flower-like installations in snøhetta's blanton museum welcome visitors in texas

Snøhetta’s perforated petals shade Blanton Museum in texas

Snøhetta recently completed a three-year transformation of the Blanton Museum of Art at the University of Texas at Austin, and it is now ready to welcome the public. The design team sought to create a welcoming gateway that connects the University campus and the vibrant city of Austin. To accomplish this, they incorporated an eye-catching installation that encourages guests to linger and engage with one another. The installation features a series of 12 three-story-tall petal-shaped structures forming a canopy, which provides shade over the newly renovated Moody Patio and creates a playful pattern of dots on sunny days.

During rainy days, the petals serve a practical purpose by collecting and filtering rainwater, which is then used to nourish native plantings that adorn the surrounding pathways. Additionally, the two main museum buildings now boast yellow, arched vaults that highlight a new entrance for visitors to check-in, offering a unique vantage point to enjoy the newly created outdoor space.

all images by Sloan Breeden Photography

a new cultural nexus by Snøhetta

The redesign by Snøhetta (see more here) features four large-scale artworks specifically created to complement the new architectural spaces. These include two new murals, an expansive installation located in the newly designed visitor check-in area, and an outdoor gallery dedicated to sound art. The first artwork, titled ‘Verde que te quiero verde’ (Green How I Desire You Green), stretches across the loggia of the museum’s gallery building, and is the first public mural commissioned by the late Cuban American artist, Carmen Herrera.

Adjacent to the renowned Ellsworth Kelly’s ‘Austin’ masterpiece, on the eastern side of the Blanton, lies the Butler Sound Gallery. This unique space stands as one of the few in the world exclusively dedicated to sound art, offering visitors a multisensorial experience. During the grand opening of the redesigned grounds, notable figures such as Wicha, UT Provost Sharon Wood, and Austin Mayor Kirk Watson delivered remarks to mark the occasion. The event was further enhanced by the musical performances of Gina Chavez and The Peterson Brothers, adding a vibrant atmosphere to the celebratory gathering.

flower-like structures form a canopy at the entrance of the museum

‘This is what we have been waiting for: the opening of a new gathering place for Austin that offers a different way to experience the Blanton,’ said Simone Wicha, director of the museum. ‘I cannot wait for visitors to stroll along the pathways, pass under the stunning shade canopy, explore the powerful, immersive new artworks, and enjoy performances on the Moody Patio’s outdoor stages.’

‘Snøhetta’s design expands the museum’s world-class art collection beyond the museum’s galleries and creates a highly visible public place of—and for—the arts and Austin,’ said Craig Dykers, founding partner of Snøhetta and alumnus of the UT School of Architecture.

a new cultural meeting point in Texas