Tag: Selena Forever/Siempre Selena

Exploring 400 Years of Tejano History: Inside the Briscoe’s Landmark New Exhibition

Tejano Legacy, the Briscoe’s largest exhibition yet, kicks off with a free community event. Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.

Discover Tejano Legacy: A Landmark New Exhibition at the Briscoe Western Art Museum

San Antonio, TX — The story of the American West didn’t begin with the cowboy. It began centuries earlier through the people, cultures, and traditions that shaped the region long before the United States was established. (Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2026)

Beginning July 24, the Briscoe Western Art Museum invites visitors to experience that story through Tejano Legacy: Another American Origin Story, a landmark bilingual exhibition exploring nearly 400 years of Tejano history, culture, and identity through exceptional works of art and rare artifacts. The exhibition will remain on view through January 18, 2027.

Expanding the Story of the American West

Tejano Legacy brings together more than 100 paintings, sculptures, saddles, maps, weapons, and historical objects from private collectors and museums throughout the United States and Mexico.

Developed by the Briscoe in collaboration with scholars, collectors, and lending institutions, the exhibition expands the traditional narrative of the American West by exploring generations of Tejanos whose influence endures today in:

  • Ranching & Horsemanship
  • Language & Vocabulary
  • Music & Culinary Traditions
  • Everyday Life Across Texas & Beyond

“Tejano Legacy is more than an exhibition. It is an invitation to experience a richer, more complete understanding of the American West…”

— Liz Jackson, President and CEO of the Briscoe Western Art Museum

What Makes This Exhibition Special?

  • Unprecedented Access: Several works considered part of Mexico’s cultural heritage are being displayed in the U.S. for the very first time.
  • Multimedia Storytelling: Features an original documentary by National Geographic filmmaker Jeremy Zipple.
  • Bilingual Catalog: A comprehensive companion text offering multi-perspective historical context.
  • Milestone Event: Marks the museum’s most ambitious curatorial project since opening in 2013.

Experience Tejano Legacy Beyond the Gallery: Programs & Events

The Briscoe is hosting a full schedule of hands-on learning, music, lectures, and family activities. Programs are included with museum admission unless otherwise noted.

🥂 Opening Weekend & Special Events

  • Exhibition Preview Party
    • When: Thursday, July 23 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
    • Tickets: $35 Members | $55 Non-members (Free for Supporter level $125+)
    • Details: Enjoy light bites, drinks, and an exclusive first look alongside guest curator Gabriela Gámez and CEO Liz Jackson. Also celebrates photographer John Dyer’s companion exhibition Selena Forever / Siempre Selena.
  • National Day of the Cowboy Honors the Vaquero (Free Admission!)
    • When: Saturday, July 25 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
    • Details: Renamed Día Nacional del Vaquero, this free family-friendly event explores how Spanish and Mexican horsemen established the foundational ranching and horsemanship traditions of the American cowboy. (Online pre-registration recommended).

🏛️ Guided Tours & Masterclasses

  • Curator Gallery Tours with Gabriela Gámez
    • When: Thursdays — July 30, Aug. 27, & Sept. 24 @ 2:00 PM
    • Details: Free with admission. Gain behind-the-scenes insights into featured works and collection curation.
  • Painting Masterclass with Gladys Roldán-de-Moras
    • When: Saturday, August 22 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
    • Tickets: $100 Members | $135 Non-members

🌙 Thursday Evenings at the Briscoe

Enjoy extended evening programming exploring culture, history, and music (6:00 PM – 8:00 PM):

  • July 30: Tracing Your Roots (Genealogy workshop | Free with admission)
  • August 6: Exploring Tejano Heritage (Free with admission)
  • August 27: Celebrating Selena (Free community concert with 512 Degrees Band)

🎨 Family Adventures & Locals Days

San Antonio and Bexar County residents enjoy Free Admission on the first Sunday of each month!

  • Sunday, Aug. 2:
    • Full STEAM Ahead: Talavera Tiles (1:00 PM – 3:00 PM)
    • Scout the Briscoe: (10:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
  • Sunday, Sept. 6:
    • Full STEAM Ahead: Spanish Missions (1:00 PM – 3:00 PM)
    • Scout the Briscoe: (10:00 AM – 5:00 PM)

Companion Exhibition: Selena Forever / Siempre Selena

Illustrating the enduring impact of Tejanas, this companion exhibition features iconic, monumental photographs by San Antonio photographer John Dyer, capturing Selena Quintanilla-Pérez during her rise to international stardom between 1992 and 1994.

🎬 Siempre Tejano Summer Film Series

Included with general admission; shown on the third Sunday of August. Tickets include complimentary movie snacks and beer provided by Ranger Creek.

Plan Your Visit

Located on the historic River Walk near La Villita in downtown San Antonio, the Briscoe Western Art Museum preserves and presents the art, history, and culture of the American West.

  • Location: 210 W. Market St., San Antonio, TX (River Walk)
  • Exhibition Dates: July 24, 2026 – January 18, 2027
  • Tickets & Event Info: Visit the museum website for complete calendar details, parking, and admission info.
Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.

