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Blanton Museum of Art

All forms of art inspire my creativity, so I like to go to museums and events when I travel. Every piece conveys a message and expression of the artist’s beliefs and emotions, and I feel privileged to see them.

On a recent visit to Austin, Texas, friends took me to the Blanton Museum of Art, located on the extraordinary University of Texas campus.

Even the Visitor’s Center was delightful. Rainbow-colored threads were entwined from the ceiling in a twisted pattern.

The entrance to the museum showcased glass tiles in a gradient pattern that resembled the ocean.

The number of artists represented and the variety of styles were impressive. I’m excited to share a few items I found of interest.

El Anatsui designed a display in 1998 from liquor bottle caps. I love the shading and movement in his piece.

What do you think of the next creation? I find it interesting.

Charles White’s Homage to Sterling Brown, 1972, is a powerful statement on racism.

The texture and coloring on this piece by Melanie Cervantes, 1977, intrigued me.

Some chests serve as works of art as well as for functionality. This intricately carved chest from Brazil, 1720, was used for garments and is surprisingly lightweight.

Hispanic prints included items representing El Día de Los Muertos.

The following painting of mother and child has an unusual perspective.

A grouping of contemporary structures caught my eye.

Traditional art was common for centuries, and the museum features many incredible works of art from this time period such as the Madonna and Child by Giovanni Badile (1428-29).

©Mary K. Doyle, 2025

Responses to “Blanton Museum of Art”

  1. Anonymous

    Beautiful collection, Mary- thanks for sharing!!

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      My pleasure. I’m excited to see these things and can’t wait to tell you about them.

  2. gustavo_horta

    A arte sempre imita a vida. É uma pena que nem sempre, ou tão pouco, a vida não imite a arte. Seria tão bom, não é?
    Agradeço por compartilhar conosco essa linda experiência.
    Abraço grande e fraterno.

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Você tem razão, Gustavo. Seria maravilhoso se a vida imitasse a arte. Poderíamos criar o mundo perfeito.

  3. fedesponderings

    Wow, these artworks are stunning 😍 great photos!

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you! It is amazing what some people create.

  4. Penn,…

    So much to view and absorb, … differing styles, contemporary and modern, I would love to walk around for hours. Thank you for sharing this wonderful art collection., Mary, …💫

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      It was an interesting museum with much to see. I was surprised to find this on a college campus.

      1. Penn,…

        Well, I so glad you visited, Mary,…viewing the display through your eyes, …via the photos made it feel we were there with you,…💫

  5. Anonymous

    I love your artistic eye and that you share it with us. I’m always learning something from you!

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Ahhh, thank you! Have the very best day.

  6. Mindful Mystic (MM)

    Very interesting art collection, Mary. Great photos and share. Glad you enjoyed your visit with friends. I love museums.

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      MM, museums do prompt creative thoughts, don’t they? I appreciate you taking the time to check out this post and comment, my friend.

  7. Ronit Penso Tasty Eats

    Beautiful works and photos. Thanks for taking us along your trip! 🙂

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      My pleasure, Ronit. Hugs to you.

  8. mjeanpike

    What a fun and interesting trip!

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      It really was. Thank you for stopping by.

      1. mjeanpike

        I enjoy your adventures!

  9. Rosaliene Bacchus

    Visiting an art museum can be quite inspirational. Lots of interesting pieces.

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      So true, Rosaliene.

  10. Nancy Homlitas

    Traditional art is more appealing to me, so the “Madonna and Child” is my favorite of the the selection you photographed. Thank you, Mary! 🙂

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I understand, and I also like traditional art, Nancy. I have the most problem with art that includes a long explanation and I still don’t understand.

      1. Nancy Homlitas

        I know what you mean. Years ago, we went to an art museum in Pittsburgh. In the center of the museum floor was a sand/dirt pile. Shoved in the middle of the pile was an old window with a rickety frame that had white paint that was flaking. Of course, there was an explanation attached, but I don’t recall what it was. 🤔

        1. Mary K. Doyle

          LOL.

