Going to Texas: Five Centuries of Texas Maps at the Briscoe Western Art Museum
San Antonio, TX – This fall, the Briscoe Western Art Museum presents a rare opportunity to experience one of the most significant private map collections in the country. Going to Texas: Five Centuries of Texas Maps will be on view October 3, 2025 – January 19, 2026. (Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2025)
The exhibition showcases 66 original maps from the Yana and Marty Davis Map Collection (on loan from the Museum of the Big Bend at Sul Ross State University in Alpine). Spanning nearly 500 years, from 1525 to 2006, these maps trace Texas’ transformation from “New Spain” to colonial days, statehood, and beyond. To enrich the story, the exhibition also includes more than 24 works from the Briscoe’s permanent collection and select private loans.
Interactive Elements
The Briscoe is bringing history to life with hands-on activities for all ages:
- Compass Challenge – Learn how to use a compass, then navigate through the museum with coordinates leading to artwork and artifacts.
- Augmented Reality Sand Station – Shape the sand and watch contour lines, rivers, valleys, and hills appear in real time, showing how terrain influenced settlement and culture.
Special Programs & Events
📍 Thursday, Oct. 2 | 6 – 8 p.m.
Be the first to explore the exhibition with Liz Jackson, President and CEO of the Briscoe, and Dr. John Klingemann, Director of the Museum of the Big Bend. Includes valet, drinks, and light bites.
- $25 for members (select membership tiers include 2 tickets)
- $45 for non-members
Opening Weekend Tours
📍 Friday, Oct. 3 | 2 p.m.
📍 Saturday, Oct. 4 | 2 p.m.
Guided tours with Dr. John Klingemann and historian Matt Walter. Free with admission; free for members.
Texas Trails and Whiskey Tales with Andrew Braunberg
📍 Sunday, Oct. 26 | 6 p.m.
Enjoy a whiskey tasting, signature cocktail in a keepsake glass, light bites, and a talk with author Andrew Braunberg about his book Fires, Floods, Explosions and Bloodshed: A History of Texas Whiskey.
- $50 per person
- $35 for members
- Ages 21+ | Pre-registration required
Ongoing Programs & Family Fun
The Briscoe offers extended hours on Thursdays (10 a.m.–8 p.m.) and is open Friday–Monday (10 a.m.–5 p.m.). Children 12 and under always receive free admission.
- Highlights Tour – Thursdays at 2 p.m. | 45-minute guided tour through the museum’s most significant works.
- Locals Day – Free admission for San Antonio and Bexar County residents on the first Sunday of each month (Oct. 5, Nov. 2, Dec. 7, Jan. 4).
- Full STEAM Ahead – Hands-on family activities blending science, technology, engineering, art, and math:
- Finding Your Way – Sunday, Oct. 5 | 1–3 p.m.
- Salt Maps – Sunday, Jan. 4 | 1–3 p.m.
- Scout the Briscoe – Free scavenger hunt on Locals Day, plus a 10% museum store discount upon completion.
About the Exhibition
Going to Texas: Five Centuries of Texas Maps was organized by the Museum of the Big Bend at Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas.
✨ With its rare collection, interactive experiences, and community programming, this exhibition is more than maps—it’s a journey through Texas history.
SA Examiner 