Architecture, Cultural
McNay Art Museum Stieren Center for Exhibitions
The McNay Art Museum’s commitment to engaging a diverse community in the discovery and enjoyment of the visual arts is reaching new heights with the recently completed Landscape Master Plan. This transformative plan activates and enhances the outdoor Museum experience with additional works of art, “invisible” fencing, new landscaping, and increased accessibility—ensuring everyone feels welcome and at home at the first modern art museum in Texas.
The visibility of the museum is enhanced with views into the grounds along the edge of the property which has been dotted with new artwork, and native drought-resistant plantings, creating both physical and visual access to the McNay.
The intersection of Austin Highway and North New Braunfels was revised into a greenspace, with a new raised hill featuring the Alexander Lieberman sculpture, Assent. The site allows the sculpture to change dramatically when viewed from different angles, which works well with the passing cars along the streets below. The area is named the Mays Family Park in honor of the lead gift from the Mays Family Foundation. The concept for the Museum was to create a natural landmark in the neighborhood.
Vibrant florals, dozens of native and drought-resistant trees, scenic walkways, meditative seating areas, and enhanced lighting activates the Museum’s 23-acre grounds. Increased pedestrian, ADA, and bike access connects guests to a greater exploration of all the Museum has to offer—indoors and out.
The North New Braunfels and Austin Highway entrances have been reimagined with enhanced signage, plantings, walkways, and new roads, creating easier and safer two-way traffic. The stainless-steel Victoria sculpture by Philip Grausman has been relocated to the Austin Highway Entry Gate for increased visibility along the perimeter, and additional sculptures have been added within the grounds.