The Art Museum of South Texas showcases permanent and temporary collections of fine art, crafts and photography from the surrounding region and beyond. Located on North Shoreline Boulevard in the heart of Corpus Christi, the Museum features a permanent collection of more than 1,500 works in a variety of media, as well as arts and crafts of the of the Americas, with a particular focus on Texas and Mexico. The world-class facility focuses on regional art, as well as a greater global visual arts scheme and featured artists in the Museum include Billy Hassell and Texan-born modernist, Dorothy Hood.
The bayfront campus of the Art Museum of South Texas was designed by world-renowned architect, post-modern master, Phillip Johnson and is a genuine work of art in itself. The new expansion of the building included 13 small pyramids by Mexican Modernist, Ricardo Legorreta, and the building’s magnificent floor-to-ceiling windows reflect the light of the Corpus Christi Bay.
The Mission of the South Texas Institute for the Arts, otherwise known simply as ‘the Institute’ is to increase the awareness, appreciation and knowledge of the visual arts for the local community and visitors from further afield through mindful exhibitions and informative, educational programs.
Established in 1945, the Art Museum of South Texas was born when a group of local arts organizations took over the Centennial Museum from the city of Corpus Christi. Due to exponential growth, the Museum moved to a new building designed by internationally renowned architect Philip Johnson where it was opened to the public in 1972 and is still currently located.
A landmark on the Corpus Christi Bay since the early 70s, the triple-level facility is constructed of smooth white concrete and coarse shell aggregate that reflects the heat and light of Southern Texas and interiors are flooded with natural light through floor-to-ceiling windows and boast breathtaking views Corpus Christi Bay and the Harbor Bridge. An expansion was added to the building in 2006 which featured new gallery spaces, a new café and museum store and 13 roof-top pyramids that reflect color and light. The design of the two buildings together creates a visually appealing “meeting of the minds” between the American and Mexican architecture and is a work of art in itself.
The Art Museum of South Texas features a permanent collection of over 1,500 works of art in various media forms, including paintings, drawings, sculptures, and prints, as well as ceramics, textiles, and collages. The focus of the Museum’s permanent collection is on fine art and crafts of the Americas, particularly from Texas and Mexico.
The Art Museum of South Texas offers an array of educational programs, lectures, films, workshops and classes, performances and other activities for adults, families and children, educators, and college students that aim to inspire an interest in the visual arts. Outreach and community enrichment programs include theatrical and musical performances, artist residencies, bilingual gallery talks, videos, and dance.
Programs for children, young people, and their families include Free Family Days, Summer Art Camps, Weekend Workshops and Birthday Parties. Adult programming includes opportunities for visitors to interact with local artists, curators, and the Museum Director, as well as enjoy a host of lectures, workshops, films, performances, and other special events.
The Museum offers an array of educational materials, workshops, tours and special programs for educators and teachers that aim to engage learning through real objects. Programs are designed to encourage critical thinking, creative communication and a better understanding of the rich diversity that exists in the community.
1902 North Shoreline Boulevard, Corpus Christi, TX 78401, Phone: 361/825-3500