McNay Art Museum Celebrates 70 Years
of Art and Community
Built in the late 1920s by Marion Koogler McNay, the distinctive residence became the site of Texas’s first modern art museum when it opened in 1954. Since Marion McNay’s bequest of 700 works of art, along with her house, surrounding 25 acres, and an endowment to establish the museum, the McNay has broadened its program offerings, grown its collection, and expanded its spaces.
Throughout 2024, the McNay Art Museum marked its 70th anniversary with a yearlong celebration through an array of events, programs, storytelling, activations, and merchandise.
The McNay opened its doors to the public to join in commemorating the museum’s legacy of transformational art experiences at events like Founder’s Day and the 1954 Film Series. Events featured the opportunity to share a personal “McNay Story” in a new video series, bringing together rich programming and perspectives to imagine what’s possible in the decades to come.
The closing celebration, 70th Anniversary Family Night, will take place on December 12, 2024. The free event features live music by Wilkinson’s Quartet and family-friendly experiences across the Museum, including exhibitions, origami peacock making, tile painting, contemporary art-making, and more. Learn more at mcnayart.org/mcnay70.
In honor of the anniversary, the McNay also launched its first digital guide, available on the Bloomberg Connects app, and opened The McNay Store, featuring limited-edition anniversary merchandise, local makers and designers, and items inspired by the Collection.
“Throughout our 70-year history, the McNay has brought the very best of modern and contemporary art to San Antonio, beginning with its founding collection: the bequest from Marion Koogler McNay,” said Matthew McLendon, Director and CEO of the McNay. “This special milestone year is a moment to reflect on our legacy as the first dedicated modern art museum in Texas and to look ahead at the extraordinary possibilities for learning, innovation, and impact.”
While many things have changed across 7 decades, one thing remains the same: our unwavering commitment to carry on our founder Marion Koogler McNay’s vision to offer transformational art experiences and to be San Antonio’s place of belonging.
We are grateful to 78209ers for being an important part of the McNay’s story and for the devoted support of advocates past, present, and yet to come.
