5 Best Sights in Austin, Texas

One of the largest university art museums in the United States, with 200,000 square feet that includes two buildings and the adjacent Ellsworth Kelly Austin installation, the Blanton is the city's de facto art collection. There are more than 19,000 various works on display (from ancient Greek pottery to abstract expressionism) and a year-round schedule of incredible traveling exhibitions. As part of an ongoing "New Grounds" initiative, the Blanton campus (featuring outdoor and indoor event spaces, classrooms, a museum shop, and a café) will soon include additional public art installations, such as a massive mural by Cuban-American artist Carmen Herrera that will span both sides of the entrance. Admission is free on Thursday.

This stunning architectural site and museum is just off of the Hike and Bike Trail, overlooking Lady Bird Lake. Dedicated to celebrating notable Latino artists and empowering a new generation of Mexican-Americans, the museum has a phenomenal education department and offers popular youth and family programs. While there is no permanent collection on display, you’ll find traveling exhibits. Various live performances and community events, from flamenco recitals to Día de los Muertos celebrations, are also hosted here.

Originally known as the Austin Museum of Art, the Contemporary Austin's Jones Center is a striking downtown presence that features a wide array of contemporary art exhibits and hosts various special events that are open to the public, including "rooftop sessions" featuring outdoor film screenings as well as live musical and artistic performances. Advance reservations are recommended. Their sister site Laguna Gloria, in nearby west Austin, is also worth visiting for the outdoor sculpture gardens and overall ambience. 

Set on a lush Lake Austin peninsula, this 1915 Mediterranean-style villa was once home to Clara Driscoll, who led the fight to save the Alamo from demolition in the early 20th century. In this lovely environment, the villa is surrounded by impressively kept grounds (which include lakeside walking trails) and a stunning collection of outdoor sculptures and rotating exhibits of world-renowned artists. An art school shares the idyllic setting of this building, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and there's now a gift shop and on-site café, Spread & Co., that help elongate an afternoon visit to this scenic spot. Advance ticket reservations are currently required in advance.

Founded in 1984, this museum is a beguiling, moderate-size showcase devoted to traditional and contemporary Mexican and Latin American art. The permanent collection includes lithographs, prints, silkscreens, etchings, and traditional ritual masks. If you're in town for their popular annual Day of the Dead celebration, the Viva la Vida Fest (late October or early November), you're in for a treat. Admission is free on Sunday.