Blanton Museum sets record attendance following extensive renovation

Culture
Webp blantonmuseum
Blanton Museum of Art | Blanton Museum website

The Blanton Museum of Art at The University of Texas at Austin reported a record attendance of 260,899 visitors in 2024. This figure surpasses pre-pandemic numbers and follows the completion of a significant renovation project on the museum's grounds. The redesign, which covers nearly 200,000 square feet, features new architectural elements by Snøhetta, large-scale artworks, the Moody Patio, and the Butler Sound Gallery.

According to a survey by the American Alliance of Museums, many U.S. museums have not yet returned to pre-pandemic attendance levels. However, the Blanton Museum has exceeded its previous records. Director Simone Wicha said that initiatives such as "the opening of Austin by Ellsworth Kelly" and "groundbreaking exhibitions and education programs" have been crucial in establishing the museum's reputation.

The museum's role in Austin's cultural landscape is underscored by an increase in tourist visits. In 2024, tourists made up more than half of paid attendance, with most visiting on weekends. The grounds project was completed in 2024 after opening to the public in 2023.

The Blanton Museum has also received national recognition for its programs and community engagement. It was ranked among the top five college art museums in the U.S. by The Washington Post in 2024. The museum offers free access to its grounds and galleries on Tuesdays through a program supported by the Moody Family Free Day Endowment.

As a resource for academic learning, approximately 27,000 UT students visited last year for curricular activities designed with faculty collaboration. Additionally, nearly 9,000 K-12 students participated in curriculum-based visits.

Exhibitions played a significant role in attracting visitors with diverse offerings from Japanese woodblock prints to contemporary photography from the Americas. Major exhibitions included "The Floating World: Masterpieces of Edo Japan," "Anni Albers: In Thread and On Paper," and "Native America: In Translation."

Looking forward to 2025, the museum plans major exhibitions like "In Creative Harmony: Three Artistic Partnerships" and "Spirit & Splendor: El Greco, Velazquez, and the Hispanic Baroque." Other highlights include a fundraising gala and a new café opening.