Austin, TX

Austin’s Blanton Museum reimagines its grounds as a place for a university campus, city and community

Published

1 year ago

August 7, 2024

Austin’s Blanton Museum reimagines its grounds as a place for a university campus, city and community

The Blanton Museum of Art’s recently completed $35m renovation of its grounds centres on a reimagined outdoor space that acts as both a gateway and a gathering place. Bringing together three major site-specific installations and led by the architecture firm Snøhetta, the redesign makes a statement that there is a museum here at the University of Texas at Austin (UT)—something that was once easy to overlook when its stately but subdued Spanish Revival buildings blended into the campus.

At one end of the museum’s 200,000 sq. ft footprint is Ellsworth Kelly’s Austin, evoking a secular chapel with its coloured glass windows since its installation there in 2018, and on the other are 12 new towering tulip-like shade structures by Snøhetta. Between them is a panoramic mural by the Cuban American artist Carmen Herrera—her only major public mural commission before she died in 2022 at age 106. Visitors now pass through the mural’s centre as they enter the galleries building, which faces the museum’s administration building across this revamped corridor. Called Verde, que te quiero verde (Green, How I Desire You Green), Herrera’s large-scale panels of green slashed with white recall her 1956 painting Green and White, the pinwheeling pattern now framed by the archways of the loggia that span the Blanton.

“There’s an interesting syncopation between the precise geometries and hard lines of the mural and the curvilinear shapes of the loggia that you see from your approach,” says Vanessa K. Davidson, the Blanton’s curator of Latin American art.

Herrera had previously created only two other (smaller) murals, in 2017 and 2020 for New York City Public Schools. Before focusing primarily on abstract painting, Herrera studied architecture at the University of Havana. She expressed her longtime interest in public work in a letter to the Blanton, writing: “The idea of murals always fascinated me as a lover of architecture; it is a delicate balance to any architect or painter. A space is somehow affected or altered by the altering of its surfaces. I love the challenge and respect the responsibility in the choices that are made.”

VIsitors to the Blanton sit in front of Carmen Herrera’s Verde, que te quiero verde (Green, How I Desire You Green) Photo: Casey Dunn, courtesy the Blanton Museum of Art, Austin, Texas

This thoughtfulness in transforming space extends throughout the renovation, such as Snøhetta’s architectural interventions on the museum buildings themselves with two buoyantly yellow vault shapes echoing the loggia arches, one playfully inverted to frame a staircase that acts as an elevated lookout.

Craig Edward Dykers, a co-founder of Snøhetta, studied at UT and drew on that experience. “We wanted to give the school a strong presence for the future, but we also knew that the campus aesthetic was somewhat conservatively focussed on the past,” he says. “Through our knowledge of the campus, we were able to create a completely contemporary narrative with inventive forms and structure, while still incorporating iconic elements of the past—such as the arches of the nearby buildings.”

This renovation project broke ground in March 2021 and was finished earlier this summer, but the Blanton’s metamorphosis from a small teaching museum to an institution presenting art on an international stage happened gradually over time, with the completion of Kelly’s Austin establishing its first exterior landmark six years ago.

Blanton director Simone Wicha says she has been interested in making the museum as much a community as a cultural space since she took the role in 2011. “Most museums have traditionally had these big, soaring atriums,” she says. “These [Snøhetta] shade structures play a really important practical role, but also provide a sense that you have entered into our atrium, and our atrium is, in a very Austin way, this outdoor space that is not singular to the museum experience. People linger, and it’s part of our civic life.”

Although Herrera became involved later in the process, Wicha wanted to specifically assign the commission to a Latin American artist in order to reflect the museum’s major Latin American art collection. In this way, the new exterior elements are in dialogue with the interior galleries.

Snøhetta’s architectural interventions include a playful elevated outlook onto the courtyard, an echo of the original building’s loggia arches (with Herrera’s mural visible in the back) Photo: Casey Dunn, courtesy the Blanton Museum of Art, Austin, Texas

Wicha also sees the museum as being in a larger conversation with the Texas State Capitol, a building directly connected to the Blanton since the 2022 completion of a green pedestrian mall. Especially at a time when budget cuts and proposed legislation continue to threaten the arts, the museum is in a prominent position to showcase the power of creativity—like how Snøhetta’s native-flora landscapes recognise a future of extreme heat and drought. The eye-catching petal structures funnel rainwater to irrigate the plants below, from the spiky-leafed dwarf palmetto to the green grassy bursts of Cherokee sedge.

