Take an Architecture Tour

See some of the iconic elements at the McNay.

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.

Stair Risers Semmes Lobby, From the collection of: McNay Art Museum
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Batchelder Tile Close Up, From the collection of: McNay Art Museum
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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.

Courtyard Fireplace, From the collection of: McNay Art Museum
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Don Quixote Tiles, From the collection of: McNay Art Museum
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The Don Quixote mural over the fireplace on the south side of the patio is signed Pedro Sanchez, Puebla.

Talavera Staircase, From the collection of: McNay Art Museum
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Talavera Tiles, From the collection of: McNay Art Museum
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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.

Stieren StoneMcNay Art Museum

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.

Fritted GlassMcNay Art Museum

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.

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