09.26.2024

Today’s Forecast

Throwing it back to 1954

A history lesson on The McNay Art Museum in San Antonio

Let’s paint a picture — it’s the 1940s and this is your home. Welcome to the McNay Art Museum. | Photo by SATXtoday team

Art enthusiasts, gather around for a history lesson on one of San Antonio’s most prestigious art institutions, The McNay Art Museum.

The Alamo City is home to several art museums that serve the local community as hubs for local and international art + splendid architecture.

Where it all started

The McNay Art Museum was founded in 1954 — making it the first modern art museum in Texas. The museum originated from Marion Koogler McNay, who acquired 700+ works throughout her life. McNay utilized her power and influence to support Southwestern artists. In 1942, she offered her home to the San Antonio Art Institute to prevent its closure.

After McNay’s death in 1950, her house and art collection became what we know today as The McNay.

mcnay-exterior-1350x1080 — The museum has expanded its footprint since 1954 to fit more acquisitions.
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Photo by SATXtoday team

Here are a few facts about the space:

The iconic Spanish Colonial Revival house — which embodies the McNay — was built by architects Atlee and Robert Ayres.
McNay was heavily involved in the design process of the house, even creating some tilework patterns and ceiling stencils that adorn the estate.

Today’s museum

The museum serves as both an educational place to learn about art history and an idyllic escape from the real world. Today’s institution holds 22,000+ works of art, including:

Medieval and Renaissance art
The Tobin Collection of Theatre Arts
Jeanne and Irving Mathews Collection of Art Glass

Fun fact: You can view 16,169 of the museum’s pieces online.

Plan a visit

Person in white shirt and black pants view four framed pieces of art work on display inside the McNay Art Museum. — Plan a trip to stroll through the museum’s gallery and check out its current exhibits.
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Photo by The McNay Art Museum

If you ever want to get lost among the captivating pieces of art, here are a few things to keep in mind before you go:

Admission is $20 for adults. There are various discounts for teens, seniors, college students, military, and infants.
Parking is free.
Be sure to explore the garden grounds where you can find trails, fountains, sculptures + a koi pond.

Want more local museums? Check out our guide.

Asked

What year did the McNay Art Museum open to the public?

A. 1942
B. 1950
C. 1954
D. 1968

Test your knowledge

Events

Thursday, Sept. 26

Wine & Dine | Thursday, Sept. 26 | 7-9 p.m. | Copa Wine Bar | $75 | Dive into the cuisine of Portugal featuring a four-course meal with wine pairings.
Noche Cumbiambera Volume 3: Volcan 10 Year Anniversary | Thursday, Sept. 26 | 7 p.m.-12 a.m. | Stable Hall | $22+ | Celebrate a decade of rhythm + culture with special guests Los Juanos and The Tiarras at Noche Cumbiambera.
Singles Mixer | Thursday, Sept. 26 | 8 p.m. | Pastiche | Cost of purchase | Take a break from the dating apps and come meet your next great love at this European cocktail bar.

Friday, Sept. 27

2024 Fall Home + Garden Show | Friday, Sept. 27-Saturday, Sept. 28 | Times vary | Alamodome | $7 | Get some decorating inspo for your home + landscape at the 43rd annual show featuring the latest products and services.
“Threes” | Friday, Sept. 27 | 8 p.m. | The Overtime Theater, Leon Valley | $12+ | This dark comedy written by Rita Anderson follows the characters Holly + Hunter as they navigate life and death in the Advance Obituary Office.

Saturday, Sept. 28

Beginner Bird Walk | Saturday, Sept. 28 | 8-10 a.m. | Mitchell Lake Audubon Center | $10 | Enjoy a morning in the great outdoors and learn how to bird watch.
Hispanic Heritage Mercado | Saturday, Sept. 28 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Feliz Modern | Free | Shop from local vendors as you celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Real Estate

Weston Urban will acquire the Robert E. Lee Apartments at 111 W. Travis St. for $4.35 million. The 72-unit property is the latest addition to the firm’s surrounding land portfolio: 300 Main, Weston Centre, the Milam Building, and acreage intended for a new ballpark. (SA Business Journal)

Biz

Ollie’s Bargain Outlet is looking to expand its Alamo City footprint. The Pennsylvania-based company announced this week it plans to open 10 Texas locations in Dallas, Houston, McAllen, and San Antonio. Currently, there are three locations in the 210 with one spot opening today at 2942 Old Thousand Oaks Rd.

