San Antonio Museum of Art
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San Antonio Museum of Art

4.7
·4k reviews·San Antonio, United States

Explore global art from ancient civilizations to contemporary masterpieces in a former brewery on the Riverwalk.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Tuesday afternoons

Free admission for Bexar residents

CrowdMedium
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San Antonio Museum of Art

San Antonio Museum of Art

Best Time

Tuesday afternoons

Free admission for Bexar residents

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore global art from ancient civilizations to contemporary masterpieces in a former brewery on the Riverwalk.

4.7
(4k reviews)

"A beautiful place with well-curated pieces from thousands of years ago up to the present."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Free Admission Days

Check for free days, especially Tuesdays for Bexar residents. Arrive early! 🎟️

🚶‍♀️ Riverwalk Entrance

Use the Riverwalk entrance for a scenic approach. 🚶

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.7 · 4,603 reviews

Type

Art museum

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ancient World Collections

Ancient World Collections

Multiple floors

Explore Egyptian, Greek, and Roman artifacts spanning millennia. A journey through history.

Latin American Art

Latin American Art

Dedicated galleries

Discover vibrant art from Mesoamerica and beyond, showcasing rich cultural heritage.

Contemporary Art

Contemporary Art

Modern galleries

Engage with thought-provoking modern and contemporary pieces from diverse artists.

Amalia Mesa-Bains Retrospective

Amalia Mesa-Bains Retrospective

Special exhibition space

Experience the influential works of Chicana artist Amalia Mesa-Bains.

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Planning Your Visit

Free Admission Days

Check for free admission days, often Tuesdays for Bexar County residents, but sometimes extended to guests. Arrive early to maximize your visit on these popular days. Reddit

Parking & Riverwalk Access

Paid parking is available across the street. The museum also offers a scenic Riverwalk entrance, making it a pleasant stop during a stroll along the river. Instagram

Best Times

When
Tuesday afternoons
Why
Free admission for Bexar residents
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Crowd
Low
When
Riverwalk stroll
Why
Combine art with scenic views
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

spending the day at McNay ✨ #thingstodoinsanantonio #sanantoniotx #sanantoniotexas #sanantoniotiktok #sanantonio #downtownsanantonio #mcnayartmuseum
@jennaaataylorrr
158.1K likes • 797.3K views

🎯 Free Admission Days

Check for free days, especially Tuesdays for Bexar residents. Reddit Arrive early! 🎟️

🚶‍♀️ Riverwalk Entrance

Use the Riverwalk entrance for a scenic approach. 🚶

this musuem was by appointment only, and so fun! #TeamofTomorrow #thingstodoinsanantonio #sanantonio #datenight
@jjadegonzalez
104.7K likes • 815.8K views
Casual viewing 🖼 Pro Tips for visiting San Antonio Museum of Art @sama_art: ⏳ Allow Time: Multiple floors of collections from across the globe, including the U.S., Egypt, Asia, Tahiti and more. 🍝 Food: Italian Trattoria within the museum overlooking the Riverwalk. 🚙 Parking: Low cost parking lot across the street ($10), as well as street parking nearby. 🥂 Drinks: Elsewhere outdoor bar is practic...
thechelseamarrs
0 likes • 2.6K views

🚗 Paid Parking Available

A paid lot is across the street ($8-10). Street parking also an option. 🚗

⏳ Allow Ample Time

Plan for 2.5-4 hours to explore all floors and collections. 🕐

Hey San Antonio now through January 12th the San Antonio Museum of Art is home to this new exhibit. This is the first retrospective exhibition of the influential Chicana artist and cultural critic Amalia Mesa-Bains and features over forty works in a wide range of media and celebrates Mesa-Bains’s important contributions to the field of contemporary art. we love the stories of women empowerment ...
adri.around.town
190 likes • 4.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Free Admission Days

Check for free days, especially Tuesdays for Bexar residents. Reddit Arrive early! 🎟️

🚶‍♀️ Riverwalk Entrance

Use the Riverwalk entrance for a scenic approach. 🚶

🚗 Paid Parking Available

A paid lot is across the street ($8-10). Street parking also an option. 🚗

⏳ Allow Ample Time

Plan for 2.5-4 hours to explore all floors and collections. 🕐

📸 Photo Opportunities

Capture stunning art and architecture. Some exhibits may have restrictions. :camerawithflash:

What Travellers Say

4.7
(4k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the San Antonio Museum of Art for its diverse and well-curated collections, spanning ancient to contemporary art from around the globe. The beautiful building and convenient Riverwalk access are frequently highlighted, making it a relaxing and enriching experience, especially on free admission days. Some note the paid parking and the potential for crowds on free days.

