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Top San Antonio Museums

From Kori Ellis, for About.com

San Antonio is full of art, history and culture. Broaden your horizons and visit some of the top museums in San Antonio. You will be able to view terrific artwork from local and national artists, learn about the history of San Antonio, Texas and the nation, and experience new thoughts and ideas.

McNay Art Museum

McNay Art Museum© McNay Art Museum, San Antonio, Texas
6000 North New Braunfels
San Antonio, Texas 78209
(210) 824-5368

Beautiful 23 acres of grounds, which include fountains, gardens and a fishpond, are a hot spot for wedding photography and picnics. Within the exquisite McNay is a strong collection of 19th and 20th century paintings and scuptures. The museum features an extensive research library, a 300-seat auditorium and a museum store. The McNay was the first modern art museum in the state of Texas. The McNay is currently closed for construction. However its grounds are open.

Witte Museum

Witte Museum© Kori Ellis licensed to About.com
3801 Broadway
San Antonio, Texas 78209
(210) 357-1900

The Witte Museum is the premiere place for South Texas history, culture, and natural science. The Witte has a wide variety of permanent exhibits and galleries, as well as several changing exhibits. The museum can be enjoyed by adults and children of all ages. The facilities are also available for rent for birthday parties, weddings and other events.

Museo Alameda

Museo Alameda© Chris Cooper/Museo Alameda
101 S. Santa Rosa
San Antonio, Texas 78207
(210) 299-4300

The Alameda includes the official Texas State Latino Museum - Museo Alameda - and is the only organization in the U.S. that holds formal affiliation agreements with both The Smithsonian Institution and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

Institute of Texan Cultures

ITC Museum© Kori Ellis Licensed to About.com, Inc.
801 South Bowie Street
San Antonio, Texas 78205
(210) 458-2330

UTSA's Institute of Texan Cultures is a cultural experience museum, where San Antonians and visitors alike learn to understand the cultural history, science, and technology of Texas. The museum is home to many exhibits, activities and special events.

San Antonio Museum of Art

Museum of Art© SACVB/Al Rendon
200 West Jones Avenue
San Antonio, Texas 78215
(210) 978-8136

SAMA houses an extensive collection that includes ancient Roman and Greek art, Asian paintings and sculpture, English and American pieces, and Latin American folk art. The beautiful castle building is surrounded by lush gardens. The museum celebrated its 25th anniversary in September 2006.

San Antonio Children's Museum

San Antonio Children's Museum© SACVB/Al Rendon
305 E. Houston Street
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 212-4453

The museum contains nearly 100 interactive exhibits where children (and adults) learn and play. There is a special section for children under 5 with age appropriate content. Birthday parties can be arranged in private party rooms on site. Volunteers needed for help with exhibits, teaching arts and science activities.

Buckhorn Saloon & Museum

Buckhorn Museum© SACVB/Al Rendon
318 E. Houston Street
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 247-4000

An unusual two story museum that includes five sections: The Buckhorn, The Reef, The Feathers, The Hall of Texas History Wax Museum and a section for special exhibits. The location also includes a saloon where you'll find a variety of food and drinks, an old-fashioned arcade to test your marksmanship, and the curio store -- the museum gift shop.

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