Museums are the cultural hubs of San Antonio. Whether you’re looking to learn something new about the 210 or plotting a way to spend your Saturday afternoon, here are 17 museums to visit in our city.
Culture
UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures, 801 E. César E. Chávez Blvd. | Donation
Opened during the 1968 World’s Fair, this museum gives a voice to the experiences of people from across the globe who call Texas home through exhibits, public outreach, special events, and workshops. Note: This museum is currently closed as it moves to its new temporary home.
San Antonio African American Community Archive and Museum, 218 S. Presa St. | Free
This institution has collected, preserved, and shared the cultural heritage of African Americans in the San Antonio region since July 2017. Plus, explore its growing digital collection in collaboration with Texas A&M San Antonio.
Witte Museum, 3801 Broadway | $0-$17
Since 1926, this 10-acre campus has been inspiring people through experiences in nature, science, and culture. Even though the museum primarily engages K-12 students, all are welcome to explore its 320,000 objects and specimens. Pro tip: Bexar County residents can get free museum admission every Tuesday from 3 to 6 p.m.
History
Holocaust Memorial Museum of San Antonio, 12500 N.W. Military Hwy. | $1-$3
Located inside the Jewish Community Center on the Northwest side, this museum focuses on the history of the Holocaust through docent-led tours, films, and survivor testimonies.
Spanish Governor’s Palace, 105 Plaza de Armas | $0-$5
Built in the early 18th century (then restored in the 1930s), this palace represents the remnants of a Spanish mission called Presidio San Antonio de Béjar. Originally a comandancia — residence and working office — for the captains of the military garrison from 1722 until the early 1800s, it’s now a Texas history museum focusing on the Spanish era.
There are ranger-led guided walks every day at San Antonio Missions National Historical Park | Photo by NPS
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, 6701 San Jose Dr. | Free
This National Park Service and UNESCO World Heritage Site encompasses nearly 300 years of rich history and features four separate missions: Mission San José, Mission Concepción, Mission San Juan, and Mission Espada.
Texas Transportation Museum, 11731 Wetmore Rd. | $0-$10
The volunteer-led museum shines a spotlight on railroad equipment, cars, model railroads, and objects from the past 50 years.
San Antonio Fire Museum, 801 E. Houston St. | $0-$10
Considered one of San Antonio’s hidden gems, this museum is located at the city’s original Central Fire Headquarters. It preserves San Antonio’s firefighting history by displaying antique fire trucks and equipment, objects dating back to the mid-1800s, and archived documents + photos.
Fun fact — the “Alamo” is thought to have been named after a cottonwood tree. | Photo via Unsplash
The Alamo, 300 Alamo Plaza | Free
Originally established as Mission San Antonio de Valero in 1718, this landmark is widely known as the site of the 1836 Battle of the Alamo.
Villa Finale Museum and Gardens, 401 King William | $0-$15
The former home of local civic leader and collector Walter Nold Mathis is located in the King William neighborhood and features over 12,000 items. The property and its collections were left to the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 2004.
Music
TextPop San Antonio, 1017 E. Mulberry Ave. | Free
This museum was created in 2012 by Margaret Moser to preserve and document San Antonio and South Texas music, art, and pop culture from the 1950s through the 1980s. See vintage posters and live music memorabilia by appointment.
Make note of community days at the Briscoe Western Art Museum. | Photo by SATXtoday
Arts
Briscoe Western Art Museum, 210 W. Market St. | $0-$16
Housed inside the building of San Antonio’s original public library (which can still be found on the first floor), the museum opened its doors in 2003. The museum highlights its preservation of the art, history, and culture of the American West through exhibitions, educational programs, and public events.
Centro de Artes, 101 S. Santa Rosa Ave. | Free
The multi-level exhibit space tells the story of the Latino experience in the US with a focus on South Texas. You’ll see local and regional works by Latino artists.
Hopscotch San Antonio, 711 Navarro St., Ste. 100 | $15-$24
San Antonio’s immersive gallery brings together artists in a collaborative environment to create unique, impactful, and distinct shared experiences.
McNay Art Museum, 6000 N. New Braunfels Ave. | $0-$20
Through the bequest of founder Marion Koogler McNay, this museum (located inside a mansion) opened its doors in 1956 and currently has over 22,000 works of art, ranging from Medieval and Renaissance to blown glass and more.
Ruby City, 150 Camp St. | Free
The brainchild of art collector Linda Pace, this contemporary art center provides a space for the city’s creative community to experience art by local and internationally-acclaimed artists.
San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones Ave. | $0-$22
Opened in 1926 at the old Lone Star Brewery complex, this art museum collects, preserves, exhibits, and interprets art from different historical periods + world cultures. The museum offers free admission to Bexar County residents every Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m.
What to bring
Whether you’re heading to check out the latest art showcase or ready to marvel through historic architecture, have these essentials on hand while you venture through your local museums:
- Stay hydrated while you peruse ancient artifacts with this 64 oz leak proof glass jug with versatile lids for easy use.
- Pack light and breeze through security screenings using this clear, waterproof cross sling bag to comfortably carry your valuables.
- Don’t forget to pack snacks for the tours –– like these low calorie, low sugar KIND Bar minis that give your taste buds the perfect salty/sweet combo.
- Your feet will be ready to conquer the world when you wear this pair of New Balance women’s sneakers that give all day support and cushion.
- These quick drying cargo shorts by Wrangler give a relaxed and comfortable fit and feature extra pockets for easy storage of car keys, cell phones, and a museum guide.
- Use the thick lined pages of this compact style, vegan leather journal to capture your thoughts as you spectate whimsical paintings and statues.
What did we miss? If you know a museum that’s not on the list, let us know.
