Lena RiveraAside from the fact that San Antonio is known for its River Walk, historic missions, and Tex-Mex flavors, the city also has a thriving creative side.
Whenever we have spare time, we love stepping into art galleries in San Antonio to see how local and international artists bring the city’s culture to life. It’s one of the easiest ways to step out of our routine and into something inspiring.
These galleries aren’t just places to admire paintings or sculptures—they’re windows into stories, ideas, and perspectives that offer a whole new perspective on the city.
So, if you’re ready to explore beyond the usual landmarks, read on for some of the best art galleries worth visiting.
1. Contemporary at Blue Star
@sacontemporary Blue Star Contemporary is now the Contemporary at Blue Star. Join us at the Contemporary for a First Friday Block Party in celebration of our new name, logo, and website: October 7, 6-8pm. We'll have a DJ, merch, screen-printing, and more! #contemporaryart #sanantonio #southtownsanantonio ♬ original sound – Contemporary at Blue Star
– Media credit: @sacontemporary
Website: https://contemporarysa.org
Address: 116 Blue Star, TX 78204
Contact: +1 210-227-6960
Hours:
- Wednesday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday-Friday: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Saturday-Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Monday-Tuesday: Closed
Pricing: $$
We keep hearing art lovers rave about the Contemporary at Blue Star as one of the most engaging art galleries in San Antonio. It’s known for its bold use of large-scale paintings, felt sculptures, and immersive multimedia works.
What makes the Contemporary special is how it goes beyond being just a gallery. Through its Artist Resource Center, open calls, and even a Berlin Residency program, it gives artists room to grow while offering visitors thought-provoking perspectives.
One example is the work of Nadia Botello, whose exhibition blends sound, sculpture, film, and river water to create pieces that literally let nature speak.
PRO TIP:
Consider joining their Friends & Family membership. It’s on a ‘donate what you can’ basis, so you can set a donation amount that works for you. Members enjoy perks like artist receptions, reciprocal benefits through Mod/Co & ROAM, and sometimes early access to shows.
2. Artpace San Antonio
– Media credit: artpace
Website: https://artpace.org
Address: 445 N Main Ave, TX 78205
Contact: +1 210-212-4900
Hours:
- Monday-Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday-Sunday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Pricing: $
We’ve thought about keeping this place to ourselves, but Artpace San Antonio deserves more attention. Its bold approach to art deserves the spotlight, making every visit feel like stepping into a creative secret—one where we never quite know what to expect.
Their International Artist-in-Residence Program is the heart of it all. Twice a year, three artists—one from Texas, one from across the U.S., and one from abroad—come to live and create here.
We’ve seen works from artists like Nina Katchadourian and Haris Epaminonda, and each project reminds us how different voices can spark fresh ways of seeing.
The exhibitions are always free, which makes it easy to stop by whenever we have time. From large-scale installations to surprising multimedia pieces, each show feels like a new adventure that lingers with us long after we leave.
PRO TIP:
Skip the weekend crowds and visit on weekdays around lunchtime. You’ll often find yourself in the galleries almost alone, giving you a private view of world-class art without the noise.
3. Ruby City
– Media credit: rubycity
Website: https://rubycity.org
Address: 150 Camp St, TX 78204
Contact: +1 210-227-8400
Hours:
- Thursday-Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Monday-Wednesday: Closed
Pricing: Free
One of our favorite finds is Ruby City, a bold red building that feels like a piece of art itself. Created by Sir David Adjaye, its shimmering red walls are made from concrete mixed with glass. It captures the sunlight in a way that makes the space glow.
Inside, the galleries feature over 1,400 works from the Linda Pace Foundation Collection. It includes paintings, video pieces, and large installations that highlight themes of beauty, identity, and social change.
What makes this gallery stand out is its focus on art that combines community and reflection. Alongside the galleries, visitors can enjoy Chris Park, a one-acre green space created in memory of Pace’s son.
PRO TIP:
Ruby City regularly offers free curator-led tours and artist talks, but spots fill up quickly. You may need to register online in advance to secure your place for these behind-the-scenes experiences.
4. The Briscoe Western Art Museum
– Media credit: briscoemuseum
Website: https://briscoemuseum.org/
Address: 210 W Market St, TX 78205
Contact: +1 210-299-4499
Hours:
- Monday, Friday-Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Tuesday-Wednesday: Closed
Pricing: $
The Briscoe Western Art Museum feels like stepping into a story of the American West. Its galleries are filled with paintings, sculptures, and artifacts that highlight Native American artistry, women of the West, and cultural traditions that shaped the region.
