The Blanton Museum of Art
200 E. MLK, 512/471-5482
photo by John Anderson
Located on the University of Texas campus, the Blanton is a museum worthy of the state. At 180,000 square feet, it's the largest university art museum in the country and home to the biggest public-owned art collection in Central Texas, with 18,000 works that range from the European Renaissance (with paintings by Paolo Veronese and Rubens) to the Modernist era and beyond (with significant collections of 20th century North American art and contemporary Latin American art) to an encyclopedic collection of prints and drawings that spans centuries. In addition to the works from the collection on permanent display, the Blanton offers changing exhibitions, both major touring shows and ambitious homegrown efforts curated by museum staff, and lively public programs that include a literal art party once a month.
The opportunity to witness, in person, the creative expression of different times and diverse cultures is one of the perks of city-dwellers everywhere – and exemplified by the collections and traveling exhibitions hosted by UT’s acclaimed Blanton Museum of Art. The Blanton’s newest show displays masterpieces from Edo-period Japan, on loan from the Worcester Art Museum through June 30. These “pictures of the floating world” depict the lifestyle, pleasures, and interests of the urban population – samurais, geishas, kabuki actors, boat parties, palaces, and lush landscapes. As then, so now: Much of who we are is what we do with our lives. – Wayne Alan Brenner Feb. 11-June 30.
Art! Oh, I love it. But sadly, when I open my pockets, moths fly out. Good news for me and all my broke friends: Every Tuesday, the Blanton opens its doors to all visitors free of charge. Why, unburdened by the weight of an empty wallet, Austinites can mull the strange world of contemporary womanhood in “Unbreakable: Feminist Visions from the Gilberto Cárdenas and Dolores Garcia Collection.” Or walk beneath the silver and mesh sculptures of Marie Watt’s “Sky Dances Light.” Or explore the past through its artistic pieces in “The Floating World: Masterpieces of Edo Japan.” Or enjoy any of the many, MANY other exhibitions available on this day: all for free. – James Scott Tue., March 12 - Tue., April 30.
- 2024: Readers Museum
- 2023: Readers Museum
- 2022: Readers Museum
- 2021: Readers Museum
- 2019: Readers Museum
- 2018: Readers Museum
- 2017: Readers Best Museum
- 2016: Readers Best Museum
- 2015: Readers Best Museum (Blanton Museum of Art)
- 2014: Readers Best Museum (Jack S. Blanton Museum of Art)
- 2014: Critics Best Multimedia Meme ("In the Company of Cats and Dogs" Exhibit at the Blanton)
- 2013: Readers Best Art Gallery (Blanton Museum of Art)
- 2013: Readers Best Museum
- 2012: Readers Best Museum (Blanton Museum of Art)
- 2011: Readers Best Museum
- 2010: Readers Best Museum
- 2009: Readers Best Museum (Blanton)
- 2008: Readers Best Art Gallery (The Blanton)
- 2007: Readers Best Museum
- 2007: Readers Best Place to See New Art
- 2006: Readers Best Museum (Blanton Museum of Art)
- 2006: Readers Best Place to See New Art (Blanton Museum of Art)
- 2002: Critics Best Illusion
- 2001: Critics Best 20th-Century Latin American Collection
- 2000: Critics Cheapest Highbrow Date
- 1999: Critics Best Thing On Paper