Open

The Bodega at Luna Rosa coffee shop is now open. Connected to the restaurant next door, the menu features Dive specialty coffees, classic brews, and a delightful selection of pastries. Want more coffee? Browse through our guide.

Cause

Period Palooza is looking for volunteers to help with upcoming events. The organization is dedicated to combating period poverty + advocating for menstrual equity. Sign up to help with one of its five initiatives.

Environment

It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s... butterflies? The South Texas native Snout Butterflies are taking to the skies in the Alamo City. The species blooms around Labor Day through October, but they are getting a late start this year. Learn more about butterflies at the Monarch Butterfly Festival on Saturday, Oct. 5. (SA Report)

Coming Soon

Another San Antonio-area H-E-B is getting a True Texas BBQ. A 6,785-sqft barbecue restaurant will be added to the grocery store location at 17460 I-35 North in Schertz, and will cost ~$1.4 million. The project is slated to begin in November and conclude in March 2025. (SA Current)

Eat

Bliss launched a weekday tasting menu. Stop by its restaurant in Southtown Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays for a $55 prix-fixe meal featuring popular dishes. Want more weekday meal deals? Check out our round-up.

Sports

Will the week four match against the New York Giants define the Cowboys’ season? Get the latest news, analysis, and insider information for the Dallas Cowboys with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.

Beauty

You don’t have to break the bank to attain strong, silky-soft hair. Pantene’s Keratin Leave-In Conditioner can repair split ends + protect against future damage for less than $20.*

Finance

Experts say thousands of folks with credit card debt are flocking to this leading card, which now offers 0% interest on balance transfers and purchases until nearly 2026. Pay down debts + avoid fees? Sounds like a fall must-do.*

Networking

📣 Calling all local entrepreneurs

San Antonio Startup Week announced schedule and speaker lineup

Group of people standing behind blue glowing table smiling and talking to each other with laptops in front of pink illuminated wall.

Startups and entrepreurs across the city coming together for SASW 2022. | Photo by San Antonio Startup Week

Make your way downtown next week for panels, workshops, and a celebration of the entrepreneurial life with San Antonio Startup Week. There are 80+ events to choose from taking place Monday, Oct. 14 through Friday, Oct. 18, and each discussion will be aligned with the week’s “Invest In...” themes. Things kick off with keynote speaker Arlan Hamilton — founder + managing partner of Backstage Capital.

Here are three noteworthy events:

Spicing Up the Industry | Tuesday, Oct. 15 | 3 p.m. | Join a discussion with successful Latino restaurant owners as they share their journeys of turning challenges into success.

Geeks + Drinks Happy Hour | Thursday, Oct. 17 | 6 p.m. | Mix and mingle with people in the tech, startup, and entrepreneurial communities.

Invest in San Antonio | Friday, Oct. 18 | 9 a.m. | Chairman + CEO of HOLT CAT, Peter J. Holt, will close the week with insights into investing in San Antonio’s growth and entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Fun fact: When you register for free, you’ll get access to all the events. Ready to learn? See the full schedule.

The Buy

The Buy 9.26.24 (Affiliate)

A set of glass cups with bamboo lids and straws. These fan-favorite drinking cups are great for ciders, mocktails, and cocktails, plus they’re perfect for year-round iced coffee fans (we know you’re out there).

More worth The Buy

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Adriana

From the editor

I love learning about the history of museums. With my background in history and museums, there is always something to learn once you step through the doors of the institution.

Fun fact: Collections storage locations are not shared with the public because it can become a security issue. It’s something I learned during my time working with the National Park Service in San Francisco.

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