A Trip to "Austin" (the building)

Colloquially known as the Ellsworth Kelly Building or just the Ellsworth or sometimes the Kelly, “Austin” culminates the career of one of the greatest of modern artists.

“Austin” is the final work of late American painter Ellsworth Kelly, and the only building he ever designed—a 2,715-square-foot pavilion named after the state capital of Texas. It was unveiled to long lines and great acclaim on Feb. 18 and is now part of the University of Texas at Austin’s Blanton Museum of Art permanent collection. The piece's design reflects the artist's appreciation for European art, architecture and monuments. First designs for “Austin” date back to 1986, nearly 30 years before Kelly gifted the building's design to the Blanton Museum of Art in January 2015. In December 2017, two years after the artist's death, the museum announced that it had raised $23 million for construction and fabrication.

Kelly's interest in color, geometry and form is reflected in “Austin's” design. The temple-like stone structure features a cross-shape form with four arched wings and colorful stained windows on three façades. Inside, the windowless wing houses a wooden totem sculpture, and 14 black-and-white stone panels are exhibited throughout the space.

The exhibition also features some of Kelly's most important works, including "Sanary" (1951) and "Spectrum IV" (1967). Both Kelly scholars and those new to his work will find something valuable to take away from this visit.

The Lions’ club tour lasts 45 minutes and begins at 12:30. Please arrive at the café next to the Blanton on MLK by 11:45 for lunch. We will gather there and walk to the Ellsworth Kelly exhibit in the building next door (NOT the Blanton, it’s in another building next door that’s actually part of the exhibit).

1. Pesto Chicken Salad Sandwich Lettuce / Red Onion / Sun Dried Tomato / Kaiser Roll
   
2. Smoked Turkey Ruben, Swiss / Sauerkraut / Thousand Island / Marble Rye Bread
   
3. Roast Beef Sandwich Brie Cheese / Red Onion / Red Pepper / Ciabatta Bread
   
4. Southwest Chicken Wrap Lettuce / Cilantro / Peppers / Corn & Black Bean Salsa / Chipotle Mayo
   
5. Caesar Salad Romaine Lettuce / Parmesan / Caesar Dressing

Accompanied by Baked Lay’s Chips, Bottled Water, Fresh Baked Cookies and
Fresh Fruit

We order meals based on your reservations and must pay for them even if you do not show up.
If you need to change or cancel your reservation, please call 512-441-1555.