Marion Koogler McNay Art Museum

Frommer's Review

Well worth a detour from downtown, this museum is one of my favorite spots. It's got a knockout setting on a hill north of Brackenridge Park with a forever view of the city, and it's in a sprawling Spanish Mediterranean-style mansion (built in 1929) so picturesque that it's constantly used as a backdrop for weddings and photo shoots. The McNay doesn't have a world-class art collection, but it has a good one, with at least one work by most American and European masters of the past 2 centuries. You can see works by Van Gogh, Manet, Gauguin, Degas, O'Keefe, Hopper, Matisse, Modigliani, Cézanne, and Picasso, to name just a few of the artists. It's also the perfect size to view leisurely without getting tired or overwhelmed. And the Tobin Collection of Theatre Arts, including costumes, set designs, and rare books, is outstanding. The McNay also hosts major traveling shows. It'll take you at least an hour to go through this place at a leisurely pace, longer if it's cool enough for you to stroll the beautiful 23-acre grounds dotted with sculpture and stunning landscaping. It's also well worth taking the time to view the 15-minute orientation film about oil heiress and artist Marion Koogler McNay, who established the museum. And, of course, there's a gift shop.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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