Visiting The San Antonio Museum of Art: Prices, Tips & Info
Planning Your Visit to the San Antonio Museum of Art
Make the most of your trip to the San Antonio Museum of Art with everything you need to know before you go—from hours and tickets to directions, parking, and visitor tips for a seamless experience.
Timings of San Antonio Museum of Art
Monday
Closed
Tuesdays and Fridays
10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays
10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Holidays and Closures
Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, Easter Sunday, Battle of Flowers, Independence Day – Closed
Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, Fiesta Flambeau Parade – Open 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Best Times to Visit San Antonio Museum of Art
Early Mornings on Weekdays
Arrive soon after opening (10 AM) from Tuesday through Friday—crowds are lighter, giving you space and quiet to explore the galleries at your pace without rush or distraction.
Avoid Peak Tourist Seasons
The city sees its largest tourist influx November through April, with pleasant weather and many events—but that brings more people to popular venues, including the museum. Opt instead for spring (March–May) or autumn (September–November) when the weather is mild and lines are shorter.
Free Admission Hours (for Bexar County Residents)
If you’re a local, take advantage of the free-entry windows:
Tuesdays, 4 PM–7 PM
Sundays, 10 AM–12 PM
Though popular, these are great for budget-friendly visits—just expect more visitors during these periods.
Weekday Afternoons
Typically quieter than weekends, especially midweek afternoons let you move through exhibits with fewer interruptions and more focus.
Summer Midday (Low Season)
Summer in San Antonio is hot, and many tourists avoid outdoor attractions. This is especially good for indoor museum visits like SAMA – expect more air-conditioned serenity and fewer crowds.
Location of San Antonio Museum of Art
Nestled along the scenic Museum Reach of the San Antonio River Walk, the San Antonio Museum of Art is housed in the historic Lone Star Brewery complex. Its central location makes it easy to pair a museum visit with nearby downtown attractions and riverfront strolls.
Address
San Antonio Museum of Art
200 West Jones Avenue
San Antonio, TX 78215
How to Get to San Antonio Museum of Art
By Car
Located right on the scenic Museum Reach of the River Walk, reaching SAMA by car is easy via major downtown routes.
SAMA doesn’t offer on-site parking. Across the street, public parking is available; simply scan the QR code on signage or use the parking website to register your vehicle and pay, with license plate and credit card details ready.
Nearby options for street and garage parking include:
– 849 E. Commerce St. Garage (~16 ft away, ~$10)
– 300 E. Crockett St. Garage (~0.1 mi, ~$12)
– 903 E. Commerce St. (Lot 1725) (~0.1 mi, ~$25)
– Springhill Suites Alamo Plaza Lot (~0.2 mi, ~$8)
Great to note: on Tuesdays after 5 PM, downtown city-owned garages and meters offer free parking as part of the “Downtown Tuesday” program.
By Bus
Several VIA Metropolitan Transit routes stop within a short walk:
Nearest stops include N. St. Mary’s & Camden (1-minute walk) and Broadway & Jones (5-minute walk).
Bus lines: 8, 9, 10, 14, 209, 214 all serve these nearby stops.
If arriving from San Antonio International Airport, VIA Metro offers Line 7 bus service (approx. $2, ~19–36 min) to Martin & Navarro, from where the museum is easily accessible.
By Taxi / Rideshare
Taxis and app-based rides are readily available throughout the city.
From the airport, the trip is about 7.5 miles—roughly 10 minutes, costing $27–$35.
On Foot or by Bike
The museum is accessible on foot or by bike via the beautiful Museum Reach River Walk.
It’s about a 10-minute walk from The Pearl district and roughly 30 minutes from central downtown hotels, with public art along the way.
A San Antonio Bike Share (B-Cycle) station at Jones & Avenue B makes cycling in easy and fun.
By Train
Amtrak’s San Antonio Station (350 Hoefgen St.) is the main rail terminal for long-distance trains like the Texas Eagle and Sunset Limited.
While there isn’t a direct shuttle, you can easily take a short taxi or rideshare ride from the station to reach the museum
Special Events and Experiences at San Antonio Museum of Art
First Tuesday: Explore The Magic Flute with OPERA San Antonio
A unique evening blending opera and artistry, featuring a performance or creative activity tied to The Magic Flute.
Location: Great Hall / Auditorium (typically during “First Tuesday” programming)
Date: September 2, 2025
Educator Workshop: The Cultural Chemistry of Maya Blue
A hands-on workshop for educators exploring the cultural and scientific history behind the iconic Mesoamerican pigment, Maya Blue.
Location: Educators’ event space within SAMA (usually classroom or workshop area)
Date: September 19, 2025
Public Tour: Museum Highlights
A guided tour featuring key works from the museum’s diverse collection—perfect for first-time visitors.
Location: Throughout the galleries—starting point at main entrance or Great Hall
Date: Recurring (e.g., August 31, 2025)
Special Exhibition Tour: Larry Bell: Improvisations
Curator-led tours that delve into the new special exhibition by Larry Bell, featuring his innovative glassworks.
Location: Located within the special exhibition galleries
Date: Recurring (e.g., August 31, 2025)
Special Exhibition: Envisioning the Hindu Divine: Expanding Darshan and Manjari Sharma
A blend of ancient South and Southeast Asian sculptures with contemporary photography by Manjari Sharma, exploring sacred imagery and spiritual representation through time.
Dates: March 7 — July 6, 2025
Location: Cowden Gallery
Bonus Programming: Includes guided tours every Tuesday and Sunday, Kids’ Studio sessions on second Wednesdays, and Spring Break family programming.
