Marion Koogler McNay was an heiress whose wealth derived from the oil industry in New Mexico.
The mansion, known as 'Sunset Hills,' was completed in 1929 and served as the founder's home until her death in 1950.
The collection includes an extensive library of prints and drawings, featuring rare works by Goya and Picasso.
The museum grounds include a historic Japanese-inspired garden and a natural spring-fed pond.
The Stieren Center utilizes light-filtering glass to protect light-sensitive artworks while maximizing natural illumination.
The museum houses one of the most comprehensive collections of theater arts in the United States, including costume and set designs.
The McNay Art Museum serves as the first museum of modern art in Texas, established in 1954. It is housed in the former residence of Marion Koogler McNay, a 24-room Spanish Colonial Revival mansion designed by architects Atlee B. and Robert M. Ayres. The collection features over 22,000 works, primarily focusing on 19th- and 20th-century European and American art. Key pieces include holdings by Paul Cézanne, Henri Matisse, and Georgia O'Keeffe. The grounds encompass 25 acres of landscaped gardens, walking trails, and bronze sculptures. The museum expanded in 2008 with the addition of the Jane and Arthur Stieren Center for Exhibitions, a modern structure designed by Jean-Paul Viguier. It maintains significant collections of medieval and Renaissance art alongside contemporary installations. The museum's archives document the history of the site and the personal collection of its founder.
The central courtyard of the historic mansion featuring the Mediterranean-style fountain and arched colonnades.
Take advantage of the outdoor sculpture trails which connect the historic mansion to the modern Stieren Center.
Check the online calendar for rotating exhibitions, as the museum frequently hosts traveling displays in its modern wing.
Visit the museum shop for unique items inspired by the permanent collection and local San Antonio artists.
Do not overlook the historic mansion interior in favor of only seeing the modern wing; the architecture itself is a primary exhibit.
Closed on Mondays and major holidays.
Photography is permitted for personal use without flash; large bags and backpacks must be stored in provided lockers.
