Museum of Western Art (Kerrville, Texas) facts for kids

Inside the Museum of Western Art.

The Museum of Western Art in Kerrville, Texas, is an exciting art museum. It shows amazing paintings and sculptures by artists who capture the spirit of the American West. These artists follow in the footsteps of famous artists like Frederic Remington and Charles M. Russell. Besides its changing art shows, the museum also has a large library about the West. It even has a special "Journey West" gallery just for kids! The museum's motto is "Where the Legend Lives."

History of the Museum

The museum first opened its doors on April 23, 1983. It was originally called the Cowboy Artists of America Museum. It was meant to be the main place for the Cowboy Artists of America group. The building itself was designed by a famous architect named O'Neil Ford. He was known for his Southwestern style of building.

Later, in 2004, a new part was added. It was called the Masel S. Quinn Pavilion. This area is used for many educational programs. Over time, the museum and the Cowboy Artists of America group decided to go their separate ways. Because of this, the museum changed its name. First, it was called the National Center for American Western Art. Then, in 2003, it became The Museum of Western Art, which is its name today.

What You Can See at the Museum

The museum building looks like a strong, old Western ranch house. Outside, you'll find beautiful gardens with large sculptures of Western figures. Inside, the museum has 14,000 square feet of space. This space holds a wonderful collection of paintings and sculptures. All of these artworks are by famous Western artists, both from the past and today.

The inside of the museum is also very special. It has unique, handcrafted ceilings and floors made from mesquite wood and Saltillo tiles. You'll also see many old Western items. All of these things, along with the priceless art, make a lasting impression on everyone who visits.

The museum has three indoor art galleries. It also has a large library where you can learn about the American West. Don't forget the "Journey West Children's gallery," which is made just for younger visitors! There's also a museum store where you can find souvenirs. Outside, there's a pavilion that is often used for special events. These can include parties, gatherings, and educational classes.

Visiting the Museum

The Museum of Western Art is easy to find. It's about five miles off I-10, at exit 508. It's about an hour's drive northwest of San Antonio. The museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can find information about admission prices on their website, museumofwesternart.com. A special note: current and retired military members always get in for free when they show their military ID.

Awards and Recognition

The Museum of Western Art has received many honors. True West Magazine has named it one of the top Western art museums in the U.S. for several years in a row, including 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024. Readers of The Kerrville Daily Times also voted it the Top Attraction in Kerrville in both 2021 and 2024.

See also

• Museums in Texas
• Museums in Central Texas