Landmarks is the award-winning public art program of The University of Texas at Austin. Its collection of nearly 50 works of modern and contemporary art beautifies campus, catalyzes critical thinking and dialogue, and fosters a lifelong appreciation of the arts. Most importantly, Landmarks is open to all, 24/7, free of charge.
A Campus Treasure
Among Landmarks’ most acclaimed works is The Color Inside, a Skyspace by artist James Turrell. Enjoyed by more than 75,000 people each year, the Skyspace is a freestanding, naked-eye observatory in the heart of campus. Each sunrise and sunset, a pre-programmed light sequence fills the space with brilliant washes of color. Through Turrell’s masterful manipulations, the sequences cause the sky to appear in unimaginable hues.
The Color Inside is an essential part of the Longhorn experience. Faculty regularly incorporate visits to the Skyspace into curricula for medical students, future engineers, poets, and other disciplines. During the day it offers a contemplative space to study or reflect. Students often cite it as their favorite place on campus to recharge.
Help Relaunch Songs in the Skyspace
Many creative, multi-disciplinary endeavors are inspired by The Color Inside. Among them is Songs in the Skyspace, a performance series that features a diverse lineup of musicians—from South Asian a capella groups to Tejano singers and string quartets. More than a dynamic work of art, the Skyspace offers a unique way to build connections and is a key entry point for underrepresented students and communities.
Did you know?
A virtual Skyspace meditation, featuring a classical guitar composition co-commissioned with Austin Classical Guitar, was hailed by The Austin Chronicle as the “best art experience of 2020.”
Investing in the Future
COVID-19 necessitated the temporary closure of the Skyspace in March 2020. While shuttered, several major conservation and maintenance efforts were deferred. Landmarks needs your help now to complete the necessary work to reopen to the public in mid-February.
Your support, at any level, will enable the successful completion of conservation and maintenance projects and allow for the return of programs that attract thousands of students and campus visitors each year. Above all, your donations will ensure that this campus gem is preserved for future generations.
Your gift of $33 pays for one shift of a Student Skyspace Attendant
Your gift provides a year’s supply of cotton rags for conservation
Your gift pays for the printing of informational cards inside the Skyspace
Your gift celebrates the year the Skyspace opened and pays for the exterior power washing of the Skyspace