Revitalization of the square at the Blanton Museum of Art,
design: Snøhetta
Norwegian studio Snøhetta developed a project to revitalize the space of the Blanton Museum of Art at the University of Texas at Austin. The main goal was to transform the museum's outdoor area into a functional public space, enhanced by three key art installations, including a piece by Austin Ellsworth Kelly and a mural by Carmen Herrera. The project combines contemporary and historical design elements, focusing on strengthening ties with the local community and better integration with the surrounding landscape.
Revitalizing the outdoor space at the Blanton Museum of Art at the University of Texas at Austin - tulip-like structures act as a gateway to the museum
photo by Casey Dunn © Snøhetta
Modernization of one of the largest art museums
at universities in the United States
The Jack S. Blanton Museum of Art (also known as the Blanton or BMA) at the University of Texas at Austin is one of the largest art museums at universities in the United States. The museum includes spaces dedicated to temporary exhibitions, galleries with a permanent collection, storage rooms, administrative offices, classrooms, a print study room, an auditorium, a store and a café.
Revitalizing the outdoor space at the Blanton Museum of Art at the University of Texas at Austin - linking the museum to the Texas State Capitol highlights its role as an important social and cultural element in the region
photo by Casey Dunn © Snøhetta
Revitalization of outdoor space
- integration with landscape and modern design elements
The project integrates the outdoor plaza in front of the museum with the nearby avenue, using a carefully planned composition of greenery, geometry and art. The revamped space serves as a gateway and meeting place, seamlessly connecting the institution to its surroundings. The revitalization includes artwork by Austin Ellsworth Kelly, a secular chapel with colorful stained glass windows, and twelve shade structures by Snøhetta that resemble tulips. Over the loggia stretches a panoramic mural by Carmen Herrera Verde, que te quiero verde (Polish: I want greenest green), referring to the museum's architecture and creating an interesting visual dialogue with it.
Revitalizing the outdoor space at the Blanton Museum of Art at the University of Texas at Austin - the revitalized outdoor space serves as a gateway and gathering place, seamlessly connecting the museum to its surroundings
photo by Casey Dunn © Snøhetta
sculptures that connect the space to the urban context
Facing Congress Avenue - the city's main thoroughfare - visitors enter the courtyard by passing under a structure of twelve sculptures supported by slender columns, whose capitals have an organic, funnel-shaped design reminiscent of flower petals. Their arched contours are inspired by the vaulted loggias that surround the museum. Each structure is 12 meters high, 9 meters in diameter and made of perforated panels. The sculptures act as a barrier separating the museum grounds from the busy street, while directing the view of Kelly "s Austin neighborhood in the background.
Revitalizing the outdoor space at the Blanton Museum of Art at the University of Texas at Austin - 12 shade structures by Snøhetta that resemble tulips in shape
photo by Casey Dunn © Snøhetta
adapting the museum to a changing climate
- sustainable design and water management
In response to projected climate change, which involves an increase in extreme weather events and droughts, the architects have adapted existing structures and landscapes to meet these challenges. Rising above the trees, the structure creates a shaded microclimate where diffused light follows the movement of the sun. An integrated drainage system directs rainwater from the top of the dome through columns downward, allowing it to be absorbed and irrigate the surrounding area.
Revitalizing the outdoor space at the Blanton Museum of Art at the University of Texas at Austin - inside the museum
photo by Casey Dunn © Snøhetta
Carmen Herrera mural
- the artist's first major work in a public space
The revitalized museum space includes a new mural by Cuban-American abstract painter Carmen Herrera, commissioned by the Blanton Museum. It is the artist's first major work created specifically for a public space. The mural is located on the interior wall of the loggia, extending the entire length of the building, with the museum entrance located in the central area.
Revitalizing the outdoor space at the Blanton Museum of Art at the University of Texas at Austin - a panoramic mural by Carmen Herrera Verde stretches over the loggia
photo by Casey Dunn © Snøhetta
The revitalization of the Blanton Museum of Art's plaza in Austin, carried out by the Snøhetta studio, is a key step in the museum's transformation into an international art center. The transformation underscores its role as an important cultural hub that connects education with contemporary art. The museum's integration with the Texas State Capitol and the surrounding area underscores its importance as a vital social element in the region, helping to further evolve the museum and bring it closer to the local community.
Compiled by Anastazja Dżupina
Illustrations provided courtesy of Snøhetta studios.
