McNay MansionMcNay Art Museum
Welcome to the McNay
You are now looking at the original entrance to Marion Koogler McNay's residence, which was designed by architects Atlee B. & Robert M. Ayres and completed in 1929.
The home was built in the Spanish Colonial Revival style with stucco walls and a red tile roof.
The Semmes LobbyMcNay Art Museum
The Semmes Lobby
In the grand reception hall of the original home you will find two dramatic curving staircases that connect to the Museum's courtyard, the Blackburn Patio.
Tiles, Tiles, Tiles
Tiles are a major decorative feature throughout the original 1929 residence.
Former professor of art theory and design Ernest Batchelder designed and made the floor and stair tiles inside the McNay residence, all in shades of brown with a stone-like appearance. The tiles were installed by the Fermin Redondo Company during the construction of the original house (1927–29), and are excellent examples of Arts & Crafts tiles popular in the US around the turn of the 19th century.
The Semmes LobbyMcNay Art Museum
Let's take a look outside.
The Blackburn PatioMcNay Art Museum
The Blackburn Patio
Designed in a U-shape around a central patio, Marion Koogler McNay's home featured an open air courtyard where she hosted parties and public art classes.
The Don Quixote mural over the fireplace on the south side of the patio is signed Pedro Sanchez, Puebla.
The brightly colored tiles on the staircase risers on the south side of Blackburn Patio are also products of the Arts & Crafts Movement. Most of these tiles came from the Harry Hicks Studio in Los Angeles, one of Atlee B. Ayres’s favorite tile suppliers. Nine different designs are represented on the Blackburn Patio staircase.
Peacock MuralMcNay Art Museum
The largest of the Talavera tableaux is the Peacock Mural on the north side of the Blackburn Patio. A large central peacock with his tail fully spread is flanked by peacocks perched in flowering bonsai trees in decorated jars.
Courtyard Arched WindowMcNay Art Museum
A View From Above
From the second story, you can look down into the courtyard's central koi pond featuring a sculpture by Pierre-Auguste Renoir.
Jane & Arthur Stieren Center for ExhibitionsMcNay Art Museum
The Jane & Arthur Stieren Center for Exhibitions
Designed by the French architect Jean-Paul Viguier in association with Ford, Powell & Carson, the Stieren Center was built to accommodate the Museum's growing exhibition needs, and opened in 2008.
With its multilayered glass ceiling and green stone walls, the modern two-story pavilion complements the traditional architecture of the property with a sleek look.
Set in Stone
Cool gray-green Chinese Luoyuan stone in the Sculpture Garden and in the AT&T Lobby integrate the building with the
landscape.
Don't Forget to Look Up
The newer Tobin Exhibition Galleries mirror the Blackburn Patio, where natural light enters from above. The roof and fritted glass ceiling system allow for daytime natural light, as well as control of light when necessary to protect the art.
Logjam StairwellMcNay Art Museum
The "Logjam" Motif
If you look closely, you'll find a logjam-inspired, abstract pattern in metalwork on the Sculpture Gallery ceiling, panels on stairs, gates, and Sculpture Garden promenades.
You are all set!
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