Visitors at the Art Museum of South Texas view a piece from the facility’s permanent collection, which includes more than 1,850 works of art. Courtesy photo
You'll feel it the moment you step through the entryway: creativity coming to life in the Art Museum of South Texas. With an interior bathed in brilliant light and centered by stunning views of Corpus Christi Bay and the Harbor Bridge, this cultural destination offers artistic inspiration for all ages.
Interactive exhibits, a permanent collection of more than 1,500 works of art, rotating exhibitions, and a full schedule of classes, lectures, and performances make the museum an attraction for the whole family. Even the building is of note: Internationally renowned architect Philip Johnson designed the striking white structure to take full advantage of Corpus Christi's brilliant light and heat.
Here, you'll find a focus on exceptional visual arts and crafts of Texas artists as well as works from nearby states, Mexico, and the Americas. The permanent collection holds paintings, prints, collages, sculptures, ceramics, and exquisite wood carvings.
Visitors can explore an extensive collection of modernist Texas artist Dorothy Hood's works, documents, and personal library along with the works of Texas-based artist Billy Hassell, known for his colorful interpretations of the natural world.
Each year, the Art Museum of South Texas features about 15 traveling exhibitions. Curators balance regional and national works with a mix of artists at different career stages. A popular past exhibit featured actor and comedian Cheech Marin's collection of Texas art titled “Los Tejanos: Chicano Art from the Cheech Marin Collection.”
Families with children will find plenty of hands-on activities. Young children will especially enjoy the museum's interactive ArtCade Creation Station, where they can express themselves through a variety of artistic media. Older children, teens, and adults can explore their creativity in the Blanche Moore Digital Studio.
If all that creative energy works up an appetite, stop by the museum’s new restaurant, Elizabeth’s, for lunch, weekend brunch, or a mid-afternoon snack or drink.
You'll find the Art Museum of South Texas at 1902 N. Shoreline Blvd. on the Corpus Christi waterfront. The museum is open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday. It is closed on Monday. Admission is $8 for adults, $6 for seniors over 60 and active military, and $4 for students 13 and older. Children under 12 and students at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi enjoy free admission. Check out the website and follow the museum on Facebook.
