Blanton Museum of Art Transforms Grounds into Versatile Community Hub
The Blanton Museum of Art recently completed a $35 million renovation of its grounds, focusing on creating a reimagined outdoor space that serves as a gateway and gathering place. Led by the architecture firm Snøhetta, the redesign showcases three major site-specific installations that make a bold statement about the museum’s presence at the University of Texas at Austin. Ellsworth Kelly’s “Austin,” an installation reminiscent of a secular chapel with its colored glass windows, anchors one end of the museum, while 12 new tulip-like shade structures by Snøhetta adorn the other end. Carmen Herrera’s panoramic mural, “Verde, que te quiero verde (Green, How I Desire You Green),” serves as a focal point for visitors entering the galleries building.
The thoughtful transformation of space extends throughout the renovation, with Snøhetta incorporating architectural interventions on the museum buildings, including vibrant yellow vault shapes that echo the loggia arches. This project, which broke ground in March 2021 and was completed earlier this summer, marks the museum’s evolution from a small teaching institution to a cultural landmark with international significance.
Director Simone Wicha’s vision for the museum as a community-focused cultural space is evident in the new exterior elements, which reflect the institution’s major Latin American art collection. The museum’s dialogue with the Texas State Capitol, facilitated by a green pedestrian mall connection, underscores the importance of creativity and the arts in a time of budget cuts and legislative challenges. Additionally, the museum’s engagement with students and faculty from various disciplines reinforces its role as a dynamic campus hub.
The renovation project also includes innovative features such as a dedicated outdoor gallery for sound installations and an elevated walkway that offers a unique experience for visitors and commuters alike. These elements, along with the museum’s commitment to providing a welcoming and immersive art experience, showcase the Blanton Museum of Art as a vital cultural institution on the University of Texas at Austin campus.
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Elara Voss, graduated from the Royal College of Art in London with a Master’s in Fine Art. She specializes in contemporary sculpture and installation art, exploring themes of nature and human interaction. Elara’s works have been featured in several group exhibitions across Europe, and she is currently working on her first solo show.