Ellsworth Kelly: Austin
A minimalist chapel designed by Ellsworth Kelly, exploring the transformative power of light and color.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Light changes throughout the day
Ellsworth Kelly: Austin
Best Time
Light changes throughout the day

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A minimalist chapel designed by Ellsworth Kelly, exploring the transformative power of light and color.
"A master class in minimalism: parking = cheap, access = easy, visual = stunning, environment = calm."
🎯 Free Thursdays!
Visit on Thursdays for free admission to the Blanton Museum, including Ellsworth Kelly: Austin.
🚗 Affordable Parking
Discounted parking is available at the Brazos Garage, making your visit budget-friendly.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The 'Austin' Structure
Blanton Museum of Art grounds
A minimalist, cruciform building designed by Ellsworth Kelly, exploring light and color.

Interplay of Light and Color
Inside the 'Austin' structure
Experience how sunlight transforms the space, creating a captivating and ever-changing atmosphere.

Minimalist Design
Ellsworth Kelly: Austin
Appreciate the clean lines and intentional use of space that evokes a spiritual and contemplative environment.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Free Thursdays at the Blanton
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Thursdays!
Visit on Thursdays for free admission to the Blanton Museum, including Ellsworth Kelly: Austin.
🚗 Affordable Parking
Discounted parking is available at the Brazos Garage, making your visit budget-friendly.
🧘♀️ Embrace the Calm
If you're lucky enough to visit alone, savor the silence and let the space envelop you.
📸 Capture the Light
The changing light is a key feature; visit at different times for unique photo opportunities.
Ellsworth Kelly’s Temple for Light, Austin
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Thursdays!
Visit on Thursdays for free admission to the Blanton Museum, including Ellsworth Kelly: Austin.
🚗 Affordable Parking
Discounted parking is available at the Brazos Garage, making your visit budget-friendly.
🧘♀️ Embrace the Calm
If you're lucky enough to visit alone, savor the silence and let the space envelop you.
📸 Capture the Light
The changing light is a key feature; visit at different times for unique photo opportunities.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Ellsworth Kelly: Austin for its minimalist beauty, masterful use of light and color, and its ability to evoke a sense of peace and spirituality. Many find it a captivating and contemplative experience, especially when enjoyed in solitude. Some note its small size, but consider it a worthwhile addition to a Blanton Museum visit.
"My visit to “Austin” by Ellsworth Kelly was a cool experience. The interplay of light and color created a captivating atmosphere. While the exhibit itself is relatively small, it’s a worthwhile addition to your visit to the Blanton Museum of Art, which offers general admission to the exhibition."
Abbey
"A master class in minimalism:
- parking = cheap
- access = easy
- visual = stunning
- environment = calm
- experience = would again"
more butter
"If you are fortunate to be in this space by yourself— to sit in silence and l et the light and atmosphere envelope you — you will understand the power of Kelly’s design. It is a small cruciform shape with elements that suggest a spiritual space. Powerful place—if you are open to it."
Margaret McInerny
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ellsworth Kelly: Austin is located on the grounds of the Blanton Museum of Art in Austin, Texas. You can reach the museum by car, ride-sharing services, or public transportation.
Yes, there is parking available at the Blanton Museum. Discounted parking is offered at the Brazos Garage, making it an affordable option for visitors.
Access to Ellsworth Kelly: Austin is typically included with general admission to the Blanton Museum of Art. Check the museum's hours and admission policies for the most current information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, access to Ellsworth Kelly: Austin is generally included with your admission to the Blanton Museum of Art.
Yes, the Blanton Museum of Art offers free admission every Thursday, which includes access to Ellsworth Kelly: Austin.
Ellsworth Kelly: Austin follows the operating hours of the Blanton Museum of Art. It's best to check the museum's official website for the most up-to-date hours.
While not always required, booking museum tickets in advance can save time, especially on busy days or during special events. Check the Blanton Museum's website for their ticketing policy.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Most visitors find that 30-60 minutes is sufficient to appreciate the structure and its unique atmosphere. If you plan to explore the rest of the Blanton Museum, allocate 2-3 hours.
The experience changes with the light. Visiting at different times of day will reveal new perspectives on the interplay of light and color within the structure.
Absolutely. Many visitors describe it as a peaceful and spiritual space, perfect for quiet reflection, especially if you can experience it without crowds.
Photography is generally allowed for personal use, but always check the Blanton Museum's specific photography policy upon arrival.
📸 📸 Photography
Focus on capturing the geometric shapes and how the natural light filters through the openings. The interplay of shadows and colors is key.
Minimalist and architectural photography thrives here. Experiment with different angles and times of day to showcase the changing light.
While personal photography is usually permitted, it's always wise to confirm the Blanton Museum's current policy to ensure compliance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting on a Thursday for free admission to the Blanton Museum, making it a budget-friendly outing. The accessible design ensures that most families can comfortably explore the space. It's a great way to introduce younger visitors to contemporary art in an approachable setting.
🧘♀️ Solo Travelers & Contemplatives
If you're fortunate enough to have the space to yourself, you can truly immerse yourself in the interplay of light and shadow, allowing the architecture to inspire a sense of calm and mindfulness. It's a powerful reminder of the beauty found in simplicity.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Vision of Ellsworth Kelly
The genius of Kelly's design lies in its simplicity and its profound connection to its environment. The building's orientation and the precise placement of its openings are calculated to capture and refract sunlight in dynamic ways throughout the day and across the seasons. This creates an ever-evolving visual experience, where shadows dance and colors shift, transforming the interior space into a living canvas. Visitors often remark on the serene and meditative atmosphere, a direct result of Kelly's masterful manipulation of light and space.
This unique installation is a significant addition to the Blanton Museum of Art's collection, offering a distinct artistic experience that complements its broader offerings. It stands as a powerful example of how art can shape our perception of space and evoke deep emotional responses through elemental design principles.
Experiencing Light and Color
Visitors often describe the feeling of being enveloped by light, noting how the colors shift from warm, golden hues in the morning to cooler, more diffused tones as the day progresses. This dynamic quality means that no two visits will ever be exactly the same. The minimalist design, with its clean lines and unadorned surfaces, ensures that the focus remains squarely on the interplay between light, shadow, and the subtle variations in the building materials.
This emphasis on sensory experience makes Ellsworth Kelly: Austin a unique destination for art lovers and those seeking a moment of quiet reflection. It's a place where the simple act of observing light can become a profound artistic encounter.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit