The Briscoe Is Set to Reopen Next Week

 

Saddle up and head West from the heart of San Antonio when the Briscoe Western Art Museum reopens on Saturday, May 23. The museum that features the saddles of Western icons such as Roy Rogers, Buffalo Bill and Pancho Villa is opening its doors again, welcoming everyone with special admission rates, early member access, exclusive tours and enhanced safety protocols.

Tipping Our Hat to Healthcare Heroes

Sharing the spirit and beauty of the West through art and artifacts, the Briscoe Western Art Museum brings the vibrant history and stories of the American West to life. The Briscoe is welcoming all healthcare workers to saddle up and enjoy the museum for free throughout the summer. Just show your valid identification so the museum can say “Thank you.”

The museum’s reopening weekend also includes half-price general admission for everyone. From May 23 through May 25, everyone over the age of 12 can enjoy the museum for just $5 per person. Children 12 and younger receive free admission.

Explore the West First: Members’ Sneak Peek

While the public is welcome to enjoy the museum beginning May 23, the Briscoe is giving museum members exclusive access May 21 and 22, with members-only tours and activities. To enjoy early access to the Briscoe, sign up for membership online, or stop by visitors’ services on May 21 and 22 to sign up in person — then enjoy the museum.

Museum memberships include unlimited admission to the Briscoe and its events, as well as invitations to private members-only events, including the exclusive early reopening access. Members always receive 20 percent off of museum store purchases. During the reopening weekend, will receive a 30 percent discount as an additional “thank you” for belonging to the Briscoe. Full membership benefits are detailed online. Memberships are instrumental support that helps the Briscoe to continue to share the art, history and culture of the American West and are tax-deductible.

2020 Night of Artists Open to the Public

The museum’s reopening means everyone can finally enjoy the 2020 Night of Artists Exhibition and Art Sale. Night of Artists draws artists, collectors and art enthusiasts from around the country each year to celebrate Western art. Originally set to open in March, the museum’s largest annual exhibition features more than 300 new works of painting, sculpture and mixed media by 80 of the country’s leading contemporary Western artists. Everyone will be transported West through scenic landscapes, inspired Native Americans and classic cowboys, stunning wildlife and detailed portraiture.

To celebrate the opening of the exhibition, Michael Duchemin, Ph.D., President and CEO of the Briscoe Western Art Museum, will lead tours of Night of Artists, sharing his insights on this year’s works. Duchemin has worked since 1984 as an executive director, chief curator, exhibition and program developer, historian, and author specializing in the cultural and intellectual history of the United States with an emphasis on the American West.

“Now, more than ever, we need the opportunity to experience art. This year’s Night of Artists works are truly among the best I’ve seen. Our reopening means we can finally share this extraordinary exhibition in person,” said Duchemin. “Art has the power to lift spirits and provide relief from the weights of daily living and celebrating the beauty and impact of the rich stories shared through Western art is the heart of the Briscoe. We look forward to safely sharing the spirit and beauty of Night of Artists with everyone.”

Duchemin will lead private, members-only tours of the Night of Artists exhibition on May 21 and 22. He will also share his insights during public tours on Saturday, May 23. Tours are included in the price of admission. To accommodate social distancing, tour capacity is limited. Preregistration is highly recommended by emailing education@briscoemuseum.org, or by calling (210) 299-4499. If space is still available, guests may sign up at Visitor Services. Follow the Briscoe on social media, @BriscoeMuseum, for updates.

 

Giving Everyone Wide-Open Spaces: Reopening Protocols

To safely welcome guests, the Briscoe will only welcome 25 percent of its admission capacity, monitoring attendance through ticket counts and limiting admissions as necessary. The museum’s reopening protocols include staff wearing masks, additional sanitizers and cleaning protocols, as well as the installation of plexiglass in both visitor services and the museum store.

Tickets and memberships may be purchased in advance online to limit in-person interaction. Interactive displays will remain closed. The McNutt Sculpture Garden, the museum’s beautiful outdoor courtyard featuring bronze sculptures depicting iconic figures of the American West, will be open for guests to enjoy. Details on the reopening protocols are available on the museum’s website.

Museum hours starting May 23 are 10:00 a.m.to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday. Museum hours for members-only access on May 21 and 22 are 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The museum is located on the River Walk, with convenient parking at the Riverbend Garage directly adjacent to the museum or one of many downtown surface lots. Tickets for the museum may be purchased onsite or online.