  11. kagould17

    Art museums, both Modern and Traditional are a joy to tour. Always good to view the creativity out there. Happy Wednesday Mary. Allan

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Happy Wednesday to you, my friend. Thank you for checking out the post, Allan.

  12. vermavkv

    Beautiful art collection. I am happy you enjoyed the visit.

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, VIjay. The museum was delightful.

  13. arlene

    Such lovely photos Mary. You were blessed to have seen and visited this place. I love the photo of the Madonna and Child.😍

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      So many older pieces feature the Madonna and Child, and, like you, Arlene, I love them all. Blessings to you.

  14. joannerambling

    I find some art lovely or fascinating and some leave me thinking what the hell

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Hahaha. I understand.

  15. Michele Lee

    Thank you for sharing these beautiful art pieces and displays. Looks a wonderful place to spend some time and find some inspiration. ✨ I love museums when traveling and locally, they are a great way to stay cool in the summer.

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Great points, Michele. Thank you for adding to the story, my friend.

      1. Michele Lee

        You’re welcome and thank you! 😊

  16. Neal Saye

    I want that chest from Brazil. Maybe you can snatch it for me?

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      LOL.

  17. Mid-Life Mama

    Thank you for sharing so many interesting pieces! I’ll have to go during one of my next trips to Texas.

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      It will be worth your time, MLM.

  18. Vipin C Nambiar

    Thanks for sharing… These original artworks are going to be more and more valuable in the era of artificial generation of art…

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      That’s an interesting point. I wonder if that will happen. Thank you for taking the time to comment.

  19. Nate

    Very nice post! Thanks for sharing!

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Nate. Good to see you here.

  20. Indira

    Great exhibits…well photographed!

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you for your kind feedback, Indira.

  21. Kym Gordon Moore

    WOW Mary, what a trip! Love these fascinating exhibits. Such amazing inspiration indeed my friend. 🎨🎉🖼

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      What people think of and how they create is inspiring, for sure. Love to you, my friend.

      1. Kym Gordon Moore

        🥰💖🤗📸🎨

  22. Debbie D.

    Impressive building and art displays! I love the multicoloured ceiling threads and the glass tiles. Thanks for the tour. 🙂

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      How about that, Debbie? I had to touch the tiles. My friend, Sue, and I were intrigued.

  23. ourlittleredhouseblog

    Looks like a museum I would like to visit. Thank you for sharing.

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      It was a fabulous museum and not impossibly large to navigate.

  24. Beth Foster

    It looks like I would really enjoy this museum.

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      If you’re in the area, it’s worth checking out, Beth. And the campus is amazing.

      1. Beth Foster

        Thank you, Mary. If I am ever in the area. I will check it out!

  25. johnlmalone

    yes, I liked these , Mary esp the mother and child pieces 🙂

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, John. I love everything with Blessed Mother.

  26. pk 🌎

    Beautiful collection 💯

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you!

  27. Susana Cabaço

    A wonderful art collection a diverse range of art styles. The Madonna and Child by Giovanni Badile caught my eye. Thanks for sharing your visit, Mary. Much enjoyed! Light and blessings to you, today and always 🙏✨

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Susana. And thank you for always spreading the Light.

  28. The Mindful Migraine Blog

    All amazing, but I really LOVE those sun shade / sculptures! (and the Madonna) Linda xx

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Linda. I appreciate the feedback. I wonder what will appeal to everyone.

      1. The Mindful Migraine Blog

        We’re all so diverse, that it’s not surprising different things appeal to different people! L xx

        1. Mary K. Doyle

          Good point.

          1. The Mindful Migraine Blog

            🥰

  29. Ritish Sharma

    Loved this, Mary ❤️Art really does speak in so many ways, thanks for sharing your favorites. Felt like a mini trip just reading it.

