The Essential Guide To San Antonio Missions and Museums

Posted by Realty Austin on July 21st, 2021

Are you a history buff? Want to see nature and beauty in one place? Or are you an art fanatic? You might be interested in visiting some (or all) of the missions and museums that San Antonio, Texas has to offer!

McNay Art Museum 
For all you art lovers, the McNay houses exquisite art galleries inside and outside of the facility. The McNay is all about modern and contemporary offerings in the art community. Plus, the museum hosts special events, including art viewings, tours, etc.

The Alamo 
If you’re a historian or a history buff, for that matter, then head to the Alamo. This historic site was where the 1836 Battle of the Alamo had taken place, thus serving as a physical testament to Texas’s fight for Independence from Mexico.

Mission Concepcion 
Since 1755, Mission Concepción has stood the test of time as the oldest unrestored church in San Antonio and America in general. Despite its once colorful geometric designs having seen better days, the mission is an excellent place for tourists and visitors to connect with the past.

Mission Espada 
The first mission founded in Texas in 1690, and formerly known as the San Francisco de Los Tejas, Mission Espada has since evolved from a friary to a standing staple of Spanish culture. The mission serves as a testament to how the early days have paved the path for post-colonial growth in San Antonio.

San Antonio Museum of Art 
Are you looking for the best art galleries in town? Crave modern and contemporary art, along with unique pieces of history? The San Antonio Museum of Art houses many artworks from different eras, including the historical treasures of old.

Mission San Jose 
Mission life from the past can be revisited at the Mission San Jose. With a religious background as a church with its façade and Rose Window, Mission San Jose is a unique piece of San Antonio history and an homage to Spanish colonial life.

The DoSeum 
The most kid-friendly museum in San Antonio, the DoSeum, is an excellent place for kids to learn, experience, and have fun. With plenty of fun activities to do, along with a fascinating playground for kids to play at, the DoSeum has something for everyone in the family!

Mission San Juan 
Did you know that the Mission San Juan was all about sustainability back then? It’s true! The mission is said to be where Indians would create their tools and cloth. Also, they would grow their crops from maize (corn) to sugar cane, of which they grew and tended to in irrigated fields. There were also sheep and cattle that they herded back then.
As a result, this mission serves as proof that a thriving economy makes a flourishing society.

Briscoe Western Art Museum 
The Briscoe Western Art Museum is all about preserving history. With the American West in mind, this museum houses some of the most exquisite and unique pieces of history that reflect that period.

Witte Museum 
Finally, one of the most widely-known San Antonian museums to date, the Witte has curated and secured historical pieces since the 1920s. Today, the museum operates as both an archivist and an institution, making it a family-friendly place with its signature HEB Science Treehouse.