McNay Art Museum image

McNay Art Museum

Tourist attraction Museum Event venue Community center Arts organization Modern art museum

One of the Most Reviewed Museums in San Antonio


Address

6000 N New Braunfels Ave, San Antonio, TX 78209, United States

Website

www.mcnayart.org

Contact

+1 210-824-5368

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (3.2K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

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

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: museum (44) beautiful (30) time (21) great (19) McNay (18) free (18) grounds (18) visit (18) collection (15) exhibit (14)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Kimberly F. 2 years ago on Google
    Listen everyone! I am back! And we did Second Thursday at the McNay! It’s s free, family friendly event. You can enter the museum, for free, during event time and 4pm to 9pm on Thursdays! Live music, food trucks (if you want to spend) and great company! Check it out! The exhibits rotate as well, register and make sure to get there early to secure a good spot. It does get crowded and packed.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Danielle G. 2 years ago on Google
    This is an excellent museum with a great collection ranging from modern art to local artists to European masters. They rotate exhibits to keep things fresh. The house itself is a thing of beauty to see the Spanish style architecture and the garden. So beautiful there were prom pictures being taken on the grounds. I greatly respect that they had anything printed like art descriptions in English and Spanish.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 analisa h. 7 months ago on Google • 290 reviews
    Free art museum. It was interesting to say the least. Plenty of art to look at and appreciate. My husband brought me here for the Tim Burton dreamland exhibit. It was small but cool. Free for veterans. $8 for general entry. Parking is spacious. We came on a humid day (100% humidity) so we did not view the outside sculptures. I do plan to come back and walk through everything that is outside though. Gorgeous venue for parties or events. There were some young ladies there taking professional photos in their quinceanera dresses. Very beautiful and worth making the trip to go see. Loved every minute of it.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Allyson M. 1 year ago on Google
    My first visit to the McNay Art Museum was a great one! They had an amazing collection, and the building itself was really beautiful. I was impressed by the sculpture collection, the multiple Picasso pieces, and the large Monet waterlily painting. My favorite part was the temporary exhibit Beyond Reality, featuring work by 4 younger, Texas-based, artists. Overall, it was a fantastic visit and I would love to return next time I’m in San Antonio! I would recommend this institution to any art-lovers in the area.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 AMY M. 1 year ago on Google
    ==== UPADATE (10/21/22) ==== You can see popular paintings that was only accessible through exhibition for extra $10 is now in the main building so you won't have to pay extra. Some of paintings (Like Vincent Van Gogh's painting) are not open to public at this time. You can still see Monet's paintings which was nice. ========================== I've been living in San Antonio more than 6 years and this was first time to visit here. I regret that I did not come here much earlier. I went to this museum on Thursday after 4PM which made my admission free and paid $10 for special exhibition and it was so worth it! I highly recommend this place if you are a art lover. The museum was beautiful. Their collection in special exhibition were impressive. YOU NEED TO GET A TICKET FOR SPECIAL EXHIBITION or you will miss all of popular paintings.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Melanie G. 7 months ago on Google • 86 reviews
    First time coming here myself and it is a beautiful well kept museum. The outdoor part is gorgeous. We came here for the Nightmare Before Christmas Exhibition which we paid extra just for that exhibition and it wasn't what I expected. We thought it be solely an exhibition about the movie but there was other artwork in there. Wish it had bigger sculptures or just more from the movie to make it great but other than that it went well. Definitely check it out.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Cassandra P. 8 months ago on Google • 400 reviews
    We visit on a Wednesday and came for Nightmare Before Christmas exhibit, which was fairly small but very cool. While this museum’s collection isn’t very large some pieces are very well known and this makes them very accessible. The grounds and the home are stunning.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jennifer E. 2 years ago on Google
    Spending the afternoon at the McNay Art Museum was delightful. There is a huge variety of genres, mediums, and artists amongst the many exhibits and gardens. I was especially moved seeing original art by some of the world's greatest artists: Monet, Van Gogh, Picasso, Chegal, Renoir, Cassatt, and of course Ms. McNay herself. The building is a work of art itself; absolutely beautiful.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Denyse P. 1 year ago on Google
    They have mostly contemporary art and a smattering of impressionist. Their new addition to the museum is very impressive. When I was there they had a display of theatrical costumes, especially from the Broadway play Wicked. Anybody who is interested in costume design should visit this archive, which includes drawings, reference books etc. In the new building they had a gallery for art produced by high school students, particularly Randolph Air Force base. They must have an outstanding art program because the works were very creative.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Heather D. 2 years ago on Google
    This is my absolute favorite museum in Texas. The beautiful Spanish mansion holds a whimsically curated collection of fine art from many eras and movements. I love that they’ll place a modern painting next to a classic masterpiece and still have them relate to each other. I’ve been visiting these pieces of art so often they’ve started to feel like home to me. Absolutely worth a visit. Veterans and their families get in free.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Greg A. 8 months ago on Google
    Wow, wow, wow! What a gorgeous museum. And who knew you could see Rodin, Monet, C’ezanne, and the other great artist. One of the prettiest museums in Texas if not the prettiest, they’ve done a great job of converting the old mansion into a modern day museum, and their outdoor sculpture and outdoor areas are amazing. Like I said, one of the prettiest, if not prettiest, museums in Texas I must see when you go to San Antonio❤️
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Denise L. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful gem in our city! Attended Second Thursday with my beau and kids. The atmosphere was one of a backyard gathering with extended family...and ran into an aunt and uncle! The art was exquisite, as it always is and my overall experience left me enriched and inspired.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Brandy L. 2 years ago on Google
    The McNay was a wonderful place to spend a portion of my birthday. We were pleasantly surprised that McNay partnered with Blue Star Families and hosted our visit for free. We did pay a small fee to see the special exhibit and enjoyed the Limitless exhibit and are glad we did. The special exhibit highlighted 5 influential female artists and their individual and downright quirky take filled me with inspiration! The story of the the home and museum are a true testament to endearing love and art. Walking the spectacular grounds is a must!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Cyn M. 8 months ago on Google • 456 reviews
    One of the most beautiful museums I have visited. The rich history and amazing story. All the art exhibits are interesting and fun. The grounds are breathtaking.