“We can make the art museum part of a statement on the importance of the arts,” Wicha says, noting that this has extended to working with faculty to bring students from all disciplines into the museum. “One of the things that is really important to me is that the museum be a place like you would think of a library on the campus, it’s just part of your experience.”

That engagement now extends beyond the museum’s walls in unexpected ways, including a dedicated outdoor gallery for sound. Its debut installation is by Bill Fontana, who made field recordings in the Texas Hill Country, such as of cave bats and local birds. This auditory experience gives the grounds a permeable yet distinct feel. Likewise, an elevated walkway that meanders between historic live oaks at the museum’s southern edge is a path for both visitors and commuters on the adjacent Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard.

“We put a lot of thought into this arrival onto campus and this dual mission,” Wicha says. “There are so many ways that you come to the museum, and we wanted to make sure the moment you walked in, you had an art experience and a beautiful, welcoming, clear understanding of where you were.”

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Related Topics:Austin Blanton Museum of Art Carmen Herrera ellsworth kelly Featured Museums & Heritage public art renovation texas university of texas

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Austin, TX

Top 10 Gyms In Austin TX (2026) – Fitness For Every Goal

Published

4 hours ago

January 4, 2026

Press Room

Top 10 Gyms In Austin TX (2026) – Fitness For Every Goal

Updated: Sunday, January 4, 2026

Jump To: Full-Service | Affordable | Group

As the new year approaches, many Austinites are setting fresh fitness goals and rethinking their workout routines. Austin’s gym scene continues to evolve in 2026, offering everything from luxury athletic clubs to no-frills strength gyms and high-energy group fitness studios.

Whether you’re training for performance, looking for community, or simply trying to stay consistent, these gyms in Austin stand out for their programming, facilities, and overall value.

Editor’s Note: Our staff works hard to bring you the latest information. However, all information mentioned in this article is subject to change. As always, please confirm before heading out.

Also, check out our articles on the Healthy Food Cedar Park, Healthy Food Round Rock, and Healthy Food in Austin!

Full-Service Gyms

Life Time

Image credit: Life Time Austin North

Life Time is ideal for those who want a premium, all-in-one fitness experience. Members have access to expansive workout floors, boutique-style classes, pools, recovery amenities, and family-friendly programming.

Where: 1301 S Lamar Blvd, Suite 100, Austin, TX 78704
Operating Hours: Saturday – Sunday 6:00 am – 10:00 pm | Monday – Friday 4:00 am – 11:00 pm

Gold’s Gym

Gold’s Gym remains a staple for strength training and general fitness in Austin. With multiple locations, members benefit from large free-weight areas, machines, group classes, and personal training options.

Where: 13435 N Hwy 183, Austin, TX 78750
Operating Hours: Saturday – Sunday 7:00 am – 9:00 pm | Monday – Friday 5:00 am – 11:00 pm

Hyde Park Gym

Hyde Park Gym is a longtime favorite among serious lifters in Austin. Known for its old-school atmosphere, it prioritizes heavy lifting, strength equipment, and a focused training environment.

Where: 4125 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78751
Operating Hours: Saturday 8:00 am – 7:00 pm | Monday – Friday 6:00 am – 9:00 pm | Saturday 7:00 am – 7:00 pm

Affordable & Budget-Friendly Gyms

Korrect Fitness

Image credit: Korrect Fitness

Korrect Fitness is a premier 10,000-square-foot training facility in South Austin that specializes in functional performance through small group conditioning, unconventional equipment like steel maces and kettlebells, and elite recovery amenities including cold plunges and saunas.

Where: 4401 Freidrich Ln, Unit 301, Austin, TX 78744
Operating Hours: Saturday – Sunday 7:00 am – 6:00 pm | Monday – Friday 5:00 am – 9:00 pm

Planet Fitness

Planet Fitness is best for beginners or anyone looking for a low-pressure, affordable gym membership. The gym focuses on cardio equipment, circuit training, and a welcoming environment.

Where: 1807 W Slaughter Ln, Austin, TX 78748
Operating Hours: 24/7

Anytime Fitness

Anytime Fitness offers 24-hour access and smaller gym footprints, making it a convenient option for busy schedules. It’s a solid choice for members who value consistency and flexibility.

Where: 8516 Anderson Mill Rd, Austin, TX 78729
Operating Hours: 24/7

FeV Iron Vault Gym

Image credit: FeV – Iron Vault Gym

Iron Vault Gym caters to powerlifters, bodybuilders, and experienced strength athletes. The gym emphasizes high-quality equipment and a no-frills approach to training.

