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San Antonio Museum of Art
Categories: Arts & Entertainment Museums Hotels & Travel Tours Museums, Tours [Edit]
200 W Jones AveSan Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 978-8100
- Hours:
Tue, Fri-Sat 10 am - 9 pm
Wed-Thu 10 am - 5 pm
Sun 12 pm - 6 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
22 reviews for San Antonio Museum of Art
Review Highlights
"...Chihuly glass ceiling, Latin American exhibit and others..."
(in 7 reviews)
"I was very impressed with their Egyptian and Asian Exhibits."
(in 4 reviews)
"Amazing exhibit of Roman artifacts and modern art."
(in 2 reviews)
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22 reviews in English
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Review from Kate K.
San Antonio, TX
12/21/2011
My favorite museum in San Antonio! From modern art to sculpture, any one can find art here for their taste. Every Tuesday from 4-9 they have free admission, which is my favorite time to go. It's hardly ever too crowded.
Also, on a side note, I took my bridal portraits here, and the staff were more than helpful and accommodating. -
Review from Stephen C.
San Antonio, TX
What a great job of re-purposing a historic building. I love when beautiful old buildings are given a second lease on life. The museum is housed in the old Lone Star Brewery that was built in 1884. SAMA began exhibiting their collection at this location in 1991.
There are so many things to see. The permanent collections are: American Art, Asian Art, Contemporary Art, European Art, Latin American Art , Oceanic Art and Art of the Ancient Mediterranean World. In addition to the permanent collections the museum is always hosting special exhibits. With all of this variety there is something that will touch everyone.
This is another reason why living in San Antonio is so great. -
Review from John C.
9/2/2011
Visiting San Antonio over the summer we needed something to do out of the heat for an afternoon. The San Antonio Museum of Art seemed like a perfect place to beat the heat for a few hours.
Turns out that there were so many interesting things to me and my wife, the visit ended up closer to 4 hours. I personally really enjoyed the most ancient of the exhibits such as the Egyptian, Greek, Mesoamerican, Near East, etc. It's definitely worth an afternoon if you are interested in any of these eras.Listed in: San Antonio
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Review from Christina Z.
San Antonio, TX
12/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
One of my fave museums in the country. The building is an old brewery and it is used and maintained perfectly. Dont miss the Latin American, folk art or classical sculpture sections - the collections are impressive. Plus it's right on the riverwalk with a beautiful exterior.
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Review from Paul L.
7/16/2011 45 photos
This might be my favorite art museum in Texas but I don't really know because cramming a good collection in an old brewery makes it difficult to display it all well. It's akin to a dusty old attic -- not necessarily a bad thing -- with treasures in its dark corners.
Walking through the galleries can be frustrating but there are so many wonderful items on display that it's worth the extra effort. (The perfection and eroticism of the sandstone Yogini sculpture in the Asian galleries is itself worth the price of admission.) The Greek and Roman galleries are surprisingly good and you could begin and end your visit right here.
The San Antonio Museum of Art isn't as sleek as the art museums in Houston and Dallas/Ft Worth -- or even the McNay just ten minutes away -- but its eclectic personality makes the visitor feel at home. -
Review from Danielle S.
Houston, TX
7/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
SAMA is the "other" art museum in town besides the McNay. After grabbing lunch at Los Barrios my boyfriend and I headed over to SAMA to check out what was happening in this art space. Having just seen the McNay, it's obvious that this is the SA art scene's hipper, younger cousin. The BF and I had a great time combing through the lower floors, especially, since there were a lot of modern art names we recognized and it's always great to be able to see an artist's work in person. I think the electric saint piece was my favorite (if you run across it, you'll know what I mean).
Unfortunately, I think the major downfall of many smaller art museums is their lack of focus. On the tippy top floor was a large collection of 18th century Irish silver, which was interesting, but extremely out of place. From what I gathered it was an individual's personal collection willed to the museum--and I guess you can't say no to a bequest like that. I just felt that a collection of decorative arts belonged more in the McNay than at SAMA. After leaving we realized we had completely missed a wing of the museum because of its confusing layout.
I liked what the SAMA has to offer--I just wish it was more thoughtfully curated and constructed.Listed in: Across the Alley from the…
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Review from Augie R.
7/17/2011
If it can be called a complaint that this museum has so much to see that one can get tired trying to cover it all, then that is my complaint. Okay--one other complaint, the signage and flow through the museum is awful--we almost missed three entire floors of one wing because it's not really evident what is awaiting you up some unmarked stairwell tucked into a corner.
The collection is really quite impressive, and I was pleasantly surprised at the artful and intimate way much of it is displayed. In fact, it almost made me nervous that 3,000 year-old art pieces were mounted without any protection--you could (but should NOT) reach out and touch the items, and being able to examine them up close rather than peering through plexiglass provides a very exciting and intimate experience with the art.