  • 5/5 Victoria O. 1 year ago on Google
    This is a beautiful museum, and you’ll spend at least 45 minutes here. There is also free parking which is great. Military members get in free. All staff I interacted with were super nice, and I enjoyed going to the McNay Art Museum!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 destiny b. 2 years ago on Google
    Very nice art museum! Did not expect to see Vincent van gogh or Monet paintings there. Very pretty garden as well!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Katherine W. 11 months ago on Google
    This is such an incredible collection of art. From modern to Renaissance to an exhibit filled with school children's works. The grounds were so impressive as well. The art was beautifully displayed in both the mansion, and the new gallery. I highly recommend this stop to anyone who is a lover of art. And take the time to walk the grounds, you won't be disappointed.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Katelyn C. 2 years ago on Google
    This museum is an excellent way to stay cool in the summer of San Antonio! I loved the art work of several new and classic artists. The employees are very knowledgeable and are a great asset of information. The court yard and front gardens of the museum are too gorgeous for words!!! I highly recommend visiting for any occasion!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Amanda 5 months ago on Google • 223 reviews
    There is a Nightmare Before Christmas exhibit open right now which such fun depictions from the movie. The cheeto piece was definitely interesting and unique. There is an exhibit where students made birds out of felt and embroidery thread, they were fantastic!The staff members were kind. We had a wonderful time. Definitely recommend getting out there before the exhibits are replaced.

