Marion Koogler McNay Art Museum, San Antonio

The Spanish Mediterranean-style home of the late art collector Marion Koogler McNay, heiress to an oil fortune and an artist herself.

The 24-room house, which was converted to a museum in the 1950s, now houses this collection of European and American art. Works of Picasso, Van Gogh, Matisse, and Gauguin are found in the permanent collection. Pieces from famous artists such as Picasso, Matisse, O’Keeffe, and Cézanne are featured in this art museum that is housed in the home of the late Marion Koogler McNay, heiress to an oil fortune and an artist herself.

Built in the 1920s, the Spanish Mediterranean-style 24-room house was converted to a museum in the 1950s. Upon her death in 1950, Mrs. McNay left her art collection, home, and endowment “for the advancement and enjoyment of modern art.” The collection numbers over 13,000 prints, drawings, and sculpture pieces, and is considered among the finest in the Southwest United States. The museum also features a 30,000 volume research library, auditorium and museum store.

The McNay Art Museum Library is open to visitors who wish to use its collection for research and reference. The library is closed on most holidays and the entire month of December.

From October through May, Sunday Highlights Tours are given of the expansive museum. Art historians and museum curators give talks about the exhibits in the Gallery Talks on Exhibitions programs. Lectures by visiting curators, artists, and scholars are given on selected Sundays.

Also on certain Sundays, local musicians and actors perform at McNay’s Leeper Auditorium. Family days allow parents and children to enjoy art in a fun atmosphere; check the McNay calendar for specific dates. Lastly, on the last Sunday of each month, a storyteller meets families at the Museum to entertain the kids (and parents) or conduct a workshop.

The Museum Store is located on the first floor of the Museum. It sells art books, posters and souvenirs of the trip to the McNay. McNay Art Museum is closed Mondays as well as New Year’s Day, July 4th, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

After a look at the impressive collection, visitors can stroll the palm-shaded grounds, popular with picnickers.

Location: 6000 N. New Braunfels

Website: www.mcnayart.org