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Free museum admission days in San Antonio

Discover the free ways to experience the Alamo City’s premier art destinations.

SATXtoday: sama

Explore the cultures of the world at the San Antonio Museum of Art for free for Bexar County residents.

Photo by Terry Manning

We love celebrating the Alamo City and sharing all the must dos around town, especially if it’s free. Well, did you know that most (if not all) museums in our city offer free admission on certain days of the month?

Here’s a roundup of 10 local museums in SATX offering complimentary visits — just in time for Museum Selfie Day on Wednesday, Jan. 15.

Witte Museum | Free on Tuesdays, 3-6 p.m. | Check out the " Black Cowboys: An American Story” exhibition that explores the Black West.

The DoSeum | Free Family Night, the first Monday of every month | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Make it a perfect evening of play at the next free event on Monday, Feb. 3.

San Antonio Museum of Art | Free Tuesdays, 4-7 p.m. | Sundays, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Pro tip: There is a $5 surcharge for special exhibitions during SAMA’s free general admission hours — current special exhibitions include “Samurai Spirit: Swords, Accessories, and Paintings.”

San Antonio African American Community Archive and Museum | Always free | Founded in 2017 by Everett Fly and George Frederick, SAACAM — pronounced SAY-CAM — is on a mission to collect, preserve, and share the cultural heritage + untold stories of African Americans in the Alamo City.

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Take a walk through the McNay Art Museum’s sculpture garden during its free admission days.

Photo by SATXtoday team

The McNay | Free Thursdays, 4-9 p.m. | First Sunday of every month, 12-5 p.m. | From painting and sculpture to works on paper, the McNay offers a unique art museum experience filled with moments of surprise, inspiration, and beauty throughout the 25-acre campus.

Briscoe Western Art Museum | Free the first Sunday of every month | Children under 12 + active duty military are always free.

Holocaust Memorial Museum | Always free, donations encouraged | Listen + read survivor testimonies and learn more about the Holocaust.

Aaron Christmas Photowalk SATXtoday Ruby City

Bring your camera and friend for a cute selfie in front of Ruby City’s red facade.

Photo by Aaron Christmas

Ruby City | Always free | Pro tip: After your visit to Ruby City, walk across the street and take a stroll to explore the art installations in Chris Park.

San Antonio Fire Museum | First Tuesday of every month | 11a.m.-2 p.m. | See antique fire trucks and fire-fighting equipment dating back to the mid-1800s, plus beautifully archived documents and photos.

Blue Star Contemporary | Always free | Founded by artists and grown from a grassroots art exhibition in 1986, Blue Star Contemporary is the first and longest-running nonprofit space for contemporary art in San Antonio.

For even more museums, check out our City Guide.

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