Skyspace | University of Texas

Photo of the ceiling colored with magenta and blue lights and a gray-green oculus.

The Color Inside

A Skyspace by James Turrell

Landmarks, the public art program of The University of Texas at Austin, is pleased to present The Color Inside, a Skyspace by artist James Turrell. All members of the campus community and public are welcome to visit. The optimal viewing times to experience Turrell’s art are at sunrise and sunset, during light sequences that last about an hour. The Skyspace offers a quiet, contemplative space during other times of the day.

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My work is more about your seeing than it is about my seeing.
James Turrell

Photo of a young woman seated in the skyspace.

The Skyspace is a naked-eye observatory in the heart of the main campus, where visitors view the sky through an opening in the ceiling called an oculus.

Photo of the ceiling colored with orange lights and a deep blue oculus.

During sunrise and sunset, colored lights illuminate the walls and contrast the natural skylight in the oculus. This affects the way we see the sky and produces the experience of James Turrell’s art.

While Turrell considers his art only visible during sunrise and sunset, the Skyspace is available for observation during the day. It provides a quiet, contemplative space for the campus community and visitors.

Photo of the exterior of the structure illuminated at dusk.

The Color Inside is the eighty-fourth Skyspace created by James Turrell and one of twelve open to the public in the United States. Each Skyspace is different and not all have light sequences at sunrise and sunset.

Photo of the exterior of the structure during the day with the UT tower visible in the distance.

Landmarks commissioned James Turrell to create a Skyspace in 2008. The work was funded by a capital improvement project that included the William C. Powers, Jr. Student Activity Center and the College of Liberal Arts.

Photo of two observers looking at the oculus.

Visitors are encouraged to experience The Color Inside repeatedly because changes in sunlight and weather alter the viewing experience. About twenty-five people may occupy the Skyspace comfortably.

Photo of the ceiling colored with azure blue lights and a sky blue oculus.

Read more about The Color Inside and public art at the university by visiting the Landmarks website. Information about James Turrell and additional learning resources are also available on the Landmarks collection page.

Photo of the the structure on top of the Student Activity Center.

Take pride in contributing to the beauty of the main campus and The Color Inside by supporting Landmarks. Your online donation supports care of the collection and helps engage a broad community.

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Visit the Skyspace

View available dates for the sunset light sequence

-Limit 4 tickets per person.
-Only available dates are displayed. If all dates are unavailable, then the reservations have been booked by others.
-New reservations are posted daily.

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You will receive an email reminder before your visit. Go green and bring your reservation confirmation on your smartphone.

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Visiting Hours

Can't make it to a sunset light sequence? Visit the Skyspace throughout the day. Hours subject to change and no reservation required. The Skyspace is closed during university holidays and for occasional maintenance. Visit the William C. Powers, Jr. Student Activity Center for building hours.

Standby at Sunset

Landmarks can accommodate standbys on a first-come-first-served basis. Standby visitors are encouraged to arrive at the Skyspace thirty minutes before sunset to join the list. Once the light sequence begins, no-show reservations will be released and standby guests will be accommodated as space permits.

Songs in the Skyspace

During the light sequence one Sunday each month, classical guitarists, a cappella singers, and other musicians may perform in good weather. Reserve your seat above, and view the full lineup on Landmarks' Blog.

Health and Safety

Landmarks is committed to the health and safety of our staff and visitors. Protocols have been implemented in accordance with current health and safety guidelines and State law. Masks are strongly recommended and will be made available during light sequences. Sanitizer stations are available throughout the WCP.

Donate

Love the Skyspace? Pay it forward with a gift to Landmarks. Your support keeps the collection free and accessible to all.

Visitor Policies

Please present reservation confirmation upon arrival for sunsets.
Check the weather forecast in preparation for your visit.

