Sarah StockmanFrom galleries filled to the brim with prestigious works of art to exhibitions that transport you to a different place and time to establishments devoted to celebrating the odd and extraordinary, the Alamo City has it all. For your next date night or girls (or guys) night out, take the intellectual route and check out a new museum!
San Antonio Museum of Art
Who doesn’t love a building with a history? Housed in a converted complex of buildings once known as the Lone Star Brewery, the San Antonio Museum of Art represents 5,000 years of history and cultures. If that’s not enough to peak your interest, Sketch—SAMA’s new pop-up restaurant brought to you by the culinary artists who introduced CommonWealth—will be back in early Spring 2017. Free general admission on Tuesdays from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. and on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
The McNay Art Museum
Whether you’re an art aficionado or if you can’t tell the difference between Monet and a Macchiato, you’ll find your happy place at the McNay. Feast your eyes on over 20,000 works of art, take Instagram-worthy snapshots sitting on the iconic mosaic staircase and don’t miss the amazing sculpture garden.
The DoSeum
It may be San Antonio’s Museum for Kids, but for the millennials who are still kids at heart The DoSeum is the perfect light hearted atmosphere to learn something new and have fun doing it, too!
Witte Museum
Who says the Witte is just for kids? From events like Cocktails and Culture to eye-catching exhibitions, this Broadway destination is perfect for Twenty Somethings looking to learn something new. Plus, keep an eye out for the “New Witte” coming in 2017!
Briscoe Western Art Museum
Turn back the pages to the days before tourists flocked to the Riverwalk when cowboys coined one of our favorite words—y’all. Whether you’re a San Antonio native or new to the city, exploring Western art and history is made easy and enjoyable at the Briscoe.
The Guenther House
Learn about San Antonio’s German heritage in the museum or just go for lunch or breakfast (we can’t get enough of the buttermilk biscuits and Southern Sweet Cream waffles), either way your heart will be content at The Guenther House!
The Institute of Texan Cultures
In a city as diverse as San Antonio, what could be better than discovering more about the cultures that make our city so special? Located at Hemisfair, only a short walk from The Alamo and the Riverwalk, The Institute of Texan Cultures is sure to bring out the inner history buff in any millennial.
Texas Transportation Museum
Unlimited train rides with admission—need we say more? View antique vehicles, locomotives, model trains and a depot.
Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Odditorium
Believe it or not, but Ripley’s Odditorium is technically a museum! The 18,000 square foot space is home to 18 themed galleries and over 500 exhibits and artifacts all celebrating the odd and unusual.
Barney Smith’s Toilet Seat Art Museum
License plates, belt buckles, instruments and PEZ dispensers are just a few of the items you will see glued to toilet seats at Barney Smith’s Toilet Seat Art Museum. Admission is free, just be sure to show some Southern hospitality and give Barney a call first to let him know you’re coming (210-824-7791).
The Alamo
Texas history just isn’t complete without mentioning The Alamo and neither is this list.
Holocaust Memorial Museum of San Antonio
The Holocaust Memorial Museum of San Antonio is free and open to the public and is devoted to educating our community about the dangers of hatred, prejudice and apathy.
The Buckhorn Saloon & Museum
Check out over 520 species of wildlife including fish from the seven seas, animal oddities and record holders! Be sure to print a $2 off coupon online while planning your visit and don’t forget to make a pit stop in the saloon—where history was made and legend lives.
The Texas Ranger Museum
Spend a day in the life of a genuine Texas Ranger while viewing hundreds of artifacts including revolvers, automatic handguns, sawed off shotguns, badges, photographs and much more. For Twenty Somethings, the highlight is sure to be Ranger Town, a recreation of San Antonio at the turn of the century complete with a replica of a working jail cell, blacksmith shop, newspaper and telegraph office.
Guinness World Records Museum
Enjoy hundreds of unbelievable exhibits of World Records or try to set one yourself!
National Museum of the Pacific War
In the mood for a mini road trip? Make your way to Fredericksburg and be sure to stop by the National Museum of the Pacific War. The museum will enthrall you and the city will charm you!
Pioneer Museum
If early Texas history is up your alley, take a trip to the Hill Country to Fredericksburg’s charming, three-acre Pioneer Museum.
Missions Espada, San Jose, Concepcion and San Juan While the San Antonio Missions aren’t your typical museum, we’re fortunate enough to live in a city with living history—don’t miss out! Hike or bike along the trail located near the missions or plan a guided tour to learn how these institutions influenced the course of history.
Steves Homestead House Museum
An excuse to visit the gorgeous King William Historic District? Yes, please! Built in 1876, Steves Homestead House Museum is an elegant three-story mansion offering affordable guided and self-guided tours daily.
The Wooden Nickel Museum
Did you know that one of the oldest custom printed wooden nickel manufacturers is right in our own backyard? If you’re like us and you’ve never even seen a wooden nickel, head to The Wooden Nickel Museum to see over 1 million wooden nickels dating back 60 years.