Exploring The McNay Art Museum, San Antonio

Experience Transformation Through Art”- This is how the McNay Art Museum of San Antonio introduces itself, and visitors definitely agree! Established in 1954, McNay Art Museum is the first modern art museum in all of Texas. An heiress from Ohio, Marion Koogler McNay, came to Texas after marrying a Sergeant. She spent her life collecting 19th and 20th-century European and American paintings. After her unfortunate demise, her collection and her Spanish Colonial-Revival residence with 24 rooms led to the foundation of the iconic McNay Art Museum!

Here, we will tour the fascinating museum, exploring more than 22,000 art pieces in its collection. Book the best hotels in San Antonio with OYO to make your visit fun, memorable, and comfortable!

Key Highlights of The McNay Art Museum’s Collection

It will take you a long time to truly experience all that the McNay Art Museum offers. The exhibitions and presentations are for a limited time only. Make sure to keep the dates in mind while you book the top San Antonio hotel in Texas.

Must-Watch Art Pieces at The McNay Art Museum

Here is an overall glimpse of the various sections of the museum! 

• Medieval and Renaissance art
• New Mexico art
• Paintings, sculptures, and photographs from 19th and 21st- century Europe and America
• Modern and Contemporary Art from the 20th Century
• Exceptional collections of Southwestern prints and drawings
• The remarkable Tobin Collection of Theater Arts
• Theater arts dating back to the 1500s
• Collection of French Art Glass from Jeanne and Irving Mathews
• Contemporary Latino Prints

Prominent Exhibitions at The McNay Art Museum

The museum is known for hosting various exhibitions throughout the year. Some popular ones you can catch on your next trip to San Antonio are here!

• Dreamland | Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas: It is an ode to Tim Burton’s 1993 film, The Nightmare Before Christmas. You will see the reflection of the unusual characters of the film and the director’s unique narrative. The exhibition stays till January 14, 2024.
• Big Little Stage: You will be introduced to how designers present creative visions for stage productions using small and large-scale models or maquettes. Catch it before February 25, 2024!
• Spotlight: Embrace Vanessa German’s BLACK GIRL WITH SNAKES Embraced by San Antonio’s Little Artists: More than a thousand K-12 students of San Antonio have created arts and crafts, taking inspiration from Vanessa German’s work. The exhibition will be in the museum till April 28, 2024.
• Prints and Drawings by Contemporary Black Artists: The museum will showcase the artwork of Radcliffe Bailey, an Atlanta-based artist, till March 17, 2024.

Special Presentations at The McNay Art Museum

The following are some of the special presentations that are must-watch!

• Stomping Ground: It showcases an exciting art piece created from recycled and brightly painted lobster rope by Orly Genger (available till April 14, 2024).
• Artists Looking at Art: It is a celebration of the contemporary art community by Melissa Gamez Herrera (in the museum till April 7, 2024).
• Latin Exoskeleton: The de la Torre Brothers combine trompe l’oeil wallpaper with lenticular images (stays till September 15, 2024).

Major Events at The McNay Art Museum

McNay keeps organizing various events that focus on art and uplift the desire and passion of aspiring artists. The list goes on, from self-care sessions and music nights to workshops and art classes!

Opening Hours

The museum is located at 6000 N New Braunfels Ave, and it welcomes visitors at different hours throughout the week. 

• Monday and Tuesday – Closed
• Wednesday – 10:00 am to  6:00 pm
• Thursday – 10:00 am to 9:00 pm
• Friday – 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
• Saturday – 10:00 am to  5:00 pm
• Sunday – 12:00 to  5:00 pm

Tickets

The ticket price varies from individual to individual. Free entries are also available on selected days and times.

The ticket prices are $20 for adults, $10 for teens between 13 and 19, and $15 for seniors above 65 and college students. Member adults, veterans, militaries, military families, and children below 12 need no tickets.

Plan your trip on Thursday between 4 and 9 pm or the first Sunday of every month from Noon to 5 pm, and you won’t need a ticket as visits are free. However, entry to special exhibitions will require a ticket of $10.

Membership

The museum offers different types of memberships to find support and inspiration from visitors to discover and enjoy the visual arts. General memberships, educational programs, business memberships, and visionary circles are to name a few! Buy the membership and get rewarded with multiple perks at the museum. 

How to Find the Best Hotel in San Antonio?

When you plan a trip to San Antonio and want to book the best accommodation, look no further than OYO hotels! Whether you want a cozy accommodation to feel right at home or wish to have an artistic or extravagant stay, OYO has got you covered.

You can pick from an array of well-furnished rooms with quality amenities. From Wi-Fi, television, and air conditioning to special facilities like swimming pools and fitness centers, you will find anything you need. Many hotels serve complimentary breakfasts. The hotel staff will be ready to assist and serve you whenever you need. All in all, you can rest assured of a fine experience with us. 

Regardless of when you arrive, you can enjoy 24/7 check-ins in many of the premium or cheap hotels in San Antonio. We have multiple offers and discounts to make your stay even more enjoyable! Make a prior booking or search for the ‘OYO hotel near me’ once you are here. 

Conclusion

The McNay Art Museum is on the wishlist of many art lovers and individuals with an artistic mindset. It opens the door to artwork from all over the world of different centuries. The museum has successfully built a place where ancient and modern art coexists peacefully. The initiative of bringing artists of different backgrounds and encouraging people to learn more about art makes the museum even more commendable!

Visit San Antonio and keep the McNay Art Museum on your travel guide. As you spend your time and get inspired by art, OYO will take care of your accommodation. For bookings or any further enquiry, feel free to dial +1 6282027586.