The Tower at The University of Texas at Austin will shine orange with the number 50 the evening of Saturday, Feb. 16, in honor of the Blanton Museum of Art‘s 50th anniversary.
The Blanton began as a gallery space in 1963 carved out of a part of the Art Building, where it remained for 43 years. In 2006, the museum opened in its current, spacious, two-building complex on the south edge of campus at Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Congress Avenue where it serves as a cultural gateway between campus and the community.
Today, the Blanton is one of the foremost university art museums in the country, with the largest permanent collection (more than 17,000 works) in Central Texas. Internationally it is renowned as a center for art and learning.
To commemorate its golden anniversary and longstanding service to UT and the state of Texas, the museum will celebrate with special events and programming throughout the year. Saturday night the Blanton holds its 50th Anniversary Gala and after-party, Gold A Go-Go.
Later this month a one-of-a-kind exhibition opens: “Through the Eyes of Texas: Masterworks from Alumni Collections” on view Feb. 24 May 19, showcases the art collections of UT alumni across the country. And on April 27, the Blanton throws its big birthday party 12 hours of art, learning and fun that’s free and open to the public. Check the museum’s online events calendar for more 2013 events, programs and exhibitions.