Where: 2101 W. Ben White BLVD #105, Back of building facing Redd St, Austin, TX 78704
Operating Hours: Saturday – Sunday 9:00 am – 4:00 pm | Monday = Friday 7:00 am – 8:00 pm

Group Fitness & Specialty Studios

Orangetheory

Orangetheory delivers coach-led group workouts combining cardio, rowing, and strength intervals. The structured format appeals to members who want accountability and efficient, results-driven sessions.

Where: 401 W 3rd St, Austin, TX 78701
Operating Hours: Saturday – Sunday 7:00 am – 2:00 pm | Monday – Thursday 5:00 am – 8:00 pm | Friday 5:00 am – 6:00 pm

F45 Training

F45 focuses on fast-paced functional training in a group setting. Daily workout variations keep classes engaging, making it popular with members who enjoy high-energy, team-based fitness.

Where: 500 E 4th St, Austin, TX 78701
Operating Hours: Saturday 9:00 am – 12:00 pm | Sunday 9:30 am – 11:15 am | Monday – Thursday 5:30 am – 7:15 pm | Friday 5:30 am – 6:15 pm

Big Tex Gym

Image credit: Big Tex Gym

Big Tex Gym is a veteran-owned, old-school strength sanctuary in North Austin that provides 24/7 access to specialized equipment for powerlifting, bodybuilding, and strongman training within a supportive community atmosphere.

Where: 1921 Cedar Bend Dr A 130, Austin, TX 78758
Operating Hours: 24/7

Many gyms offer free trials or seasonal promotions at the start of the year, making January an ideal time to explore. And once you’ve locked in your workouts, you can also check out our weekend guide of activities and events!

Lacey is a freelancer and Austin local who’s always on the hunt for new restaurants to try, fun activities to do, and local events to attend. She loves sharing her discoveries with others through her writing and hopes her work encourages both visitors and locals to be active in the community. When she’s not writing, you can find her exploring one of the city’s many hiking trails with her Blue Heeler, Oreo, getting lost in a good book, or dancing the night away to some house or techno beats at one of her favorite rave spots.

Austin, TX

Minor arrested in double-fatal shooting in Williamson County

Published

16 hours ago

January 3, 2026

Press Room

Minor arrested in double-fatal shooting in Williamson County

article

Accident or crime scene cordon tape, police line do not cross. via Getty Images

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas – A juvenile has been arrested Saturday after an early morning double-homicide near Round Rock.

The situation ended after officials successfully negotiated a barricade situation with the minor, they say.

Williamson County double-homicide

What we know:

Williamson County authorities got the shooting call around 2 a.m. from the 8900 block of Brushy Gate Cove, outside the Round Rock city limits.

Williamson County sheriff’s deputies found two men dead of gunshot wounds at the scene. The suspect was barricaded inside a bedroom in the home.

Williamson County SWAT and crisis negotiators responded, and the suspect peacefully surrendered around 6:30 a.m.

Officials say there is no ongoing threat to the public.

Williamson County officials comment

What they’re saying:

“On our arrival, we found two deceased people from the residence, adult males,” said Commander John Foster of the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office.

“Anytime you have a barricaded subject inside of a home where we believe two people are deceased, you know, we’re going to take all precautionary measures that we can to ensure our safety and the safety of the neighbors as well,” said Foster.

Investigators say everyone involved resided in the house and that this was an isolated incident.

“Information is going to be very limited, because this is a juvenile investigation, and certain laws protect certain information regarding juveniles,” said Foster.

What we don’t know:

The identity of the minor suspect has not been released.

The victims were not identified.

The motive behind the shooting has not been commented on.

The Source: Information in this article came from the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office.

Williamson CountyCrime and Public Safety

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Austin, TX

Camera Sensor for iPhone 18 Camera to be Made by Samsung in Austin, TX Facility

Published

6 days ago

December 29, 2025

Press Room

Camera Sensor for iPhone 18 Camera to be Made by Samsung in Austin, TX Facility

Samsung is taking steps to provide Apple with image sensors built with advanced technology for iPhones. Reportedly, the sensors for the iPhone will be manufactured in Samsung’s current Austin, Texas facility, and the company is anticipated to soon have production equipment installed for the upcoming project.

The image sensor of the iPhone is expected to have a three-stack design for better low-light performance and a higher density of pixels with multiple layers stacked vertically. This results in less power consumption, a dynamic range that’s higher, and faster speeds for readouts.

It’s believed that the new sensor will be made for the upcoming iPhone 18 in 2027. Apple and Samsung have reportedly arrived at a deal where Samsung will be supplying the component for the sensor. This marks the first occasion Apple will be going with another company apart from Sony as their main supplier for image sensors for its iPhones.

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