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There will be two major landmark attractions that you will be intent on seeing if you get the opportunity to visit San Antonio, Texas. The first is the famous Riverwalk where you will do your shopping and dining. The second is The Alamo. Although the latter is a historic site, it is also the home of a museum that provides visitors with important information about the history and culture of San Antonio. If you only get to see one museum during your time in the city, this is the one that you should make sure that you see because of its historic value, interesting information and tourist appeal. However, if there is time to see more San Antonio Museums, there are many different types of terrific museums to choose from.

The Alamo

The Alamo is a historic site which is located in Downtown San Antonio and is free to visitors. It is the location of the historic Battle of the Alamo and is a place where mission architecture is preserved to this day. There will be a lot to see while you are here but you should make it a point to stop at the Gift Shop Museum. There will be souvenirs to purchase for your family back home but you’ll be the one who really benefits by gaining an understanding of what The Alamo is all about. The exhibits in this museum will allow you to gain insight into the history of different cultures in San Antonio, cultural history that remains important to the people living in the city today. And since the museum is free (as are the rest of the grounds), there is really no good reason not to take advantage of this experience if you’re in San Antonio.

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Other History and Cultural Museums

The Alamo may be one of the most important landmarks in San Antonio but it’s not the only place in the city where you can learn about the interesting diversity of the people who live in this area. There are several other museums which offer exhibits related to the history of the city and the people who have lived there over time.

Here are some of the other history and cultural museums you might want to add to your San Antonio itinerary:

• The Buckhorn Saloon and Museum. This place is part history museum, part entertainment venue for tourists. It’s a fun place to go to learn about the Wild West and it’s one of the best history museums in the country in terms of actually interesting kids in the exhibits that it provides. There are stuffed animals, a Hall of Texas History Wax Museum and lots of little oddities to see. And there’s a bar for the adults so everyone can have fun.
• Institute of Texan Cultures. This is an educational center that is part of the University of Texas at San Antonio. The museum holds exhibits which offer an education in the unique culture of Texas. It has 50,000 square feet of exhibits so there is plenty to see here and you’ll come away with a better understanding of what it means to be a Texan.
• Museo Alameda. There are several different cultures that have a strong presence in San Antonio but the largest of those is the Latin American culture. This culture is celebrated at Museo Alameda, a Smithsonian-affiliated museum which has art, history and cultural exhibits designed to express the experience of the Latin American people.
• Witte Museum. This is an interesting history museum because it also includes science exhibits. Typically, science museums are associated with the future and are kept separate from the history of an area but it’s important to remember that science has also driven an area’s past. The unique design of this museum and its exhibits is intended to be appealing to people of all ages so it’s a great history museum for families that are visiting San Antonio to check out.

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Art Museums

Not everyone wants to spend their time in San Antonio exploring the history of the area. Some people want to check out the art that’s coming out of the area or is appreciated by the people who reside there. Others find that they can best understand culture and history through that artwork. Whatever your motivation, if you’re seeking an art museum in San Antonio, it’s not going to be hard to find. Here are a few to shoot for:

• San Antonio Museum of Art. Known affectionately as SAMA to the people who live in San Antonio, this is the leading art museum for the city. It features art from all around the world but emphasizes the Latin American and Southwestern art that has strong ties in San Antonio. For the visitor on a budget, it’s nice to know that SAMA has free admission to its general exhibits every Tuesday throughout the year.
• McNay Art Museum. Although lesser known, the McNay museum is another are museum enjoyed by residents of San Antonio. The grounds of this museum are beautiful and many people come here just to walk around the area but since the museum is free, it’s worth going inside to check out the exhibits and events that are held there.
• San Antonio Art League Museum. In terms of San Antonio arts history, this museum is important because it is the oldest community-operated museum in the city. It speaks to the importance of the art community to the Texans that live here as well as to an enduring interest in the arts by San Antonio residents and visitors over time. There are numerous works of art presented by this museum. In fact, there are so many that the museum also hosts an online virtual museum to showcase the work of outstanding artists that can’t be contained in the walls of the museum itself.
• Magic Lantern Castle Museum. Want to go to a museum that’s different from one anywhere else in the world? This is the only museum out there devote entirely to the history of The Magic Lantern, the earliest type of slide projector ever made. If you’re a fan of film, art history or just odd places then you’ll like this fun little place.

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San Antonio Children’s Museum

San Antonio is a place that is very welcoming to children. Many of the museums throughout the city are appropriate for kids and several have exhibits specifically designed to be interesting to people of all ages. However, if you’ve got young ones and you’re looking to find that one museum in San Antonio that they’re really going to live, then you’re probably seeking out the San Antonio Children’s Museum. Geared specifically towards ages 2-12, it’s a hands-on interactive space where your children can learn while spending a day filled with adventure.

Visiting San Antonio Museums

San Antonio is a place that’s going to give you a lot to see but you should definitely take the time out to experience some of the city’s museums. They can provide a look at the history of the area that you may not begin to understand in any other way. Since many of these museums are free, you can stick to a travel budget while doing your exploring. Plan in advance so that you can make sure to see the other landmarks in the area near each museum that you visit.

Tags: Alamo | museums | North America | San Antonio | texas | travel | United States