Who Was the McNay Art Museum Named After?

Art|Art Museum

The McNay Art Museum, located in San Antonio, Texas, is a renowned art museum founded by Marion Koogler McNay in the 1920s. Ms. McNay was a wealthy art collector who had an impressive collection of modern European and American art, including works by Pablo Picasso, Paul Cezanne, and Georgia O’Keeffe. Her vision and dedication to promoting the arts made her museum one of the premier art institutions in the Southwest.

Upon her death in 1950, Ms. McNay bequeathed her entire estate to the museum she founded. To honor this gift and her commitment to fostering appreciation for the visual arts, the museum was officially named “The Marion Koogler McNay Art Museum” in 1954.

Ms. McNay’s personal belief that “art should be available to everyone” is still evident at The McNay today.

The museum hosts numerous educational programs for children and adults alike as well as public events such as lectures, film screenings, and concerts. Additionally, all kinds of visitors are welcome — from families exploring together to professional artists seeking inspiration.

The legacy of Marion Koogler McNay lives on through The McNay Art Museum today. Her vision continues to grow each year as new works of art are added to the permanent collection and new opportunities for engaging with art are created through educational programming.

Conclusion:

The McNay Art Museum was named after its founder and benefactor Marion Koogler McNay in 1954 in recognition of her passion for promoting the visual arts and making them available to everyone. Her legacy continues through The McNay Art Museum today as it continues to strengthen its ties with San Antonio’s vibrant art community.