The Blanton: Edgar A. Smith Building Opening

This weekend, the Blanton Museum of Art is celebrating the completion of the Blanton complex by unveiling the Edgar A. Smith Building. The new facility, which is adjacent to the James A. Michener gallery building, houses the museum's cafe, a gift shop, an auditorium, and classrooms for art and education events. The Smith building also provides much needed administrative offices for the Blanton staff. The opening of the new structure makes the Blanton the largest university museum in the United States. The Blanton has plans to use the auditorium and classrooms for both UT and community events, and is working with the Austin Film Society to screen films in the 300 seat theater.

The public grand opening for the Edgar A. Smith Building is taking place this Sunday from 1-6pm. The event is free and will feature a special performance by the Guy Forsyth Band (playing at 3:30 and 4:45), along with art activities, film screenings, and tours of both Blanton facilities. Art historian and critic Jed Perl will give a lecture and sign copies of his book, Watteau's World: The Mysterious Life and Magnificent Afterlife of an 18th-century Painter at 2pm.

Photographs from last night's member preview taken by Andrew Stalick.

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