  • 4/5 Angela W. 7 months ago on Google • 50 reviews
    We went on a night when it was free to the public. There was a DJ and food trucks. If you wanted to see the Tim Burton exhibit, it was $10 per adult, but kids were free. To see the rest of the museum was free, but only on this night (Thursday). Idk if they do this every Thursday, but it was fun. I recommend going early when they do an event like this, because parking filled up quickly and we had to park elsewhere and walk, which wasn't a big deal, but may be to someone else.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Amanda P. 2 years ago on Google
    Went to the McNay for a wedding reception. The museum was absolutely beautiful! The had Monet, Picasso, Pollock, Georgia O'Keeffe and many other wonderful artists. The reception room was beautifully decorated as well.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 melinda l. 2 years ago on Google
    I love the McNay. There are many wonderful pieces of art work and the grounds are beautiful. Vets & active duty get for free. Great place to spend time at and soak in the culture.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Stephanie B. 10 months ago on Google
    I enjoyed my visit. It has been on my to visit list since I found out that military, veterans, and their families go free. I wanted to see the Woman-ish exhibit. Every Thursday there is free general admission from 4-9pm and the first Sunday of every month from 12-5pm. We spent just over an hour here. The outside grounds were nicely kept. I could see someone having photos taken. The inner courtyard was beautiful. However, some of the water appeared to be stagnant. My daughter (9)was bothered by it. She honestly didn't really enjoy all of it. It did make her ask a lot of questions which I loved. But she was a little anxious with some of the displays. Her favorite was the cheese doodle piece and the Beyond Reality exhibition. On view until mid-October. Staff was friendly and helpful. We got our tickets online prior to visiting. They held the door for me and my stroller. The website is nice and not buggy. Small gift shop area. Parking on site. Overall a pleasant experience.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Loretta P. 10 months ago on Google
    I really enjoyed the visit. I loved Womanish, which is temporary-- I think the exhibits change often. I didn't love the exhibits themed around color (not a particularly meaningful way to juxtapose art, in my opinion) but that is a minor quibble. The grounds were beautiful, the signage was excellent, and the curation felt mostly very purposeful and earnest. Definitely worth a visit if you like modern art at all.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jeremy P. 10 months ago on Google
    My family had a really good time exploring this museum. They have a wide range of exhibits. My kids had a good time in the doseum collaboration exhibit. I absolutely love the center garden. They are also a blue star museum so that was a huge plus. The only down side is I wish they had a snack bar inside. The vending machines are ok but they are outside and you have to stay outside until the snack or drink is finished. We are in Texas and it was the devil hot outside that day. The heat drained us of energy so we rushed through the rest of the museum so we could enjoy a meal inside.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Joann V. 6 months ago on Google • 43 reviews
    Just became a member! I really love the grounds and how beautiful the art is outside, as well as inside! Definitely a treat, I can't believe they have a Mark Bradford piece! It's a collection that is so diverse and from all time frames. Come out on Thursdays, between 4pm to 9pm and its free!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Michelle M. 2 years ago on Google
    Would have been five starts but a few of the galleries we're closed due to staffing. Really wish I could have see the all of the sculpture downstairs but I'll have to come back later. Parking was readily available. The grounds are beautiful. The halls are well spaced and don't feel crowded.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 L D. 6 months ago on Google • 57 reviews
    The grounds are beautiful we enjoyed the outside as much as the inside. The Tim Burton exhibition was really cool and worth seeing. The admission was free for those with a military ID and thier family.

  • 5/5 Jessica B. 2 years ago on Google
    One of my favorite museums in Texas. Lots of art from artists of Spanish descent. Just wish there was more art made by women in galleries. Other than that - really enjoyed the visit. Library is wondeful - wish I could have used the ladder to reach more books but it was labeled for staff use only. Visited from out of town and definitely should have come earlier. We'll be back! Highly recommend visiting this museum if you're ever in SA.

  • 5/5 jowey v. 4 years ago on Google
    The exhibits here never disappoint! The fashion and Selena exhibits are a must see!

  • 4/5 luis p. 4 years ago on Google
    Good experience, art that was advertised was not there no more. Still had a good time, and the art that was being showcased was beautiful.

  • 5/5 Liz T. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful grounds and structure. We especially like the Tobin Theater Arts wing. Exhibits change often enough to keep it fresh.

  • 5/5 Mark B. 4 years ago on Google
    Very nice mix of traditional and modern

  • 5/5 Pam L. 4 years ago on Google
    The setting here is beautiful. The permanent collection partially rotates from time to time and consists of many artists we could all name from classical to modern. They are always exhibiting something new and exciting from cars to Warhol. I love the after hours docent events and always learn something. The Mary Cassatt painting temporarily on loan from the Met by exchange was beautiful and fascinating! The McNay is first rate.

  • 5/5 Max A. 2 years ago on Google
    Lovely space. I’ve never come across a museum that does so much to engage casual viewers. Music in a gallery!?! Text quizzes? Drawing tables? Amazing.

  • 5/5 Andrea F. 2 years ago on Google
    amazing architecture and such wonderful art pieces can be found here! (i only wish the curation of the galleries was a bit better and had a bit more explanation as to how they selected the pieces in each exhibition, etc) overall it made for a wonderful visit! make sure to mention you're a student for a discount!

  • 5/5 Alexey B. 5 months ago on Google
    Beautiful historical building and lovely park around. Not too many world known masterpieces, but the ones they have are fantastic: breathtaking Mone, gorgeous Hopper, bright O'Keefe, heartbreaking Pissarro. They have Picasso when he know how to paint as normal artists do. )) My personal discovery was Carl Embrey -- I fell in love with his art.

  • 5/5 Christine W. 2 years ago on Google
    Always impressed with this museum. My favorite art museum in central Texas. Please note that you have to wear masks currently (June 2021) to be in the museum even if fully vaccinated. There is a fee to enter. This museum is a beautiful estate. The home and grounds are beautiful. The courtyard offers many photo opportunities. Quiet and serene. The work is very diverse. So much to see. There are surprises every time we visit.

