The Briscoe Western Art Museum is located at 210 W. Market Street, San Antonio, Texas.

A Hidden Gem: The Briscoe Museum of Western Art in San Antonio

On Sunday, November 24, 2019, I headed into San Antonio to visit the Briscoe Western Art Museum.  It was a perfect day to enjoy this hidden gem.  The museum was hosting the Yanaguana Indian Arts Market, which featured indigenous Indian dances and a market featuring indigenous artists from all across the southwest.  I had never been to this museum and I was impressed!  It is housed in a historic building downtown that was once the Central Library for San Antonio.  The museum contains nine galleries on three floors, as well as the McNutt Sculpture Garden, which has 20 sculptures in a beautiful space outside the museum.  The Museum is very close to the River Walk, which adds to the ambiance and the people watching.

Upon arrival at the museum, I spent some time in the outdoor sculpture garden watching the Indian dances.  It was a colorful experience and I particularly enjoyed the efforts of the master of ceremonies to identify the different tribes represented and to explain the different dances that were performed.  He also explained the different costume elements, emphasizing their function as well as the similarities and differences of the costumes of different tribe members.  Very informative and very enjoyable!

Lots of museum patrons were enjoying the Indian dances in the sculpture garden at the Briscoe.
The master of ceremonies was the gentleman in red. He did a great job!
The costumes were beautiful.
I was encouraged to see a number of young people participating in this cultural display.

After enjoying the dances, I spent some time perusing the artists who had jewelry and art for sale.  I saw some beautiful things!  I then went to visit the museum galleries.  The first gallery that caught my eye had a display of a very rare deluxe issue of Catlin’s North American Indian Portfolio, which consisted of thirty one hand colored plates mounted on cards.  George Catlin (1796-1872) spent many years living with and painting the Great Plains Indians.  He painted around 600 portraits, which realistically portrayed and recorded their dress, culture, and way of life.

The case that contained the 31 paintings on display.
An example of one of Catlin's paintings of Plains Indians.
There were a number of hunting scenes and paintings of buffalo.

Each of the galleries at the Briscoe contained interesting items, and I thoroughly enjoyed visiting each of them.  Here are a few more photos from various parts of the museum.

An interesting casting depicting the back side of an Indian head nickel.
Mexican armor and military drum.
A bronze by Fritz White (1930-2010) entitled "Hunter in the Sky".
Not surprized that a western museum has some nice saddles and a collection of historic spurs!

There was an exhibit dedicated to the museum’s namesake, former Governor Dolph Briscoe.  Having been to Uvalde many times, I was glad to learn more about this iconic Texas figure.  If you find yourself in downtown San Antonio with some extra time, I would highly recommend a visit to the Briscoe.  I don’t think you will be disappointed!

Part of the exhibit honoring Governor Briscoe.
Such a nice place to relax and enjoy!