The University of Texas at Austin has received a $20 million gift to redesign and transform the Blanton Museum of Art’s exterior spaces.
The donation came from The Moody Foundation of Galveston, Texas. It will help create an iconic destination and facilitate the museum’s vision for innovative outdoor programming.
The Moody Foundation’s contribution is one of the largest to benefit Austin’s fine arts community, and the largest ever given to support Austin’s outdoor spaces. The transformation work will be carried out by the architecture firm Snøhetta.
“The Blanton collections inspire thousands of scholars, students and art lovers from around the world to visit our city and university each year,” university president Gregory L. Fenves said.
“With a beautifully reimagined exterior, the Blanton will continue to expand its reputation as one of the premier destinations for fine art in Texas.”
The firm will reshape the museum’s two buildings and the exterior area surrounding Ellsworth Kelly’s Austin, as well as create more space for lively public programming.
“The Moody Foundation has a long history with the Blanton, and we are extremely pleased to contribute to such a significant project. As a young visitor growing up in Austin, this museum taught me that art is a vital social force to inspire and unite communities,” Elle Moody, trustee of The Moody Foundation, said.
“The Blanton continues to make great strides in bringing world-class art experiences to visitors from Central Texas and beyond, and we are honored to support this exciting next chapter,” she added.
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