Under the giant white floral structures outside the Blanton Museum of Art, people relax and admire the outdoor space every day.
Since 2017, the Blanton has undergone a number of structural changes including the redesign of the patio grounds, the addition of an outdoor soundscape and the installment of “Austin” by Ellsworth Kelly. Between the construction, the museum’s closure during the pandemic and the lack of school tours, the Blanton’s attendance numbers dropped in 2020. While half of the museums in the U.S. still haven’t gotten back to their pre-pandemic attendance rates according to the American Alliance of Museums, the Blanton achieved a new record of 260,899 visitors in 2024.
“The momentum of our attendance has been building over time,” said Katie Bruton, the Blanton PR and Media manager. “(In addition to the renovation,) it’s also our exhibition program, our collection rotations, our public programs, our education program … it’s a combination of a lot of these things.”
A press release from the University said that tourists contributed to 50% of the paid attendance from 2024. Bruton said another large part of the attendance success falls on the K-12 programs the museum hosts and its accessibility to university students.
“Previously, that space held some not very healthy trees. I would say it was not a very welcoming space to visitors coming up, and it wasn’t a space that students utilized in terms of a place to study or get together with friends,” said Dawn Hewitt, the museum’s director of development. “I’ve seen birthday parties happen out there. I’ve seen dance rehearsals … the cheerleaders coming over and practicing their cheers. It’s become a very communal space for people to gather.”
Nursing sophomore Camille Vega said she studies outside the Blanton before or after her classes frequently. She said its proximity to the nursing school and outdoor seating make it a perfect and calming study spot.
“I love studying outside, and I like all the colors here — it’s just really cute,” Vega said. “I like the ambiance of all of it.”
On top of being an appealing spot to the UT community, the museum draws in local art and businesses through art exhibitions and company collaborations. For example, the museum will feature a cafe in partnership with the East Austin French restaurant, Justine’s Brasserie, starting later this year. Hewitt said they plan to continue catering to local interest and stacking their events calendar to further foster their attendance success.
“The museum’s been strategic in putting together the calendar of events that happen,” Hewitt said. “(The museum’s been) thoughtful about what not only will bring out audiences, but what supports our community in a bigger way, and allows us to engage with more community members. … Now it’s a very easily approachable space.”