  • 5/5 Geraldo A. 1 year ago on Google
    This Museum is spectaular and beautiful! Not just the inside but the outside too. We chose to do our engagement photos here and do not regret it! They allow private photo sessions when you get a permit through them, I believe outside in front is free for photos you just have to let them know. The staff are always super friendly as well!

  • 5/5 Aishi M. 1 year ago on Google
    Quickly became one of my favorite places in San Antonio! The McNay Museum & Mansion is a gorgeous venue and location with a well-maintained campus. There is a pebbled entrance with ample parking available and accessible ramps throughout. There is staff on all floors for assistance and security. Outdoor sculptures are seen in the front and other parts of the landscape as well as a fountain. The exhibitions were organized making it very easy to peruse. There is an interactive studio in the lobby area where you can do kid-friendly short activities. There are many legendary pieces to be seen by artists like Georgia O'Keefe, Pablo Picasso, and many more. There is also an indoor reception area for private events. The mansion itself is gorgeous with beautiful architecture, ceilings, and tile work both indoors and outside. There are many picturesque opportunities! The cleanliness and attention to detail with maintaining the exhibits is great to see. This museum is definitely one of the nicest places I have visited in San Antonio. I would definitely return and recommend it to visitors both local and out of town! Discounts are offered on their website and they participate in Museums For All and Free Thursday afternoons!

  • 5/5 Rich 4 years ago on Google
    Great theater arts section. Unique.

  • 5/5 carlos d. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice and cultural

  • 5/5 Amber L. 3 years ago on Google
    Wonderful experience!!

  • 5/5 Sandi H. 3 years ago on Google
    There is a little construction going on right now so follow the detour signs. I love this museum, it was a private mansion and the cultural architecture is beautiful. There is always a highlight exhibit along with classics. Never disappoints

  • 4/5 Salvador R. 3 years ago on Google
    Call before you decide to take your family, for New Entrance Instructions. Main Entrance closed due to "CONSTRUCTION WORK "!

  • 4/5 Renee P. 3 years ago on Google
    I have always loved going to the McNay...however I was disappointed by the fact that the second floor was closed. Also they should really update their website to inform you if the construction going on..the whole front entrance was closed...no detour signs and the it was a bit confusing on how to actually get onto the property.

  • 5/5 Juan & patricia C. 3 years ago on Google
    Picture perfect place

  • 5/5 Jose O. 3 years ago on Google
    I loved coming here over the years. Always something to see. The grounds were well taken care of and the staff were always nice.

  • 5/5 LaShay J. 3 years ago on Google
    Great place to visit

  • 5/5 Darrell M. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice

  • 5/5 Cassie G. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful museum.

  • 5/5 B M. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful building and a wonderful collection. Always a great visit

  • 5/5 edgar Z. 3 years ago on Google
    nice atmosphere...

  • 5/5 Allya H. 4 years ago on Google
    McNay always has a wonderful collection. Its curated well, and always has interesting temporary exhibitions too. Gardens and courtyards are also lovely.

  • 5/5 Eduardo P. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful outside and inside! The permanent exhibitions are great, with very nice pieces of art. Also a good (and common) place for photoshoots in San Antonio. Staff is friendly and happy to help. Overall a nice museum in South Texas.

  • 4/5 Krys K. 4 years ago on Google
    The collection is interesting but the most impressive part of this museum is the estate, itself. The layout of the rooms is a bit confusing since you're really navigating a house that wasn't built to flow like a gallery. I think they'd do well to revamp their map (I'm worried I missed a room or two). All in all, beautiful space with a few wonderful pieces. I'm happy I went and I'll come again for the new exhibitions.

  • 5/5 Hermes van A. 4 years ago on Google
    The McNay is a delightful local art museum with a choice of great artifacts from all kinds of heritages and eras but still somehow quite coherent. The building is also attractive in itself. Loved the sign "Please do not pet the sculpture" - almost a work of art in itself. A great place to spend some time in San Antonio.

  • 5/5 DeeAnna L. 4 years ago on Google
    We went on a Thursday night from 4-9pm courtesy of H-E-B. It was really fun and relaxing. We pushed our 1-year old daughter around in the stroller and also took her out to walk a bit through the halls and in the beautiful garden. The museum is staffed with excellent employees who were all willing to help us navigate and were certainly knowledgeable.

  • 5/5 Melanie V. 4 years ago on Google
    This place was so abstract and beautiful I wasn't able to take much pics but I promise you will enjoy this place it's free on Thursdays unless they changed it. But my family had a great time exploring. There was even a hand on sequence canvas to make yur own art my kids loved that.