Rotating exhibitions make every visit different. Past shows like Aloha Vaqueros and Going to Texas: Five Centuries of Texas Maps connect Western heritage with broader cultural stories and use art and history to make it educational and entertaining.
The museum also extends outdoors. The McNutt Sculpture Garden is a serene, shaded space featuring bronze statues and a vibrant tile mural. It’s free to enjoy and gives visitors a chance to relax while still surrounded by art.
On top of it all, we love how interactive this gallery can be. Some exhibits invite you to explore through hands-on projects or creative STEAM-inspired activities.
PRO TIP:
Choose the Supporter membership (about $125 a year). It includes guest passes, exclusive preview parties, and reciprocal admission to hundreds of museums nationwide.
5. McNay Art Museum
– Media credit: mcnayart
Website: https://www.mcnayart.org/
Address: 6000 N New Braunfels Ave, TX 78209
Contact: +1 210-824-5368
Hours:
- Wednesday, Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Monday-Tuesday: Closed
Pricing: $
Walking through the Spanish-style gates of the McNay Art Museum, the peaceful gardens immediately set the tone. Once inside the mansion, the galleries open up to more than 20,000 works of European and American art, from classic paintings to modern masterpieces.
The star of the museum is its unique combination of fine art and theater arts. The Tobin Collection showcases stage designs, costumes, and models that bring performances to life. Alongside these are modern and contemporary works that add energy.
Rotating exhibitions also keep the experience dynamic. Whether it’s a large installation or themed showcase, the McNay ensures there’s always something new to discover. It’s the kind of place where each visit offers a different perspective.
PRO TIP:
Grab a McNay membership not just for free year-round access but also for surprise local rewards. This may include free truffles at Chocollazo or discounts at partner cafes
6. San Antonio Museum of Art
– Media credit: sama_art
Website: https://www.samuseum.org
Address: 200 W Jones Ave, TX 78215
Contact: +1 210-978-8100
Hours:
- Tuesday, Friday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Wednesday-Thursday, Saturday-Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Monday: Closed
Pricing: $
We also made sure to stop by the San Antonio Museum of Art, where we discovered one of the most diverse collections in the city.
With nearly 30,000 works spanning 5,000 years, the museum brings together a diverse range of artifacts, from ancient Mediterranean pieces to striking contemporary installations. Each gallery feels like a different chapter in the story of art.
They don’t even stop at history, either. The modern and contemporary wing showcases paintings, sculptures, and multimedia pieces from 1945 to today. We loved how regional Texas artists are featured right alongside international names.
Another standout is the Latin American art wing, one of the strongest in the region. Highlights include Mexican Modernism and Constructivism, along with rotating displays that keep the collection fresh and exciting.
PRO TIP:
Get a SAMA membership that includes unlimited admission plus 10% off in the museum’s Museum Shop at SAMA and Tre Trattoria at the San Antonio Museum of Art Restaurant.
7. San Antonio Art League
– Media credit: saartleague
Website: https://www.saalm.org
Address: 130 King William St, TX 78204
Contact: +1 210-223-1140
Hours:
- Tuesday-Saturday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Sunday-Monday: Closed
Pricing: Free
Locals often say the San Antonio Art League is one of the city’s hidden treasures. This volunteer-run gallery was founded in 1912. It carries a warm, community spirit that makes art feel both personal and accessible.
The heart of the museum is the Davis Gallery, where rotating exhibitions shine a spotlight on local talent. Signature events like the Wildflower Competition celebrate the region’s natural beauty while giving artists the recognition they deserve.
Workshops and youth programs also distinguish SAALM. From clay and collage classes to hands-on culinary-inspired sessions, these activities invite families and students to create together. It’s the kind of programming that makes art lively and interactive.
PRO TIP:
Visit during one of SAALM’s workshop days. Participants often get insider access to exhibits and a chance to meet local artists in a relaxed, hands-on setting.
8. Carbon Bloom Studio & Gallery
– Media credit: carbonbloom
Website: https://carbonbloomstudio.wordpress.com/
Address: 1420 S Alamo St, TX 78204
Contact: [email protected]
Pricing: $$
Lastly, Carbon Bloom Studio & Gallery is one of the city’s most vibrant creative spaces, known for being both a working studio and an art gallery.
It’s located in the Upstairs Studios at the Blue Star Arts Complex. It gives the energy of artists at work with a welcoming space to view and buy art.
During our visit, we were drawn in by the First Friday show, a monthly event that fills the gallery with fresh pieces and curious visitors. The atmosphere was relaxed and lively, with artists discussing their work and sharing the stories behind their creations.
PRO TIP:
Arrive early on First Fridays. Popular pieces often get reserved within the first hour, giving early visitors the best chance to secure artwork before it’s gone.
