I've been to the McNay so many times I don't even remember. Coming here is my favorite affordable activity! Since I've seen the art so many times I usually come here to see their new exhibits or sometimes I'll see the same exhibit multiple times! It's a great place to take pictures outside as well. If you're looking for something to do in your free time definitely come here! Great place to spend an hour or so browsing through some lovely art.
I visited the McNay as a college student for a study of some of the art and I ended up getting lost in each of the numerous rooms, looking at the artifacts and pieces in detail. It was originally home to a wealthy art connoisseur but now stands as a museum of astonishing works collected over the decades.
The building landscape and interior are well curated and uphold a respectable and rather aesthetically dominating design, like a decorated and expansive Spanish Villa. The rooms themselves meander and flow smoothly, transitioning from a wide range of collections such as Roman and Greek antiquity with such beautifully constructed statues and busts so alike the idealistic and heroic theme of the ancients.
Other areas featured several galleries of paintings of many schools, techniques, and famous artists from around the world, each with a unique offer into that captured experience. Some rooms offer a display of period clothing such as dresses and fine suits for men long left to history.
Within the halls, there is a small theatre room dedicated to showing the history of the museum starting with it's wealthy owner and their passion for collecting art with interesting backstory on the life and times. Down a ways and moving outside there is a garden and courtyard that you can enjoy while moving onto another section of the museum. Kind of like a Roman atrium.
Overall, my experience with McNay was charming, from the finely designed architecture and large open well-groomed yard, to the beautiful collection of works and the great variety of visual intrigue even in the visual space around the works. It's certainly worth a visit to see such devotion to beauty and the arts.
Also some students may have free access with a student ID.
The museum is top class and it is also a fantastic venue! I enjoy reliving my wedding day periodically with a free date night on Thursdays. Second Thursday’s are even better with live music, food trucks, and other festivities. For access to all galleries for free, go on the first Sunday of the month.
I don't want to give away to much. You have to go see it for yourself.. but, it is one of the coolest local museums I've been to. It is very clean, they have cool pieces, and the staff is very friendly. 10/10 would recommend going. P.S The Nightmare Before Christmas exebit is incredible.
When we went to visit the McNay, over half of the exhibits were closed for maintenance. I totally understand exhibits need updates and such, but doing maintenance on over half of the museum is not good business and it was a giant letdown.
We wouldn't have minded as much except the front desk didn't even give us a heads up that half of the museum was closed, and it was still $20 to get in. If you do decide to visit, make sure it's a free day or wait until 2018 when everything should be completed or else you will not get anywhere near your money's worth. When everything is open, there are great pieces to see from well known artists.
Went there for a wedding. It was a beautiful place. Loved looking at the masterpieces that were there. Two things I saw that were not right, 2 waiters just talking not passing our horsdevore and no announcement when they cut the cake.
I'm not sure which is best the 16,000 piece art collection or the great house and grounds. Give yourself plenty of time to enjoy the McNay, but don't come hungry as they don't have a restaurant.
Love how beautiful this museum is inside and outside as well. Not only is the art amazing but the house the art is displayed in is really fabulous and so elegant. Had a great experience here. The security and staff is very friendly and helpful.
catered here and the staff was so sweet and even gave us se info on the pieces we were checking out as we passed. they are all very friend and fun to he around as well as the museum itself just stay very clean and new art all the time!
Such a beautiful place with intriguing history. The art was interesting & thought-provoking. It was our first visit & it was "Second Thursday", so the atmosphere was fun with live music, drink stands, & food trucks.
This place is amazing. The grounds are immaculate and the outdoor sculptures are phenomenal. There are also a couple of water attractions as well. This is a wonderful location for professional pictures and there is only a small fee for most small groups. Both of my daughters had their senior pictures taken here and they turned out great.
5 Reasons to visit the McNay
1. The grounds are beautiful. The pond, fountain, landscaping, and sculptures are worth the trip by themselves.
2. The architecture is stunning. The museum use to be a private residence and its Spanish style is beautiful and has lots of interesting little details.
3. The atmosphere is laid back. Don't know anything about art? No worries, everyone here is friendly and helpful. Casual attire rules.
4. Kids are welcome. Need something to do with the kids? Head to the McNay! Check out their website for a list of kid friendly activities.
5. Thursday nights are free! The McNay is open until 9:00 on Thursdays and admission is free starting at 4:00. And 2nd Thursday in the summer usually means food trucks and bands.
I love this Art Museum! They have special exhibits along with popular artwork yet obsure artists. You have Picasso, Monet and local artists. A lovely day trip. Becoming a member is well worth it.
I just went here with my three young children and they loved it. It has enough space for a stroller, and a beautiful garden and pond area where you can enjoy a snack or just listen to the flowing water. Overall we had a great experience with the staff and the art was also fantastic!
This is a great, small museum that offers an extensive and solid art collection on equally beautiful grounds. Special collections and exhibits occur on a regular basis so there always seems to be something new here. The history and story of the McNay is also fascinating. We love taking guests here and it is easily one of our favorite museums.