There is quite a lot to see here, ranging from ancient statues (in a wonderful open room with so much to explore) to folk art to modern installations to Latin American art to quirky pieces from South Pacific islands. I think the best way to try to take it all in is to make multiple visits focusing on one section at a time. We ended up spending so much time in the fascinating "Art of the Ancient Mediterranean World" exhibit that we ran out of time, patience and energy for the other 85% of the museum. We'll be back!Listed in: Places on or near the San…
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Review from Enrique M.
San Antonio, TX
12/23/2011
SAMA's collection is not as robust as other major city museums. But they have a good sampling of decent work from various cultures. I enjoy the Latin American folk art collection, which I think is unique, as most museums don't put much emphasis on Latin American work, much less folk art. I also like the contemporary art curator. Seems to be down with the people, showing local artists work and work by artists like Alex Grey. They even had him as a guest speaker, and drew a diverse crowd. I like that he's in touch with art of the popular culture and not just interested in art that gets talked about at rich peoples cocktail parties or that's published in Artnews or wherever it is that that boring contemporary art gets talked about. Wish they'd sell off some of their decorative arts and buy better stuff that also doesn't make me bored. They have an inordinate amount of pots vases platters etc. that must have been bequeathed to the museum or something. Anyway Stop by Tuesday evenings for FREE admission!
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Review from Kevin N.
11/5/2010 1 Check-in Here
The problem with some breweries being purchased by bigger brands is that there are often great spaces with character left in the wake. In San Antonio, the city's met the challenge by turning the former Lone Star Brewery into the San Antonio Museum of Art. And the city's better for it.
It's a stunning space and there seems to be plenty happening. On the day I dropped in, I got the chance to wander through the Egyptian exhibit, which was interesting as much for what it represented as it was for what it showed: ordinary, every day Egyptians who were buried with the same pomp and ritual as their more famous leaders. There were, among all else, two dog sarcophagi -- there's an eye opener if you've not seen one before. The courtyard is massive in the middle of the venue, and the collections the museum features I found plenty interesting. Here's hoping I make it back with a little time to kill and opportunity to explore.Listed in: San Antonio
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Review from Krys T.
Updated - 11/28/2010 3 Check-ins Here
I have had the fortune recently of spending a lot of time in SAMA and the Egyptian exhibit (which is here temporarily - until Jan of 2011; call for details) is incredible! I loved it so much I've gone back three times with friends to show it off.
I have really seen an emergence of art and culture coming out of downtown San Antonio over the last several years and having special gems like SAMA only enhance that incredible scene and help it grow into something that the entire city can be very proud of.
Old (and absolutely impressive) standards like the Chihuly glass ceiling, Latin American exhibit and others remain and make this a very wonderful place to spend a day. Or a weekend - possibly too much to squeeze in for one day!Listed in: Great for a Date, TOURising my city, Gettin some culture, ART!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/14/2010
San Antonio Museum of Art is a great museum in San Antonio. I'm a huge fan of art and find much… Read more »
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Review from rebekah l.
San Antonio, TX
11/24/2010 ROTD 12/5/2010
This afternoon we took a stroll through one portion of the beautiful S.A.M.A building (former Lone Star Brewery) and had to call it quits simply because it was exhausting.
No one should be able to breeze right through exhibits as nice as these are in a single afternoon but rather make plans to return again and again to enjoy the intricacies rewarded by skillful placement with these pieces of art and installations.
I expect to make repeated trips to this location, take in as as much as possible and not miss a single thing offered.
Whether it is a Free Tuesday or the regular admission price if you have the available time and interested in awakening your artistic and cultural spirit the S.A.M.A is definitely the place to begin your journey. -
Review from Rolando A.
San Antonio, TX
11/24/2010 1 photo
Possibly my favorite museum in San Antonio... Tuesday nights are open to the public with free admission.
I occasionally go there and sketch into my moleskin.
Just added a photo of the SAMoA that I took from the side of the building...
Highly recommend taking the skywalk at night on the 3rd (4th?) floor. -
Review from Kat T.
San Antonio, TX
1/19/2009
Great place to visit for some of the best art in the city! Amazing exhibit of Roman artifacts and modern art. My husband and I took our 7 month old daughter there - so this place is totally baby/family friendly.
On Tuesday's, admission is free after 4:00pm!
If you're a student/faculty of ACCD, then your admission is free all the time! -
Review from Josh K.
Austin, TX
6/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
Beautiful Art Museum with a wonderful exhibit of the Dalai Lama as a special right now. I loved it. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time as it closes around 5-6pm. I suppose 2-3 hours minimum would suffice.
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Review from Linda S.
