Permanent Galleries

Discover our permanent collections and the rich history. Discover the unique collections housed on each floor.

LEVEL ONE

New Works Gallery:

Updated quarterly, the gallery is considered the artwork’s debut into the Briscoe collection. As our collection grows, you can see the latest acquisitions and loans to the permanent collection.

Ruth Bowman Bowers Women of the West Gallery:

Women are an important part of the foundation of the West. This permanent gallery features artworks by Western women artists and portrayals of Western women.

Gloria Gaines Clingman Education Gallery:

From a Selena Barbie Doll to a Roy Rogers lunchbox, and exquisite pottery and beading, this gallery offers nostalgic memorabilia and is a restful place to find a seat by our grand fireplace.

Kampmann Public Library Portal:

Our historic building was once home to San Antonio’s first public library. The deed to the building includes a clause that the space always feature a library and the Briscoe portal is one of San Antonio Public Library’s digital spaces. Relax and browse material related to Western history courtesy of the San Antonio Public Library’s collection.

LEVEL TWO

Southwest and Native American Art:

View works from artists who have defined the style of Southwest Art from the 1890s to today as well as art created by and featuring Native Americans. An important part of Western art, Native American heritage is one of the pillars of the genre.

Governor Dolph Briscoe Jr. Corner:

Governor Dolph Briscoe and his wife Janey envisioned a museum that would preserve the stories of struggle and perseverance of people who held a vision — and who worked to make it come to life. See his desk and learn about the museum’s founder and former Texas Governor.

Featured Special Exhibitions:

Cross the sky bridge to the Jack Guenther Pavilion. This gallery houses a rotating schedule of temporary exhibitions. These must-see shows include our annual Night of Artists exhibition, one of the premier Western Art shows in the world. Night of Artists and our other featured exhibitions explore popular and relevant themes on the people, culture, and region of the West.

LEVEL THREE

Guerra Family Gallery:

Engage with the influence of Spanish, American, Mexican, Tejano, and Indigenous history as it developed throughout the Southern Borderlands region.

A-Bar Gallery:

Learn about the Battle of the Alamo, the Texas Revolution, and the broader cultural history of the Texicans, who resided in and immigrated to the area before 1846.

Governor Dolph Briscoe, Jr. Gallery:

See how horses, cattle, vaqueros, and cowboys visually defined the American West.

Kate Marmion Gallery:

Featured works from both the permanent collection and private lenders provide an intimate viewing experience on thematic topics in Western art and the art of collecting.

San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo Gallery:

On view is a rotating collection of cowboy gear and tools of the trade including saddles, bridles, bits, and spurs that comprise the Traditional Cowboy Arts.

Discover More as a Member

Stylized depiction of a statue featuring an individual riding a horse, placed on a pedestal with steps leading up to it. A building with railings and architectural details is visible in the background.

Get Art and Updates in your Inbox

© 2024 The Briscoe Western Art Museum.