As the weather outside gets frightful (or in San
Antonio’s case, a chilly December average of 65 degrees), why not take the
activities inside and check out a museum? With San Antonio’s rich culture and
heritage, it’s no surprise that the city has its fair share of amazing museums.
If you get some spare time while attending or exhibiting at the CEC 2013
Convention & Expo, don’t miss out on these must-see cultural centers!
1. San
Antonio Museum of Art
200 West Jones Ave.
Hours: 10 a.m.–9
p.m., Tuesday, Friday, Saturday; 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday; 10
a.m.–6 p.m., Sunday, Closed Monday.
Cost: Adults
$10; Seniors (65+) $7; Students and Military (with ID) $5; Members and Children
Under 12 Free.
Also known as SAMA, this museum houses the largest collection of ancient Egyptian, Greek, Roman and Asian art in the southern United States. It has a significant collection of Latin American art and a growing contemporary art collection with a balance of true masterpieces and notable Texas and regional art. Admission to the SAMA is free to all on Tuesdays from 4–9 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
2. The
Museo Alameda
101 South Santa Rosa St.
Hours: 10 a.m.–6
p.m., Tuesday–Sunday; Closed Monday.
Cost: Adults
$4; Educators and Military (with ID) $2; Students, Seniors, and Patrons with
Disability $2; Children Under 12 Free.
Formerly the largest movie palace in the United States, the Museo Alameda is now the official Texas State Latino Museum and it was the first-ever Smithsonian Institution affiliate outside of Washington, D.C. The Alameda has become a symbol of Mexican and Anglo American unity and is a must-see for visitors and natives alike. Admission to the museum is free on Tuesdays!
3. Institute
of Texan Cultures
801 East Cesar E. Chavez Blvd.
Hours: 9 a.m.–5
p.m., Monday–Saturday; Noon–5 p.m., Sunday.
Cost: Adults
$8; Seniors (65+) $7; Children (3-11) $6; Members Free.
Located in HemisFair Park, right around the corner from CEC 2013, the Institute of Texan Cultures serves as the forum for the understanding and appreciation of Texas and Texans. Now an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, it features several exhibits that trace the history of San Antonio, which includes Mexican, Spanish, German, Irish and other diverse cultural backgrounds.
4. Buckhorn
Saloon & Museum
318 East Houston St.
Hours: Opens
at 10 a.m. every day and closing times vary. Call 210-247-4000 for exact
closing time.
Cost: Adults
$18.99 + tax; Children (3-11) $14.99 + tax.
Located less than a mile from the River Walk and The Alamo, the Buckhorn is actually five museums in one, featuring the Texas Ranger Museum; the Hall of Texas History Wax Museum; and Horns, Fins, Feathers. The museum features wildlife from all over the world, including fish from the seven seas, animals from every continent and strange animal oddities that have been collected for more than 100 years.
5. Plaza
Wax Museum and Ripley’s Believe It or Not
301 Alamo Plaza
Hours: 10
a.m.–7 p.m., Sunday–Thursday; 10 a.m.–10 p.m., Friday and Saturday.
Cost: Adult
tickets start at $19.99; Children (3-11) tickets start at $11.99.
If you’re looking for something unique, then check out the Plaza Wax Museum located in Alamo Plaza just steps away from the historical site. Also featuring the Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum, the double attractions host parties and private events.
6. McNay
Art Museum
6000 North New Braunfels Ave.
Hours: 10 a.m.–4
p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday; 10 a.m.–9 p.m., Thursday; 10 a.m.–5 p.m.,
Saturday; Noon–5 p.m., Sunday; Closed Monday.
Cost: Adults
$10; Seniors (65+) $5; Students and Active Military (with ID) $5; Members and
Children Under 12 Free.
Located about five miles from the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, the McNay has one of the most impressive collections of art in Texas. It is home to sculptures, paintings and other forms of art from renowned artists such as Picasso, Matisse, Cezanne, Van Gogh and more.
Comments