The arts are alive and well in the Alamo City – and with a unique San Antonio flare. The diversity of the city and its people is reflected in San Antonio’s vibrant arts community, which is home to over 25 museums and more than 40 indoor and outdoor performing arts venues.
Art Museums
San Antonio is home to a thriving network of art museums, showcasing artwork from the region and around the world. The San Antonio Museum of Art, located on the River Walk, is home to a large collection of Ancient Mediterranean, Latin American, Asian, Islamic, Oceanic, and Contemporary art. The museum also hosts special exhibitions from around the world which have included Rodin: The Human Experience, Roberto de la Selva: Modern Mexican Masterpieces in Wood, Nelson Rockefeller’s Picassos, and Realms of Earth and Sky: Indian Painting from the 15th to the 19th Century. Recently named one of the top four small museums in the country by the Wall Street Journal, the McNary Art Museum features a world-class collection of American and European art. Housed in a Spanish Colonial Revival mansion, the McNary collection contains over 20,000 pieces of art and includes works by van Gogh, Picasso, Renoir, Gauguin, Jackson Pollock, Georgia O’Keefe, and Edward Hopper. Those interested in early regional art will find what they are looking for at the Witte Museum, located near Brackenridge Park on the San Antonio River. While it is primarily a science and natural history museum, the Witte has what is considered by many to be the finest collection of early Texas art and artifacts in the state, with over 300,000 pieces in the collection. If you are looking for more modern local art, you will find it at the San Antonio Art League Museum which is located in the city’s King William Historic District. The museum features revolving exhibits by local and regional artists, as well as a permanent collection which includes paintings, graphic art, photography, sculptures, and wall hangings.
The Performing Arts
Those interested in the best of the performing arts can find it at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, which is the home of the San Antonio Symphony, Opera San Antonio, and Ballet San Antonio. Founded in 1939, the San Antonio Symphony features a varied schedule of classical music, Pops programs, and a free Young People’s Concert series during its season, which runs from September to June. A world-class 72-piece orchestra, the San Antonio Symphony features performances by world-renowned guest artists and soloists throughout its 9-month season. Ballet San Antonio is a professional ballet company with a season that runs from October through March. The company performs classic ballets throughout its season including The Nutcracker, The Sleeping Beauty, and Don Quixote as well as a free Ballet in the Park performance. If you are in the mood for some Big Apple-style entertainment The Majestic Theater is home to the Broadway in San Antonio series which features performances by the national touring companies of top Broadway shows. Recent shows have included Jersey Boys, Rent, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Cabaret, and The Sound of Music.
Encompassing both local and area talent, and national and international artists and performers, the San Antonio arts scene is a vibrant part of the city’s personality. The biggest problem you are likely to have is figuring out how to fit it all in!