"The San Antonio Museum of Art is a wonderful place to spend a few hours (maybe half a day). The collection is diverse, with art from all over the world and different time periods. The layout makes it easy to explore and appreciate each section at a comfortable pace. I enjoyed seeing both the ancient pieces and the more modern works. The building itself is beautiful and adds to the experience. It is a great spot for anyone who enjoys art and culture."

Myles Joshua Tan

"A cool place to visit on a hot summer day. It houses collections from ancient Egypt to China, as well as some contemporary art. The place is not crowded, and you can come with a city pass. It’s close to the river walk, providing a quiet and relaxing experience."

Wei Yang

"What a beautiful place! My husband and I came here on a Tuesday afternoon. We got tickets for one of their two times for Bexar county residents to come free, which I would recommend if you are also a resident. I want to note here that the parking lot beside the museum is a paid lot. It was about $8 for a four-hour slot when we came, which was plenty of time to get through the whole building. It took us about two and a half hours to go through all of the sections, and we enjoyed every bit of it! It took us about two and a half hours to go through all of the sections, but we enjoyed every bit of it! The pieces at the museum are very well curated and displayed, and each section is distinct in its specific period and art style. I took a few photos of some of my favorite pieces. It was so fascinating to see art from thousands of years ago all the way up to the present! We talked about the art the entire ride home. If you’re looking for a beautiful way to spend part of your day, look no further than this spot!"

Calypso Carlile

What People Like

Diverse global collections
Beautiful architecture
Riverwalk access

What People Dislike

Paid parking cost
Crowds on free days

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The museum is accessible by car, with paid parking available across the street. It also has an entrance directly on the Riverwalk, making it easy to reach if you're exploring downtown. Public transportation options are also available. Instagram

Yes, there is a paid parking lot directly across the street from the museum, typically costing around $8-10 for a few hours. Street parking may also be available nearby. Instagram

Absolutely! The San Antonio Museum of Art has a convenient entrance directly on the Riverwalk, making it a perfect addition to a scenic stroll. Instagram

Many visitors opt for a leisurely walk along the Riverwalk, while others use ride-sharing services or drive and utilize the nearby paid parking. Instagram

Yes, its prominent location near the Riverwalk and its distinctive architecture make it easy to spot. Look for signs directing you from the Riverwalk or main roads. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Museum hours typically vary, but it's generally open Tuesday through Sunday. It's always best to check their official website for the most up-to-date hours and any special holiday closures. TikTok

General admission fees apply, but the museum offers free admission days, particularly on Tuesdays for Bexar County residents. It's advisable to verify these free days and any residency requirements on their website. Reddit

Yes, the San Antonio Museum of Art often has free admission days, especially for Bexar County residents on Tuesdays. These can be popular, so plan accordingly. Reddit

It's highly recommended to purchase tickets online in advance, especially if you plan to visit during peak times or free admission days, to ensure entry and save time. TikTok

Some reviews mention that students may receive free admission. It's best to check the museum's official policy or bring your student ID to inquire upon arrival. Reddit

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

The museum boasts a diverse collection, including ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman art, as well as extensive Latin American art, Asian art, European paintings, and contemporary works. InstagramReddit

Most visitors spend around 2.5 to 4 hours to fully explore the museum's four floors and various collections. Instagram

Yes, the museum offers a wide range of exhibits that can appeal to all ages, from ancient artifacts to more modern installations. TikTok

The museum frequently hosts temporary exhibitions, such as the influential Chicana artist Amalia Mesa-Bains retrospective. Check their website for current special exhibitions. Instagram

Photography is generally allowed for personal use in most galleries, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions on certain artworks or exhibitions. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, the museum features an Italian Trattoria, Tre Trattoria, which offers dining with views overlooking the Riverwalk. Instagram+1

Besides the onsite Trattoria, there are several restaurants and cafes nearby along the Riverwalk and in the surrounding downtown area, including sushi and burger joints. Instagram

Typically, outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the museum galleries. It's best to enjoy your meals at the onsite restaurant or in designated areas. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Photography for personal use is generally permitted in most galleries, but always look for signage indicating any restrictions on specific artworks or temporary exhibitions. Reddit

The museum's diverse collections, from ancient sculptures to modern installations, offer numerous visually appealing backdrops. The Riverwalk entrance also provides scenic photo opportunities. Instagram

While not explicitly mentioned, keep an eye on the museum's events calendar for potential photography-related workshops or special tours that might focus on artistic appreciation. TikTok

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