A canal with a boat carrying passengers glides past a historic building and lush greenery under a clear sky, while people relax on a bench by the water's edge, enjoying the serene view.

On the Map

Gloria Galt River Landing and Terrace – San Antonio Museum of Art

San Antonio, Texas, USA

Expanding Horizons — An open-air pavilion providing direct access to the San Antonio Riverwalk to the SAMA for the first time since its construction.

Client

San Antonio Museum of Art

Size

20,812 SF

Completed in

2009

In a strategic move to increase visibility and accessibility, the San Antonio Museum of Art embarked on a transformative project, creating an inviting riverfront pavilion. This addition not only serves as a direct link between the museum and the bustling Riverwalk but also offers a dynamic space for events, rest, and enjoyment of the scenic surroundings.

The pavilion integrates with the museum’s existing architecture and surrounding native vegetation, featuring covered areas for gatherings, restrooms, and ticket booths. A multiuse space, the new pavilion has become a popular setting for museum receptions and special events.

The addition also includes a rooftop water catchment system which adds an eco-friendly touch, contributing to the sustainability of the museum’s operations. Now, visitors can embark on a journey from the river to the museum’s doorstep, immersing themselves in the cultural offerings while embracing the vibrant life along the San Antonio River.

Awards

2010 General Contractors Association Merit Award

2010 AIA San Antonio Design Award Citation

2010 San Antonio Masonry Contractor’s Association Golden Trowel Award – Honorable Mention

2009 Congress for the New Urbanism Charter Award for Best Urbanism Project

The river has always been the lifeblood of the city, the thread of grain that unites so many things. Now it is the thread of grain that unites so many cultural institutions: the Witte Museum, the Briscoe Museum of Western Art, the historic missions, and the San Antonio Museum of Art.

Timothy B. Blonkvist, OVERLAND Senior Principal

Creating places that can’t be built by anyone else

…for anyone else.

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