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      That’s great to hear, Ritish. Thank you.

  30. Eternity

    Thanks for your likes of my posts, ” Jews’ Distress 4,5: your kindness is greatly appreciated.

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      You’re welcome.

      1. Eternity

        Thank you very much.

  31. lifewithlane14

    Wow, absolutely beautiful ❤️ I wanna go

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      It was an interesting museum. I hope you do get to visit sometime.

  32. Michael Sammut

    Beautiful pieces of art. My favorite is the one by El Anatsui. Thanks for sharing, Mary.

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      That one was stunning in person, Michael. Thank you for your feedback. Have a great weekend.

      1. Michael Sammut

        I am sure of that. It looks intreguing. You’re welcome and Same to you, Mary.

  33. Darryl B

    Mary, what a cool event, so much creativity. My brother and SIL live in Austin, will def recommend this. Great post! 😎

    PS… I’m not sure what to make of that one piece you mentioned. It looks sorta like someone doing yoga, but not sure about the bowl. Interesting! 🙂

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      LOL. We have to guess at a lot of art, Darryl. Just so our readers don’t say that about us! Have a good weekend.

  34. Amy

    Enjoyed this photo tour of the Blanton Museum! Thank you for the tour of the art collections.

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      You’re welcome, Amy. There are always treasures to be found in museums.

  35. Lauren Scott, Author

    Thanks for sharing this stunning collection, Mary. If I’m ever in Austin, I know where to go. 🥰

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      My pleasure, Lauren. Have a great week.

      1. Lauren Scott, Author

        You too, dear friend!

  36. Garden Bliss

    So great to see art from other parts of the world. Thanks for taking us on this tour, Mary.

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I’m sure you have fabulous museums near you, too, Flavia. Have a wonderful week, my friend.

  37. Beauty Bloom News

    Love the carved chest from Brazil.. beautifully crafted!

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      It is a beauty. Thank you for adding to the discussion.

  38. Anonymous

    Love your post, Mary. It was wonderful sharing that experience with you. Truly and incredible museum.

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      This must be Sue! The whole trip was fabulous, especially being with you.

  39. P. J. Gudka

    Wow, these are lovely art pieces. Glad you shared them with us.

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you for checking out the post and commenting, Pooja. Love to you.

      1. P. J. Gudka

        You’re most welcome, sending you lots of love.

  40. K. Ravindre

    Austin is such a creative city, and it sounds like the Blanton was the perfect place to feed your artistic inspiration. Thanks for sharing this glimpse into your travels and artistic journey!

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      You’re very welcome. I appreciate you taking the time to read and comment. All the best to you.

  41. mistermaxxx08

    feeling your posts. even when I lived in Texas I never paid Austin a whole lot of mind culturally speaking. did most of that in Houston and then in Dallas however this art is nice. appreciate

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Mister Maxxx. Houston and Dallas do offer a lot to see.

  42. Toluwani Majaro

    Nice posts

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you. Good to see you here.

  43. mistermaxxx08

    They sure do however I don’t miss them though. Memories

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I’m happy you’re happy where you are.

      1. mistermaxxx08

        It’s called time and place.those places however weren’t necessary on my behalf

  44. Kimberly Vargas Agnese

    I love art museums:)

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      The museums are inspiring, aren’t they, Kimberly? Have a great weekend, m friend.

  45. Edward Ortiz

    Wonderful photos, Mary. I especially like the ones by Melanie Cervantes and Jean Charlot. They’re simple but powerful.

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you for reading and commenting. Your feedback is important to me, Edward. Have a happy Sunday, my friend.

      1. Edward Ortiz

        You’re so welcome, my friend, and happy Sunday.

  46. City Odyssey

    I love the Blanton Museum. So many cool exhibits and artwork! Beautiful pictures.

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Glad you like it too! Happy Monday.

      1. City Odyssey

        Happy Monday to you too!

I’m curious about your thoughts and comments.