The Spanish Colonial Revival–style mansion in San Antonio known as the McNay Art Museum is a real piece of work—literally. With its manicured lawns, Japanese-inspired fishpond, colorful tiles, and stenciled ceilings—many of which were designed by the mansion’s original owner, art collector and heiress Jessie Marion Koogler McNay—this 24-room masterpiece is sure to captivate you. And that’s not even mentioning its art collection, irresistible with such names as Cézanne, Picasso, Gauguin, and Matisse. On November 6 the museum will unveil “A Collection for San Antonio: The McNay Celebrates Fifty Years,” an exhibit of its less often seen masterworks by artists including Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Paul Klee, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Jackson Pollock. During opening weekend, indulge your inner art critic with gallery talks—director William J. Chiego will lead a discussion on Edward Hopper’s Corn Hill (Truro, Cape Cod), 1930 (right)—learn about opera, write a poem, listen to a performance by violinist Jack Glatzer, and let beauty in its many guises seduce you. PATRICIA BUSA McCONNICO
See San Antonio: Museums/Galleries for details and directions.