  • 5/5 Chris L. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful museum. The Selena exhibit is well thought out and has some of my favorite photos. Excellent job Lyle!! I missed you Saturday when I was there! ❤️❤️❤️

  • 4/5 William M. 4 years ago on Google
    I really like the history of this museum. My wife and I were just a bit disappointed with the Special Fashion Exhibit. We expected way more than there was. Lots of space and the items on display were really spaced apart to fill in the large room. The museum is really nice though.

  • 5/5 Tracy F. 4 years ago on Google
    Great place especially for artists. Great art pieces. A little pricey entry. Best time go on Thursday after 4pm...

  • 5/5 B.v.S e. 4 years ago on Google
    Good

  • 5/5 Hayden S. 4 years ago on Google
    Always have something new and interesting, has some interactive exhibits. Lovely architecture - be sure to check out the gardens and patio :)

  • 5/5 Greg D. 4 years ago on Google
    Wonderful collections in a fantastic setting. Must see.

  • 5/5 Tony S. 4 years ago on Google
    My favorite local museum...the others are great but the warmth and charm of this classic institution is forever alluring... This was once someone's home... Built in the 1920s by artist and educator Marion Koogler McNay, the Spanish Colonial Revival residence became the site of Texas’s first museum of modern art when it opened in 1954....Later adding a modern addition...Overall housing works by masters including Gauguin, Van Gogh, Hopper (my favorite), Mitchell, Neel, O’Keeffe, Picasso, Pollock, and Renoir to name a few. The 23 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds include sculptures by Indiana, Jiménez, Rickey, Shapiro, and Smith....make a day of it to spend some quality time soaking in the magic and beauty of art!

  • 5/5 Cindy K. 4 years ago on Google
    Always a winner

  • 5/5 S S. 4 years ago on Google
    A wide and diverse range of artist are exhibited here. Well worth a visit. The building and grounds are stunning by themselves.

  • 5/5 Phoenix P. 4 years ago on Google
    Went with my grandparents which was a surprise as we don't go out much but we all had an awesome time just looking around and seeing all the beautiful genres of projects and pieces. Very pretty scenery and family friendly with some mature pieces scattered around.

  • 5/5 Phyllis S. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful museum and lots of great art.

  • 5/5 JAMES C. 4 years ago on Google
    Went on the free to the public night. Beautifully kept and terrific assistance from staff.

  • 4/5 Chris B. 4 years ago on Google
    A great modern museum. The first modern museum in Texas. Awesome art. Great staff. Construction is bad but will be overcome. Family friendly and lots to see especially 2nd Thursday. All in all great place

  • 5/5 Marylou C. 4 years ago on Google
    I am so grateful for our local HEB grocery store for sponsoring McNay Art Museum on Thursdays! I get to take all of my family, visitors, co workers and anyone who I can take for FREE on Thursday. Not sure if HEB didn't sponsor McNay Thursday, if I would be able to afford as many tickets to the museum. Every time I go to the museum I appreciate it even more. Even the gift shop is a pleasure to visit.

  • 5/5 Alex S. 4 years ago on Google
    Excellent

  • 5/5 Joy M. 4 years ago on Google
    Fabulous exhibits. I go back often to appreciate the architecture and the changing exhibitions.

  • 5/5 Art M. 4 years ago on Google
    The art collection is great. The grounds are undergoing an expansion at the moment, but entire complex is beautiful, especially the house.

  • 4/5 We Are P. 4 years ago on Google
    We didn’t go inside since it was $20 per person and it will be closing 30 minutes after. There is a wedding too.

  • 5/5 Juan L. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful

  • 5/5 Cyndie 4 years ago on Google
    One of the best art museums in Texas. I will be glad when the landscaping is done

  • 5/5 Brittany L. 4 years ago on Google
    This place is huge.... Endless beautiful art.

  • 5/5 Vladimir U. 4 years ago on Google
    Rather good collection of very different art: from academism to contemporary art. The building itself and a surrounding garden is an art piece itself

  • 5/5 Cat H. 4 years ago on Google
    Art Deco - Art Nouveau - American Dreams - Impressionism - Kanye West - Warhol - Picasso - Van Gogh - Toulouse Lautrec - Gauguin - Kirchner - Cèzanne - Matisse - Lichtenstein The McNay Museum is charming and full of surprises. Amazing history, fantastic collection, and spectacular architecture. The center courtyard is breathtaking.


Call +1 210-824-5368 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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