Pase Usted Mural Installation & Artist Talks
A large-scale mural project by Carlos Rosales-Silva that creates immersive visual connections across SAMA’s collections—paired with interactive Artist Talks.
Special Events: Q&A session during installation on August 13 (10:00 AM–12:00 PM) and Artist Talk on September 19 (6:00–7:00 PM)
Dates: Installed from August 7 — August 21, remaining on view through September 14, 2025
Location: Entry area or designated exhibition space near the entrance
Film Screening: Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama
A beautiful animated adaptation of the Indian epic, offering a cinematic experience tied to Tuesday free-admission programming.
Location: John L. Santikos Auditorium
Date: (Recurring as part of “Tuesdays at SAMA,” free for Bexar County residents)
Dining and Shopping at San Antonio Museum of Art
Tre Trattoria at the Museum
About
Italian-inspired dining nestled in the historic Beretta Hops House, Tre Trattoria offers Tuscan-style dishes with riverfront ambiance. Chef Jason Dady brings casual elegance with house-made pastas, cast-iron flatbread pizzas, fresh antipasti, and his signature “deviled” eggs and Nutella X3 dessert. Outdoor patio seating overlooks the Museum Reach of the River Walk, framed by exposed brick and greenery.
Location within Museum
Located in the Beretta Hops House—accessible by walking through the galleries or via the Sculpture Garden near River Stop #12.
Specialty Items
i. “Deviled” Eggs
ii. Hand-pulled mozzarella
iii. Campanelle Bolognese
iv. Nutella X3 dessert
Hours
i. Tuesday–Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
ii. Friday–Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
iii. Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
iv. Closed on Monday
SAMA Shop
About
A thoughtfully curated shop offering art-inspired merchandise where every purchase supports the museum. Items include books, prints, jewelry, accessories, and SAMA-themed gifts. Members enjoy a 10% discount on purchases.
Hours
Open during the museum’s operating hours.
Specialty Items
i. SAMA Fiesta Medal 2025 ($16.99)
ii. Limited Edition SAMA Blue Tote ($20.99)
iii. SAMA Building T-Shirt (from $31.99)
iv. Limited Edition SAMA Green Sticker ($4.99)
v. Reusable water bottles and tumblers, especially from their eco-conscious collections
Things to Know Before Visiting San Antonio Museum of Art
- Facilities
- Accessibility
- Guidelines
- Rules
Onsite Facilities
Restrooms
Conveniently located throughout the galleries, ensuring easy access wherever you are in the museum.
Tre Trattoria (Restaurant)
Enjoy lunch or dinner with river views inside the historic Hops House. Members receive a 10% discount on food and non-alcoholic beverages.
Museum Store
Shop books, prints, jewelry, and more—members save 10% on purchases.
Self-Guided Group Visits
Adult groups of 10 or more can arrange a self-guided visit for $22 per person. Members and children under 12 are free; seniors (65+), students (13–17), and military receive reduced rates.
Guided Tours for All Ages
Docent-led tours are available, including themes like “Animals in Art,” “Stories in Art,” or “The Parts of Art.” These tours last 50 minutes, accommodate up to 60 participants, and require at least two weeks’ notice. Bilingual tours are also available on request.
Outdoor Lunch Areas
Groups can enjoy outdoor picnic space on a first-come basis, with Tre Trattoria serving as a backup when weather doesn’t cooperate.
Accessibility Information
Mobility Support
Ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms are available. Lightweight folding stools (also usable as canes) are offered near the Great Hall. Wheelchairs can be requested from security at the front desk (first-come, first-served).
Free Tours
The museum also offers free and specially designed tours for people with memory loss and their caregivers. Free group tours are also available for people with mobility issues.
Service Animals
Trained service animals are welcome throughout the museum. Non-service pets are not permitted.
Multisensory Tours for Low-Vision Visitors
Special tours designed for visually impaired guests incorporate touch, sound, smell, and descriptive narration. Guide dogs and sighted companions are welcome. Reservations available via email.
Visitor Guidelines
Tickets & Admission
Guests are encouraged to purchase tickets online in advance to save time at entry. Members and children under 12 enjoy free admission.
Food & Drink
Outside food, beverages, and gum are not permitted in the galleries. Tre Trattoria and outdoor areas are available for dining.
Arrival Time
Visitors should plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before scheduled tours or programs to allow for check-in and orientation.
Family-Friendly Environment
Children are welcome, but those under 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Phone Use
Mobile devices should be silenced inside galleries. Calls should be taken outside to avoid disturbing other guests.
Photography Etiquette
Casual, personal photos are welcome, but please be mindful not to block walkways or disrupt the experience of others.
Rules and Regulations
Respect for Artworks
Touching or leaning on works of art and display cases is strictly prohibited.
Smoking/Vaping
Smoking and vaping are not permitted inside the museum or on museum grounds.
Prohibited Items
Pens, markers, food, drinks, weapons, large bags, and backpacks are not allowed in the galleries. Bags must be checked at the front desk.
Restricted Photography
Flash, tripods, stabilizers, drones, selfie sticks, and posed portrait sessions inside the museum are not permitted. Commercial and media photography requires prior approval from the Marketing Department.
Portrait Photography Passes (Outdoors Only)
Formal portrait sessions on the museum grounds require a pass ($30 individual, $50 for groups of 10+), valid for 48 hours. No outfit changes or restroom use for dressing is permitted.
Behavior Policy
Running, shouting, disruptive conduct, or climbing on sculptures and furniture is prohibited to maintain a respectful environment.
San Antonio Museum of Art: Plan Ahead
When making reservations, visitors are encouraged to book general admission or group tours online in advance to secure their preferred date and time. For attending special events, purchasing tickets early is recommended as capacity may be limited and some events require separate admission.
