If you’re looking for ways to stay out of the heat this summer, San Antonio’s art museums and galleries may be just the fix — and one that gives you a new understanding of the world in the process.
Major cultural institutions across the Alamo City are rolling out some of their most ambitious programming in the coming months. Let’s take a look.
The McNay Art Museum
As the ‘first modern art museum in Texas,’ the McNay enters summer with a slate of exhibitions that highlight the breadth of its collections.
“Tony Walton: Designer of Dreams,” pulls from the museum’s Tobin Collection of Theatre Arts to spotlight one of Broadway’s most prolific scenic and costume designers. The exhibit is open now and closes on August 23.
Also on view is “untitled: 20 Years of Collecting Contemporary Art,” a sweeping survey of more than 100 works that reflect the McNay’s commitment to expanding contemporary art access in San Antonio. The exhibition doubles as a tribute to former head of curatorial affairs, René Paul Barilleaux, whose decades-long tenure shaped the museum’s visual identity.
On Saturday, June 27, visitors will also have the opportunity to learn from Barilleaux himself at the “Weekend Artist Workshop.” The event will see the former curator guide participants through the curation of their own mini art exhibit.
“Garden Party: Nature on Paper,” open from May 7 until August 9, is the museum’s celebration of the summer season. Located in the Butt Paperworks Gallery, the exhibit focuses on works in the permanent collection that center on the domestic garden.
$10-$23; special exhibit ticket prices vary, noon-5 p.m. Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday and Friday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday. Entry is free 4-9 p.m. every Thursday and noon-5 p.m. on the first Sunday of every month, 6000 N. New Braunfels Ave., (210) 824-5368, mcnayart.org.
Ruby City
The Southtown contemporary art destination and home of the late Linda Pace’s prolific art collection is always free and open to the public. Ruby City’s summer lineup continues the institution’s commitment to bold, boundary-pushing art.
The headline exhibition, “Tracey Rose,” presents a major survey of the South African artist’s work during and after her Artpace residency in 2000. Known for her sharp political edge and performance-based practice, Rose’s solo exhibit positions her as one of the most vital voices in global contemporary art.
Along with these exhibits, Ruby City has an exciting lineup of summer programming. Coming up, “Drawing in the Galleries with Colleen Borsh” returns June 20. The next “Morning Grounds” event on June 27 invites guests to explore the beautiful Chris Park and freshly brewed coffee from Mural Roasters, and the “Monthly Meditation” every third Sunday at Chris Park continues in July.
Free, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday-Sunday, 150 Camp St., (210) 227-8400, rubycity.org.
Contemporary at Blue Star
The Contemporary turns 40 this summer and has lined up an exciting series of new exhibits to celebrate.
“James Cobb: Things Into Thoughts” opens June 27. The show brings playful new work to the Blue Star campus from a true San Antonio art treasure. “Bella Martinez: Ghost Notes,” “Soomin Jung Remmler: Ordinary Life: Shining Moments,” “Mónica Martínez-Díaz: The New House is Empty: Post–American Dream” and “Rubio: El Corazón” also open June 27. The solo exhibitions will feature the works of four local artists who use their respective media to explore identity and question reality.
As always, the museum’s summer programming includes artist talks, community events, workshops and opportunities to engage with the Blue Star Arts Complex. The exhibitions will run through October 4, giving audiences ample time to revisit and rethink the work.
Free, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, noon-5 p.m. Wednesday, noon-8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 116 Blue Star, (210) 227-6960, contemporarysa.org.
Briscoe Western Art Museum
The Briscoe is set to unveil what may qualify as its most ambitious exhibition yet, “Tejano Legacy: Another American Origin Story,” on July 24. The showcase will trace 400 years of Tejano presence in the American West.
To commemorate the achievement, the Briscoe has also unveiled “Selena Forever / Siempre Selena.” The major exhibition honors the life and legacy of Selena Quintanilla through photographs shot by SA native John Dyer, and will run through January 2027.
The Briscoe is bringing back its summer movie nights to complement the Selena exhibit. The “Siempre Tejano” series will show three iconic Selena-related movies on the third Sundays of June, July and August. Entrance is included with general admission tickets.
Free–$16, open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Monday. 210 W. Market St., (210) 299-4499, briscoemuseum.org.
San Antonio Museum of Art
Summer programming at SAMA blends ongoing blockbuster exhibitions with hands-on experiences and community-driven events.
The museum’s major long-term installation, “Renoir to Picasso: The Robertson Family Collection,” opens June 12. The show brings an impressive roster of European modernists to San Antonio, and offers visitors a rare opportunity to see some of the most influential painters of the 19th and 20th centuries.
Make sure to visit “New African Masquerades: Artistic Innovations and Collaborations” before it closes on July 5. The exhibition, which opened in January, highlights contemporary interpretations of masquerade traditions throughout Africa.
SAMA is also leaning into interactive programming this summer. Special tours, including “Off the Wall,” “Highlights,” and “Slow Down at SAMA,” will give visitors multiple entry points into the collection.
Free-$24, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday and Friday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday through Thursday and Saturday through Sunday, free Bexar County resident admission 4-7 p.m. Tuesday and every second Sunday, 200 W. Jones Ave., (210) 978-8100, samuseum.org.
Centro Cultural Aztlán
Centro Cultural Aztlán enters summer with “Infinity Square,” a vibrant duo exhibition featuring works by Louis Vega Treviño and Ben Mata. Open from June 5 until July 18, the show highlights both artists’ exploration of geometric forms and spatial rhythm.
The center will also continue its plática series, which recently featured a virtual conversation with artist Nia Jaramillo. The talks offer audiences a chance to hear directly from artists about their process and influences and ask their own questions about their work.
On July 18, the Centro will host its annual El Gran Día de los Artistas, a day-long celebration of local creativity. The beloved art festival brings together all kinds of artists for a market and an afternoon of live demonstrations andcultural programming.
Free, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 1800 Fredericksburg Road, (210) 432-1896, centroaztlan.org.
San Antonio Art League & Museum
San Antonio Art League & Museum’s summer exhibition, “Summer Reflections,” opens June 21 and runs through Aug. 7. The show brings together a selection of works that explore light, seasonality and the shifting moods we experience in the warmer months. The show spotlights regional artists whose practices span painting, photography, mixed media and more.
Nestled in the historic King William neighborhood, the Art League’s historic building is an intimate backdrop for the exhibition. Viewers also will find themselves within walking distance of some of Southtown’s hottest food and drink attractions.
Free, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, 130 King William St., (210) 223-1140, saalm.org.
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