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Top Art museums in Austin, United States

Top Rated Art museums in Austin

Top Reviewed Art museums in Austin

Reviews

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.
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.
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!
janna k
at 2023 Sep 21
janna k
at 2023 Sep 21
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.
Merc N
at 2023 Sep 20
Merc N
at 2023 Sep 20
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.
Not really a museum
My daughter Stephanie and I loved all the wonderful artwork and the statues that were at the museum. We will be coming back again. Great mother-daughter time.
The museum was beautiful and a great way to spend a hot summer afternoon.
It is super affordable and not overly crowded. The garden is loaded with sculptures from both Umlauf but also visiting artists have work there as well. Plus I got engaged there so what's not to love!
Jia Li
at 2023 Jul 17
Jia Li
at 2023 Jul 17
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.
There are some great sculptures to take a look at and the grounds are great to walk around, but ultimately I give this only a 4 star review because there's not too much to see and some of the pieces or themes are a bit too repetitive.
It is literally two cabinets in the courthouse building. More of a display than a museum.
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.
This is a fantastic little sculpture garden in Austin! It is a little small though, as you won’t spend more than 25 minutes here. The grounds were beautiful though, and I got free military admission which I appreciated!
Peaceful sculpture garden. Works are generally biblical or based on Greek mythology. Admission is only $7 for adults. Stop by if you have half an hour to kill.
Nice relaxing spot. Very well kept and a pretty setting to view the nice collection.
To have a beautiful gem like this right in the center of town is one of those things that reminds me why I love living in Austin for over 30 years. It’s serene and contemplative, from the lush green trees to of course the art, the running water, and the gorgeous pond. I really love it here.
Came here for a Happy Hour by the Brazilian State of São Paulo. Great event and great venue!
Lovely little hidden gem in the shadow of downtown Austin! I had no idea it existed, nor the story behind the man behind the place. Excellent for meditation, reading, relaxing, escaping the chaos for a bit. The curator and docents are all kind, knowledgeable and wow approachable. I'll be back, frequently! ♡
Every time I come back to Austin, I try one new place to visit. I checked out the Umlauf Sculpture Garden! Tickets are only $7/person, which makes sense as the garden is rather smaller than I anticipated. I would say you will finish exploring the garden in about 40 minutes. But I still enjoyed it. I came on a Friday morning when they opened. The staff was nice and you get a sculpture guide so you can read more about each sculpture created by Charles Umlauf. When you're done, return the guide. I will say that there's very limited parking so if this garden is on your list, I recommend coming as soon as they open to get a parking spot close to the entrance, otherwise there's overflow parking down the street.
Is it closed? Couldn’t find how to get in
Robert Cooper
at 2021 Sep 26
Robert Cooper
at 2021 Sep 26
Nice museum space... closed for UT home games
I love walking around the streets in Austin and that promenade usually takes me to the Visual Arts Center. I must say every time I go in I'm like a kid at a candy store.

There is always something new to see and explore and the staff really let you enjoy the art work in peace but are there if you have any questions. I admit some pieces I look at them two, three times before admitting my artistic eye needs help deciphering the artist's goal. But that's art!

It really does stand a cultural hub for all in Texas and visitors. Also, it's free so how can you say no to that!

Thanks!
The diversity of artists exhibiting here is incredible. 10/10 would come again
we couldn’t go inside bc apparently they have odd hours or are changing locations ?? we enjoyed the outside though
This Texas treasure is a cool place to see what pride Texas has in the talent that this state has wether born and raised here, or got here ASAP! Such a wonderful and wide array of talent that was lost, but never forgotten! Stop by and pay some respect, and when you get done Stop by Planet K and get something to take to the ol lady
Miguel Valdez
at 2019 Jul 10
Miguel Valdez
at 2019 Jul 10
Great art work and exhibits. A must see.
Jeffery Chen
at 2019 Jun 01
Jeffery Chen
at 2019 Jun 01
Very friendly staff, lots of interesting art to see. I went during the grad thesis exhibition and got to see some of the students' hard work at display
Cool looking building, had good time wandering around looking at art and drinking wine
Alot of cool things to check out. Definitely a recommendation for Austin traveler's.
Loved visiting with my husband and our friends. We enjoyed our time listening to Stephen Doster. We'll be back soon.
Cool unexpected find. Head shop was a surprise.
Weird AF.

I went there looking for a music agency who's P.O. Box os located here...found this strange shop instead. Was not disappointed.

Bought a vape pen -partially because I wanted to buy something from this place just to remind me of it, and partially because vape life. Neat little gizmo. Ran me $15.
Interesting place. I will need to go back to see what I missed while there.
I have my calculus lab in this place and it is so neat to pass by the artwork before I go fail a quiz.