Ellsworth Kelly: Austin - Austin Howdy graffiti wall art
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Ellsworth Kelly: Austin

4.6
·96 reviews·Austin, United States

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Anytime

Light changes throughout the day

CrowdLow
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Ellsworth Kelly: Austin - Austin Howdy graffiti wall art

Ellsworth Kelly: Austin

Best Time

Anytime

Light changes throughout the day

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.6
(96 reviews)

"A master class in minimalism: parking = cheap, access = easy, visual = stunning, environment = calm."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 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.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The 'Austin' Structure

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

Interplay of Light and Color

Inside the 'Austin' structure

Experience how sunlight transforms the space, creating a captivating and ever-changing atmosphere.

Minimalist Design

Minimalist Design

Ellsworth Kelly: Austin

Appreciate the clean lines and intentional use of space that evokes a spiritual and contemplative environment.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

The way sunlight interacts with the structure changes throughout the day, offering a unique visual experience. Consider visiting during different times to appreciate the full spectrum of light and color. Instagram

Free Thursdays at the Blanton

Take advantage of free admission to the Blanton Museum of Art, which includes access to Ellsworth Kelly: Austin, every Thursday. Parking is also discounted. TikTokInstagram

Best Times

When
Anytime
Why
Light changes throughout the day
Crowd
Low
When
Thursday afternoons
Why
Free admission to museum
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Free Thursdays at @Blanton Museum - includes the Ellsworth Kelly & discounted $4 parking at Brazos Garage #austintexas #austintiktok #texastiktok
@atasteofkoko
4.9K likes • 64.6K views

🎯 Free Thursdays!

Visit on Thursdays for free admission to the Blanton Museum, including Ellsworth Kelly: Austin. TikTokInstagram

🚗 Affordable Parking

Discounted parking is available at the Brazos Garage, making your visit budget-friendly. TikTokInstagram

Add this museum to your Austin bucket list 🌈 The @blantonmuseum is home to “Austin” a beautiful structure by artist Ellsworth Kelly. SAVE this post for everything you need to know about visiting ✨ ☀️This piece is an exploration of light and color. You get a unique experience depending on what time of day you visit. The way the sunlight shines through the rainbow glass shapes is just magical 😍 ...
ala_lifestyle
3.6K likes • 234.4K views
@atasteofkoko 100 things to do in Austin this summer // free Thursdays at @blantonmuseum. The A/C is really cold 😝 and includes free admission to the Ellsworth Kelly! $4 discounted parking at the Brazos Museum.
texascollectives
18 likes • 273 views

🧘‍♀️ Embrace the Calm

If you're lucky enough to visit alone, savor the silence and let the space envelop you. Reddit

📸 Capture the Light

The changing light is a key feature; visit at different times for unique photo opportunities. Instagram

reddit.com

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. TikTokInstagram

🚗 Affordable Parking

Discounted parking is available at the Brazos Garage, making your visit budget-friendly. TikTokInstagram

🧘‍♀️ Embrace the Calm

If you're lucky enough to visit alone, savor the silence and let the space envelop you. Reddit

📸 Capture the Light

The changing light is a key feature; visit at different times for unique photo opportunities. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(96 reviews)

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

Stunning interplay of light
Minimalist and spiritual design
Calm and contemplative atmosphere

What People Dislike

Relatively small size

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. TikTok

Yes, there is parking available at the Blanton Museum. Discounted parking is offered at the Brazos Garage, making it an affordable option for visitors. TikTokInstagram

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. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, access to Ellsworth Kelly: Austin is generally included with your admission to the Blanton Museum of Art. TikTok

Yes, the Blanton Museum of Art offers free admission every Thursday, which includes access to Ellsworth Kelly: Austin. TikTokInstagram

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

🎫 🧭 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. Reddit

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. Instagram

Absolutely. Many visitors describe it as a peaceful and spiritual space, perfect for quiet reflection, especially if you can experience it without crowds. Reddit

Photography is generally allowed for personal use, but always check the Blanton Museum's specific photography policy upon arrival. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Focus on capturing the geometric shapes and how the natural light filters through the openings. The interplay of shadows and colors is key. Instagram

Minimalist and architectural photography thrives here. Experiment with different angles and times of day to showcase the changing light. Instagram

While personal photography is usually permitted, it's always wise to confirm the Blanton Museum's current policy to ensure compliance. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Ellsworth Kelly: Austin offers a unique opportunity for families to engage with art in a simple yet profound way. The minimalist design and the changing light can spark curiosity in children, encouraging them to observe and discuss shapes and colors. It's a calm space, perfect for a quiet moment during a museum visit. TikTok

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. Instagram

🧘‍♀️ Solo Travelers & Contemplatives

For those seeking a moment of peace and introspection, Ellsworth Kelly: Austin is an ideal destination. The minimalist design and the serene atmosphere, especially when experienced with fewer crowds, create a perfect environment for quiet contemplation. Reddit

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. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Vision of Ellsworth Kelly

Ellsworth Kelly: Austin is more than just a building; it's a site-specific artwork conceived by the renowned artist Ellsworth Kelly. Designed as a chapel, the structure is a testament to Kelly's lifelong exploration of form, color, and light. The minimalist, cruciform shape is intentionally devoid of overt religious iconography, allowing the architecture itself to evoke a sense of spirituality and contemplation. Kelly envisioned this space as a place for visitors to engage directly with the interplay of natural light and the building's pure, unadorned surfaces. Reddit

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. Instagram

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. Reddit

Experiencing Light and Color

The primary draw of Ellsworth Kelly: Austin is its masterful use of light and color. As the sun moves across the sky, the interior of the structure is bathed in a constantly changing spectrum of illumination. The carefully designed apertures allow sunlight to stream in, casting intricate patterns and transforming the solid walls into dynamic surfaces. This creates a truly immersive and meditative experience, where the architecture itself becomes a medium for artistic expression. Instagram

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

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