Big Treasures GRUENE
for Small Fees By Pamela Mooman
AUNFELS
The Cowboy Returns Exhibit, by John Langmore
SEGUIN
San Antonio is a city filled with attractions rich in history, culture, and fun. And everyone knows the Alamo City is provides good times for all ages. But did you know it’s home to numerous museums offering budget-friendly admission to their big treasures for small fees—and sometimes even for free. The Buckhorn Saloon & Museum and Texas Ranger Museum In the heart of downtown San Antonio, The Buckhorn Saloon & Museum and Texas Ranger Museum has attracted both locals and visitors for more than a century. Still a top attraction, The Buckhorn offers free entrance to the Saloon. Here, visitors can examine the collection of wild animals that features more than 520 species. To help keep track of the types of animals displayed, bartenders have booklets that list every animal by location. For an admission, The Buckhorn has several exhibits highlighting the early days of the American sideshow as shaped by the likes of Buffalo Bill and P.T. Barnum. The newest addition to this landmark, the Texas Ranger Museum, displays historically significant artifacts from the Former Texas Rangers Association and also boasts a recreation of San Antonio at the beginning of the 20th century called Ranger Town. Admission for adults, $17.99; children, $12.99. Free to go in the Saloon to view animals. 318 E. Houston Street, San Antonio
The San Antonio Museum of Art The San Antonio Museum of Art is housed in a historic brewery nestled on the banks of the Museum Reach section of downtown’s River Walk. SAMA features the biggest and most complete collection of ancient Greek, Roman, Egyptian, and Asian art in the southern United States. Another star attraction here is the assemblage of Latin American art, and holdings of contemporary art continue to grow and include Texas
and regional creations. This museum also hosts hundreds of educational programs every year, including special exhibits, lectures, films, concerts, family art activities, and children’s workshops. Two special exhibits in September enrich the already varied mix. “Miguel Covarrubias: Culture and Caricature” features more than 140 works from the Mexican-born artist, and “28 Chinese” highlights works by 28 contemporary Chinese artists. General admission is free from 4-9PM on Tuesdays and 10AM.-Noon on Sundays. As part of a national program, through Labor Day the museum is offering free admission to active-duty military personnel, including members of the National Guard and Reserve, and their families. Admission for adults, $10; seniors (65 and older), $7; students and active military (ID required), $5; children (12 and under), free. Free general admission 4-9PM. Tuesdays and 10AM-Noon Sundays. 7 minutes from River Walk at 200 West Jones Avenue, San Antonio.
Spanish Governor’s Palace Completed in 1749, the Spanish Governor’s Palace is the last example of an aristocratic 18th-century town house in Texas. A National Historic Landmark, this gem is small but rich. The stucco-covered stone building is filled with ornate period pieces and surrounds a traditional Spanishstyle courtyard. A small admission fee allows visitors to experience the building’s preserved history and the landscaped grounds. Admission for adults, $5; seniors and military, $3; children 7-13, $3; children under 7, free. Located downtown at 105 Military Plaza, San Antonio.
Steves Homestead Get a taste of how south Texas Victorians lived at the Steves Homestead. This gracious, three-story home was built in 1876 for German businessman
www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com RIO Magazine 39