Please ensure an enjoyable experience by observing the following:

-Be quiet and respect others
-No food or beverages
-No smoking
-No pets, bikes, or skateboards
-No flash photography or tripods
-Darken light-emitting screens
-Personal photography only

Location

William C. Powers, Jr. Student Activity Center
Third floor, Rooftop Garden
2201 Speedway at 22nd Street
Austin, Texas 78712

Parking

Brazos Parking Garage
San Jacinto Parking Garage
Manor Parking Garage
Parking and Transportation Services

FAQs

Why are the sunset reservations not available?: Others interested in visiting the Skyspace have made the reservations. The next available day will be listed within 24 hours, so check back daily.
How long will the Skyspace be on view?: The Skyspace is a permanent installation.
When should I arrive for sunset?: Please arrive no later than your reservation time.
Where is the Skyspace located?: Use this map to locate the William C. Powers, Jr. Student Activity Center. Once inside the WCP, take the western elevator (Southwest entrance near Speedway and Gregory Gym) to the third floor. Exit the elevator to the left and follow the corridor to the entrance of the rooftop. Please note that the other two elevators in the building do not provide access to the rooftop.
How do I cancel a sunset reservation?: Your confirmation email will have a cancellation option. If you need assistance, please email reserve@landmarksut.org and include your reservation date and time.
How do I make reservations beyond the times listed?: It is not possible to make reservations beyond the listed times, although requests for exceptions may be made for course instruction. Please make your request to reserve@landmarksut.org.
How do I request a reservation for more than 4 people?: Please place your request with reserve@landmarksut.org. Be sure to include the number in your party and your preferred dates and times.
Why are reservations for sunrise not available?: On most days, the sunrise sequence occurs when the William C. Powers, Jr. Student Activity Center building is closed.
What if I forget to bring my reservation confirmation for sunset?: You must have your reservation confirmation in order to secure seating in the Skyspace. If you do not have your confirmation, then you may be asked to standby until seating is available.

What happens if I arrive late for sunset?: You may have to wait for others to exit the Skyspace before you are admitted.
What happens if there's an unexpected closure?: You will be notified by Landmarks by email If there is an unexpected closure at the time of your reservation.
What if it rains?: The Skyspace remains open in the rain. It can make for spectacular viewing, but you may get wet.
How do I report a problem with the Skyspace?: If you notice any maintenance or conservation needs, then please email info@landmarksut.org.
How do I share feedback?: Please email info@landmarksut.org with any comments or suggestions.
Is the rooftop available for private events?: The rooftop is intended for the public and is not available for private events.
How may I support this project?: Please make an online donation on Landmarks Support Page. You may also scan the QR code inside of the Skyspace to donate.
How do I become a volunteer?: Learn about volunteer opportunities by visiting Landmarks Volunteer Page.
How did the Skyspace get here?: The idea to commission a Skyspace by James Turrell was introduced by Landmarks director Andrée Bober in 2007. The Color Inside opened to the public in October 2013. Learn more by reading the project overview.
What does it take to maintain the Skyspace?: Skyspace conservation and maintenance requires a team of dedicated individuals. Learn more about their efforts on the Landmarks website.
How do I contact Landmarks?: Please call (512) 495-4315 during business hours or email info@landmarksut.org.

The light that we carry with us makes a difference.
James Turrell

James Turrell

James Turrell is one of the world’s most highly regarded artists who uses light to create works of art. As a veteran pilot, he finds inspiration in the quality of light experienced from the sky. His personal interests in aviation, geometry and astronomy are evident in his work. Rooted in the traditions of his Quaker upbringing, Turrell invites visitors to “go inside and greet the light.”

Turrell’s most ambitious project is Roden Crater, an observatory created inside an extinct volcano in Arizona. The artist has two additional public Skyspaces in Texas, both located in Houston: Twilight Epiphany at Rice University and One Accord at Live Oaks Friends (Quaker) Meeting House.

Turrell’s work has been the subject of hundreds of exhibitions and he has received prestigious awards from the Guggenheim, Lannan, and MacArthur foundations. In 2013 he became the first artist to have three concurrent solo exhibitions at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; the Los Angeles County Museum of Art; and the Guggenheim Museum, New York.

Learn more about the artist and The Color Inside by visiting the Landmarks website and by watching this short video.

James Turrell, Photo by Florian Holzherr. Detail of oculus, Photo by Paul Bardagjy.

Skyspace - James Turrell at the University of Texas Austin