New Selena Exhibition Opening at San Antonio’s Briscoe Museum This Summer

Selena Forever/Siempre Selena opens on June 4, 2026. Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.

Briscoe: New Selena Exhibition & Summer Film Series

The Briscoe Western Art Museum in San Antonio is set to celebrate the enduring legacy of the Queen of Tejano music with Selena Forever / Siempre Selena, a special photographic exhibition opening June 4, 2026, in the museum’s Kate Marmion Gallery. (Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2026)

Featuring photographs by acclaimed San Antonio photographer John Dyer, the exhibition captures Selena at a pivotal moment in her rise to international stardom. It offers an intimate look at an artist whose talent, charisma, and determination transformed Tejano music and helped redefine representation for Mexican American women in popular culture.

📸 The Exhibition: Selena Forever / Siempre Selena

Photographed by Dyer on multiple occasions between 1992 and 1994, this showcase brings together some of the most recognizable and widely published images of Selena’s career. It is considered the most complete and comprehensive exhibition of large-scale Selena portraits ever presented.

Visitors can expect:

  • Monumental Portraits: Iconic large-scale images from her rise to stardom.
  • Boutique Photographs: Never-before-seen, intimate snapshots.
  • Historical Ephemera: Magazine covers and memorabilia offering an expansive look at her life and artistry.

On Display: June 4, 2026 – Jan. 4, 2027

Carrying the Spirit of the West

“Selena was a trailblazing Tejana whose influence reached far beyond music,” says Liz Jackson. “She embodied the independence, determination and entrepreneurial spirit that have long defined the American West, while proudly carrying her culture and community with her every step of the way.”

At a time when Tejano music was largely dominated by men, Selena broke barriers with confidence and authenticity. Much like generations of Tejanos who helped shape Texas through perseverance and innovation, Selena forged her own path while carrying the traditions of her community forward.

About the Photographer: John Dyer

John Dyer is a Texas-based photographer renowned for documenting the people, culture, and spirit of the American Southwest. His work has been exhibited in prestigious institutions nationwide, including the National Portrait Gallery, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, and the McNay Art Museum. Dyer’s work documenting Selena remains some of the most iconic imagery associated with the beloved cultural icon.

🎬 Briscoe Summer Film Series: “Siempre Tejano”

To complement the exhibition, the Briscoe’s annual Summer Film Series will present Siempre Tejano, celebrating Selena, Tejano music, and the cultural legacy shaping Texas today.

The Details:

  • When: The third Sunday of June, July, and August at 2:00 PM.
  • Perks: Included with general admission. Tickets include complimentary beer provided by Ranger Creek and classic movie snacks. (Pro-tip: Purchase tickets in advance online)

Film Lineup:

DateFilmDescription
Sunday, June 21Selena y Los Dinos (2025)A Netflix documentary tracing the band’s rise from local South Texas gigs to international fame, featuring rare archival footage from the Quintanilla family archive.
Sunday, July 19Selena (1997)The beloved feature film starring Jennifer Lopez charting Selena’s extraordinary journey. Inducted into the National Film Registry, it famously features San Antonio’s own River Walk.
Sunday, Aug. 16Take It Away: The Rise and Fall of Tejano Hollywood (2025)An acclaimed documentary exploring the influence of legendary TV host Johnny Canales, whose variety show helped launch the careers of countless Tejano artists.

🏛️ More to Experience at the Briscoe This Summer

Located right on the River Walk near La Villita in downtown San Antonio, the Briscoe preserves the art, history, and culture of the American West. Beyond Selena, visitors can experience massive programming updates this summer:

Landmark Exhibition: Tejano Legacy: Another American Origin Story

Opening July 24, 2026 (running through Jan. 18, 2027), this is the most ambitious exhibition in the Briscoe’s history.

  • Features more than 100 rare artworks and artifacts.
  • Includes pieces loaned from Mexican institutions—considered national historical heritage—on display in the U.S. for the very first time.
  • Don’t Miss: The museum’s annual National Day of the Vaquero / Día Nacional del Vaquero celebration on July 25.

Tejano Legacy National Tour Dates

Can’t make it to San Antonio? The landmark exhibition will be hitting the road to introduce audiences across the country to the story of Tejano identity:

  • March 4 – September 5, 2027: Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West (Scottsdale, AZ)
  • October 30, 2027 – February 13, 2028: Bullock Texas State History Museum (Austin, TX)

🎟️ Admission Deals & Discounts

The Briscoe is offering several free and reduced admission opportunities throughout the summer:

  • Kids 12 and under: Always FREE.
  • Active-Duty Military Families: FREE via Blue Star Museums through Labor Day.
  • Bexar County Residents: Monthly free “Locals Days”.
  • Community Programs: Proud participant in Museums for All and Museums on Us.

Plan your summer visit to the Briscoe and immerse yourself in the vibrant history, art, and music that define Texas,

Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum