Originally constructed in 1972, the Art Museum of South Texas, designed by architect Philip Johnson, stands as a landmark with its poured white concrete and shell aggregate construction, offering sweeping bay views through its artistic windows. Then, in 2006, an expansion designed by Mexican architect Ricardo Legorreta, was unveiled. The design doubled the size of the museum and introduced 13 rooftop pyramids that showcased stunning use of color and light. The museum now stands as a testament to the combination of the two unique designs, merging Mexican and American architectural perspectives into one extraordinary masterpiece, which has served as a beacon for creativity and culture since its expansion.  

The architecture of this world-class museum is as stunning as the pieces inside. Discover over 1,900 works of art, including paintings, photographs, ceramics, large installation pieces, and more. Along with their permanent collection, the museum houses temporary exhibits that are as captivating as the stories behind their inspiration. Read on to learn more about these exhibits and the talented artists who created these masterpieces.

Exhibitions 

Photography Is Art   

Various Photographers  | January 6 – April 7, 2024  

The earliest photographic process was invented by Louis-Jacques-Mandé Daguerre (1787-1851) it was first presented in Paris in 1839. “Photography Is Art” is an examination of various photography practices explained throughout the exhibition. This exhibition celebrates photography as an art form while reminding people about the great collection of American photos within the collections of Amon Carter Museum of American Art, Ellen Noël Art Museum, Amarillo Museum of Art, and Art Museum of South Texas, a “greatest hits” showing. It tells a story about how photography developed as art over time. 

In the middle of the 1900s, photographers tested modern styles in their photos. They looked back at old photos from 1800s. They also thought about what their photos showed or meant to the viewer, and how they’re different from real life. Wall text, labels, and accompanying brochure with a glossary of terms of the various processes shown in the 51 works in the traveling exhibition all available in English y en Español.  

“Photography Is Art” is the second in a series of American art exhibitions created through a multi-year, multi-institutional partnership formed by the Amon Carter Museum of American Art as part of the Art Bridges Cohort Program. 

King Ranch: A Legacy in Art  

Paintings by Noe Perez  | April 26 – August 25, 2024  

Celebrate South Texas history with the visually stunning King Ranch paintings by Noe Perez, a South Texas native. Perez is considered by many to be one of the foremost contemporary landscape painters of Texas. His work in this project was commissioned by King Ranch to celebrate their 100 Year Anniversary of the historic main house. Perez’s landscapes, genre scenes, wildlife, and livestock paintings serve as a reminder of the beautiful, vast, and rugged draw that is King Ranch. Appreciate 825,000 acres of legendary South Texas terrain through 36 breathtaking paintings all with the ease and convenience of strolling about the Art Museum of South Texas.  

The accompanying book includes essays to gain an understanding of the importance of King Ranch. Visit the Art Museum of South Texas opening day April 26 for Art Unboxed, a lecture and lunch series featuring Noe Perez and concluding in a book signing. 

Permanent Collection 

The diverse permanent collection houses art from many great artists including Dorothy Hood and Chihuly, and includes the Spanish Colonial Gallery, and art that is focused on the Americas, especially from Texas and the region. Works of art on paper make up a major part of the collection, along with paintings, photographs, sculptures, glass, ceramics, crafts, and large installation pieces. Works of art from the collection are shown in the Art Museum of South Texas galleries, at the Antonio E. Garcia Arts and Education Center, on the Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi campus, and occasionally via loans to other institutions.

Parking 

Parking for the museum is available in the two lots at the facility with the best accessibility including ramps, handicap parking, and easy access to each patron.  

Third Thursday 

On the third Thursday each month, visit the Art Museum of South Texas from 5:30-9:00 p.m. for an evening of viewing galleries, enjoying live music, local vendors, food, and one-of-a-kind art activities. This event, presented by Kleberg Bank is free, and great for all ages and interests.

Elizabeth’s 

Grab a bite to eat at Elizabeth’s, located inside the museum, and choose from their selection of vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired cuisine and cocktails, while enjoying the breathtaking waterfront views of the harbor. 

Enjoy Downtown 

While you’re in the heart of Downtown Corpus Christi, head to the Seawall, and enjoy stunning waterfront views while taking a scenic walk, or head to one of the many museums for rich culture and unique exhibits and activities. Try the Museum of Science and History to explore over 500 years of South Texas history, the Texas State Museum of Asian Cultures to learn the history and art of Asian cultures, or the Instituto de Cultura Hispanica de Corpus Christi in Heritage Park to learn of diverse cultures from several Hispanic countries. While you’re at Heritage Park, take a walking tour of these 12 historical properties and learn more about them on each historic marker displayed in front of each home to learn the story behind Corpus Christi’s heritage.