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.
One thing I’ve loved about newer theatre or museums is the space given for land acknowledgement – statements about the ancestral roots of the space being used. Space that was not always ours, but taken. The Blanton’s latest exhibit tackles that question, but pushes the boundaries. It’s not just about what Native America was, but what it can be. Curator and lauded artist Wendy Red Star has assembled nine other Native artists to create a rich exploration of what life in America is today. Shown through a variety of mediums, something is guaranteed to resonate with the audience. Whether it’s the photos, paintings, videos, or multimedia works is up to you. – Cat McCarrey Aug. 4-Jan.5.
Ceci n’est pas une exposition d’art: 100 years since its inception, and Surrealism is still getting under our skin with its dream illogic and witty non sequiturs. Featured artists include Hans Bellmer, Leonora Carrington, Max Ernst, René Magritte, Wifredo Lam, Man Ray, and Dorothea Tanning. Sept. 7-Jan. 12.
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