San Antonio, TX
4/21/2011
This museum needs to be more advertised, that is my only complaint. You can not see the whole museum in one day and I love that, it means that there is so much art work you can't see it all! I think the most awesome thing about this museum are the workers, they are so friendly!! When you first get there you are greeted with a sweet lady name Rosemary, who is adorable! I got lost about three times in this museum and she helped me every time with a smile! She is also the one who helped me get from the other side of San Antonio to the museum over the phone, and never lost patience with me!
I want them to include the history of the museum a bit more, maybe a tiny exhibit with old photographs and some history of the building would be awesome!
Again, the best museum in San Antonio bar none! -
Review from Paul K.
Delavan, IL
12/29/2010
Enjoying this museum will depend upon what you are looking for in an art museum. The strengths of the San Antonio Museum of Art are in antiquities, Asian art, and contemporary art. If you are fascinated by ancient Greek pottery (and this museum has some marvelous, fascinating, and amusing examples), you will have a truly enjoyable experience; likewise with classical sculpture. If the idea of spending a couple of hours looking at really old glass and ceramic jars does not tickle you, you might find it better to focus your fifteen minutes on the other parts of the museum.
The museum is not strong in European art from 600-1950, though the few pieces they do have may prove rewarding. Their American holdings are somewhat fuller than their European holdings, and there are several rewarding pieces in the collection, especially in late 18th-early 19th c. The museum holds a large sketch by Benjamin West of Noah offering a sacrifice after they have come out of the ark that is well worth an extended perusal.
Also of interest are the museum's small holdings in modern Latin American art (not just Kahlo and Rivera here), and in art from the South Pacific region (one of the fuller collections of such art that I have seen).
The museum store is somewhat disappointing. If you tire easily, be sure to take the elevators; otherwise, there are a lot of stairs to climb. Parking was not a problem on the day we visited; I suspect it is usually easy to find a parking space in the lot. Admission was very reasonable. This museum would be good for more mature children. -
Review from Grace G.
San Antonio, TX
Best time to go is Tuesday night after 4pm. Why, you ask...because it's free!! Get there at 4pm because there is lots to see. The museum is organized based on cultures. I recommend to start on the bottom floor and work your way up. Cross over the enclosed breezeway. You should end at the Greek sculptures at the bottom floor. My favorite thing to look at is the really large black statue with no head in front of the Folk Art section. I believe the piece is by Botero.
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Review from Katherine C.
Boerne, TX
8/19/2010
I was very impressed with their Egyptian and Asian Exhibits. Wished they had more European artwork though.
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Review from Jaime M.
10/17/2007
For my money (none) this has more potential than the McNay. An amazing Latin American (mainly Mexican) collection that spans time, plus some awesome Contemporary and Classical art.
It's $8 for adults most of the time (kids/seniors/students are comparable), but Tuesdays after 4, it's free for everyone.
I spent at least 30 minutes exploring the temporary Allen Ginsberg exhibit, and I was impressed by the quality of the curator's cards next to each piece. They really put some research into making the cards, and they were interesting to read. That trend continued throughout the museum in temporary and permanent exhibits.
The next area I explored was Wedgewood pieces and some European paintings and sculpture from the same era, including the Bouguereau's huge (about 5 feet by 6.5 feet, but it feels much more grand) "Admiration."
The Mesoamerican and Latin American collections, including a huge number of figurines from the Maya and Inca, many 16th century and later masks, religious icons, sculptures, pottery and paintings, were the highlight of my visit. Unfortunately, there was a fire alarm and the museum was evacuated before I got to the big virgin shrine or any of the contemporary/other art.
I would definitely go back.
As for why I think this has more potential than the McNay: Don't get me wrong, that's a great museum with gorgeous grounds, but the rooms of the house are not best suited to holding art, and they've had to build extensions for that purpose. The SAMA is really built to showcase art, and there's NO setting to uphold -- sort of a disadvantage, but it keeps the focus on the art, not the building.
Check the site for exhibits/rates/closing dates (closed Mondays):
http://www.samuseum.orgListed in: The end of an affair
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Review from Ryan C.
Austin, TX
2/14/2008
Definitely a great Museum to check out. Lots of variety, and fun to stroll around in.
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Review from Susan L.
1/16/2010
We visited this museum in the early fall of 2004. It's by no means a "world class" museum, but the permanent collection includes some nice paintings.
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Review from Jennifer E.
San Antonio, TX
3/13/2008
my only complaint: MORE CONTEMPORARY ART. perhaps I'm pushing for a museum of contemporary art (COME ON SAN ANTONIO!!) I mean, I enjoy this museum alot, its just, most of the Asian art and Latin American art bores me. (sorry) i was lucky enough to catch a Rene Magritte exhibit one time though (unexpectedly) which was beautiful. still a good museum to check out.
