influence on art. Paintings, sculptures, silver, and furniture tell a rich story of cultural blend and impact on modern art.
International Contemporary Art
The International Contemporary Art at Blanton showcases cutting-edge art from around the world. It features works from a wide range of artists, touching on politics, identity, and future tales. The summer exhibition alone has sixty new pieces, including art from Argentina, Brazil, and the USA.
Works by Mequitta Ahuja and a video by Charles Gaines and Hoyun Son highlight the museum’s dedication to fresh art forms.
| Artist | Country | Notable Work |
|---|---|---|
| Juan Batlle Planas | Argentina | Modernist piece |
| Gyula Kosice | Argentina | New acquisition |
| Mequitta Ahuja | United States | Self-portrait |
| Charles Gaines & Hoyun Son | United States | Video collaboration |
This exhibit’s variety and theme depth make The Blanton Museum a major spot for seeing art from all times and places.
Upcoming Exhibitions
The Blanton Museum of Art is always updating its upcoming art exhibitions. Visitors can enjoy fresh and engaging art experiences. Highlights include “Native America: In Translation” and “Blanton Paper Vault”. These events are eagerly awaited by the art community.
Native America: In Translation
Opening in August 2024, “Native America: In Translation” offers a new view on Native America art. It will show traditional Native American artworks in a modern way. This exhibition lets visitors see how these pieces relate to today’s stories and the wider world.
It will explore identity, culture, and politics. This exhibition promises a deep dive into these themes.
Paper Vault
Coming in September 2024 is the “Paper Vault” exhibition. It will display a wide range of paper works from the Blanton Museum’s collection. This exhibit will highlight both historic and modern art. It shows the changing use of paper in art.
You’ll see European drawings, art from around the world, and a special Michelangelo print. With so much variety, every visitor will find something intriguing. This event is a must for those who love art.
| Exhibition | Opening Date | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Native America: In Translation | August 2024 | Contemporary reinterpretations of Native American art, cultural identity, political critique |
| Paper Vault | September 2024 | European drawings, modern artworks, rare Michelangelo engraving |
Visiting these museum exhibitions is a great chance to see groundbreaking art. The Blanton Museum of Art welcomes everyone to explore these upcoming art exhibitions. They promise memorable and meaningful experiences for all art lovers.
Blanton Museum of Art Austin: Visitor Information
Get ready for your visit to the Blanton Museum of Art in Austin. Here’s what you need to know. The museum is a top art spot in Austin. It provides several ticket options to make sure everyone can visit:
| Category | Admission Fee |
|---|---|
| Adults | $15 |
| Seniors (65+) | $12 |
| Youth & Non-UT College ID Holders | $8 |
Members, UT ID holders, and kids under 5 get in for free. So do K-12 teachers and active military from Armed Forces Day to Labor Day. Plus, everyone gets free entry every Tuesday, thanks to the Moody Family Free Day.
On Second Saturdays, tickets are $20. Discounts apply for ages 6-17. Blanton members save $4 on parking at Brazos Garage.
To visit, you can use Cap Metro bus services like routes 1, 3, 7, and others. Biking is also easy with routes on MLK Blvd. and Speedway. Remember, parking at Brazos Garage might be tough on UT Game Days.
The museum follows UT Austin’s campus carry law. Although it stopped renting out spaces in 2020, it still has lots of public events and programs.
Conclusion
The Blanton Museum of Art in Austin is known as a key center for culture. It showcases over 21,000 artworks, including Ellsworth Kelly’s famous “Austin.” The museum also has exhibitions like “Transactions” that bring history and modern art together.
The Blanton focuses a lot on education. It offers programs for school groups, bilingual lessons, and even summer workshops. Topics like “Art & Feelings” and “Social Issues in Art” are explored. This helps students and teachers learn more about art and its impact.
Thanks to support from donors and groups like Houston Endowment Inc., the museum can grow its activities. It welcomes everyone, from art fans to educators, to explore its collection. Visiting the Blanton Museum of Art is an enriching experience you shouldn’t miss in Central Texas.
