Blanton Museum of Art Renovation by Snøhetta Transforms Austin’s Cultural Landscape

The Blanton Museum of Art at The University of Texas at Austin has undergone a transformative redesign led by the acclaimed architecture and landscape firm Snøhetta. Completed in 2024, this ambitious project revitalizes over 200,000 square feet across the museum’s two buildings and surrounding grounds, including the iconic Ellsworth Kelly’s Austin installation, creating a cohesive, vibrant cultural hub in the heart of Austin.

Redefining Public Space and Civic Engagement

Situated at the intersection of the Texas Capitol Complex and the university campus, the Blanton Museum has long served as a cultural gateway. According to Craig Dykers, co-founder of Snøhetta, “Our inventive landscape and reimagined building entrances expand the museum’s world-class art collection beyond the galleries, creating a highly visible public place of, and for, the arts in Austin.” The redesign emphasizes inclusivity and connectivity, bridging the civic core of Austin with the historic character of the university.

Climate-Responsive Design with Iconic Petal Canopies

In response to Austin’s evolving climate, Snøhetta introduced innovative design strategies to adapt the museum’s existing structures and landscapes for future weather extremes. The centerpiece of this intervention is a canopy of sculptural petals, each 40 feet tall and 30 feet in diameter, which forms a shaded microclimate. These perforated panels channel water through integrated drainage systems, enabling passive irrigation and environmental sustainability while casting dappled sunlight across the grounds. Inspired by the arched vaults of the museum’s loggia, the petals highlight key sightlines toward the Capitol and Ellsworth Kelly’s iconic work.

Gardens, Plantings, and Landscape Choreography

The Blanton’s outdoor environment was redesigned to merge art, architecture, and landscape. Snøhetta curated over 25,000 climate-resilient plants, maintaining the character-defining oak trees and complementing them with multi-stem crape myrtles that guide visitors toward the museum plaza. The Faulkner Garden features dynamic vegetation responding to sun, shade, and water patterns, creating a living, interactive landscape. Pathways, plazas, and entry points connect the campus into a unified, accessible, and welcoming public space.

Celebrating Art and Underrepresented Voices

A key element of the redesign is a site-specific mural by Cuban-American abstract painter Carmen Herrera, titled Verde, que te quiero verde. This monumental piece, her first major public mural, stretches along the Michener Gallery Building’s loggia, creating a visual dialogue between art and landscape. Snøhetta’s design integrates planting textures, topography, and a sound garden, enhancing both visual and auditory experiences for visitors.

Engaging Community Through Performance and Recreation

The Moody Patio serves as a central gathering space with dual performance stages, open lawn areas, and varied seating. This flexible landscape supports live performances, public programs, and educational initiatives, amplifying the museum’s role as a community hub. By merging architecture, landscape, and art, Snøhetta has crafted a cultural landmark in Austin, where visitors can experience art, nature, and community in one immersive environment.

The Blanton Museum of Art now exemplifies how contemporary design can unify civic identity, environmental resilience, and artistic celebration, strengthening Austin’s reputation as a thriving center for culture and creativity.

All photographs are works of  Casey Dunn