Built in 1929, the Majestic Theatre is the prime venue in the city for performing arts. The architecture reflects Baroque and Mediterranean influences. Elaborate ornamentation, colorful walls with creeping grape vines, statues, a tiled roof, and many other design elements make this venue a magical setting. It features a huge stage and grand lobbies, also plays host to private and corporate events.
Housed in what was once the Lone Star Brewery, this museum boasts fairly comprehensive collections of both ancient and Asian art. The Nelson A. Rockefeller Center for Latin American Art displays what is probably one of the most impressive collections of pre-Columbian, Spanish Colonial, and Latin American modern and folk art in the United States. On Sundays, the museum sponsors educational workshops for children, in which they can create their own pieces of art to display at home. The museum also plays host to touring exhibits such as one featuring Egyptian artifacts on loan from Boston's Museum of Fine Arts.
This Spanish-Mediterranean mansion, located in the heart of well-to-do Alamo Heights, houses impressive artworks from 19th and 20th Century America and Europe, in addition to one of the largest theater arts collections in the United States. Its grounds are as lovely as its collections, boasting fountains, streams, goldfish ponds and Japanese-style gardens. Recent touring exhibitions include works by Georgia O'Keefe, a collection of pop art and American Pictorial Photography. The auditorium and portions of the McNay Art Museum are available for private functions.
Originally the Mission San Antonio de Valero, the Alamo is by far the most famous historical site in Texas, playing a significant role in Texas' quest for independence from Mexico. Under the command of Col. William Travis, 189 Texan soldiers bravely defended this fort for 13 days before finally succumbing to Santa Anna's massive Mexican army in early 1836. The chapel and the Long Barrack are all that remains of the fort. Saved from civilian apathy by the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, the mission is now a museum containing relics from the era. Narrated tours are available.
The city's science and natural history museum has garnered remarkable popularity which has skyrocketed even more with the adjacent HEB Science Tree house: a collection of interactive exhibits and activities for visitors of all ages. Permanent exhibits include ones featuring Native American cave paintings, archaeological artifacts, an Egyptian mummy, native Texan mammals, reptiles, and much more. Past touring exhibits have included gowns and memorabilia from Fiesta's Order of the Alamo coronation pageants, Dinosaurs Alive! and Microbes.
It all started in 1881 when trappers, hunters and cowboys traded deer antlers for beer or whiskey at Albert Friedrich's saloon. Now, the saloon/museum's Hall of Horns, Hall of Feathers and Hall of Fins house not only the largest, but also some of the most impressive collections of native and exotic wildlife around. If you're squeamish about mounted deer heads, fish and fowl, then don't go. If you're awed by how large deer antlers can grow to be, by just how large of a mouth that a large-mouth bass can have, or at the wingspan of native turkeys, then you'll love this place. You can even bring in a set of antlers or a stuffed fish to trade at the bar for a whiskey or sarsaparilla.
Originally founded in Chicago, Unit B has been focusing on Texas artists since it relocated to San Antonio in 2006. See the works of contemporary local and national artists in a unique atmosphere. Unit B is located in a converted bungalow, giving the space an intimate feel. Sometimes exhibits even extend to the lawn and the house itself, making for quite a sight.
This 18-year-old center, located on San Pedro Street, is devoted to cultural and political activities. Cultural art programs help in promoting social justice, which this organization strives for. Issues affecting women, lesbians, gays, the poor and people of the working class are of their prime concern. Various pottery workshops, film festivals and exhibits are also promoted by them. In 1997, it was denied city funding and was labeled as a supporter of homosexual, abortion and anti-family values. However, the center is still going strong, which is a reflection of the support it gets from the common man.
Originally built in the late 19th Century and used as a boarding house, Villa Finale got a second life when the building was bought by Walter Mathis. Walter Mathis restored the building to its past glory and started collecting artifacts. Both the home and the collection were given to the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 2004, and luckily now the public can view the stunning estate. When you tour this house you'll be able to see the lovely architectural design, as well as Texas artwork and European artifacts.