The Briscoe’s Fall Exhibition, Going to Texas: Five Centuries of Texas Maps Oct. 3, 2025 – Jan. 19, 2026
Chart 500 Years of Texas History Through Maps at The Briscoe
Discover the rich tapestry of Texas history through the Briscoe Western Art Museum’s landmark exhibition, Going to Texas: Five Centuries of Texas Maps on view Oct. 3, 2025 – Jan. 19, 2026. Showcasing 66 original maps from the Yana and Marty Davis Map Collection on loan from the Museum of the Big Bend at Sul Ross State University in Alpine, the exhibition spans nearly 500 years, from 1525 to 2006. The maps trace Texas’ remarkable transformation from “New Spain” to colonial days, statehood and beyond—revealing how explorers, settlers, and cartographers viewed the Lone Star State across centuries. To further illustrate Texas history, the exhibition also features more than 24 works from the Briscoe’s permanent collection and select private loans.
“This exhibition invites visitors to journey through time and literally see history unfold across the maps,” said Liz Jackson, President and CEO of the Briscoe Western Art Museum. “The accompanying programs make it possible for everyone to connect with cartography in new and exciting ways, bringing the maps to life for all ages. From families discovering how to use a compass to adults learning about Texas whiskey the programs and exhibition are a one-of-a-kind opportunity to explore Texas’ story in a different way.”
Interactive Elements Bring Maps to Life
As part of Going to Texas, the Briscoe is bringing history to life with hands-on activities the whole family will enjoy. Guests can step into the role of early explorers by learning how to use a compass, then put their new skills to the test by navigating through the museum. With coordinates leading to artwork and artifacts tied to the exhibition, it’s an adventure that makes maps interactive, fun and unforgettable.
The exhibition also features an augmented reality sand station that transforms topographic maps into a living landscape. By shaping the sand, visitors can see contour lines shift as valleys, hills and rivers spring to life, revealing how terrain shaped the routes, settlements and cultures of Texas. It’s a dynamic, immersive experience that makes the world of maps and exploration exciting for all ages.
Exhibition Programs and Events
Be the first to explore the exhibition and experience this unique look at Texas history with Liz Jackson, President and CEO of the Briscoe, and Dr. John Klingemann, Director of the Museum of the Big Bend. The event includes complimentary valet, beer, wine, specialty cocktails and light bites. Tickets are $25 for museum members and Contributing and President’s Society membership tiers receive two tickets.
- Going to Texas: Five Centuries of Texas Maps Exclusive Preview Party
Thursday, Oct. 2 | 6 – 8 p.m.
Museum members may upgrade their membership by calling 210.299.4499. The public is welcome to attend and may purchase tickets for $45. Tickets are available online.
Opening Weekend Going to Texas Exhibition Tours
Friday, Oct. 3 | 2 p.m., and Saturday, Oct. 4 | 2 p.m.
Join Dr. John Klingemann, Director of the Museum of the Big Bend and Vice President for Development and Advancement at Sul Ross State University and historian Matt Walter for expert insights into the artistry and history behind the maps in a guided tour through the exhibition. Walter worked as the Curator of Collections at the Museum of the Big Bend before retiring in 2023 and as a current volunteer, helps curate the Yana and Marty Davis Map Collection and the Going to Texas exhibition. Free with museum admission and free for members.
Texas Trails and Whiskey Tales with Andrew Braunberg
Sunday, Oct. 26 | 6 p.m.
Raise a glass to Texas history with author Andrew Braunberg, whose book Fires, Floods, Explosions and Bloodshed: A History of Texas Whiskey traces the colorful story of whiskey in the Lone Star State. Guests will enjoy a whiskey tasting, a signature cocktail in a keepsake glass, light bites and the opportunity to purchase signed copies of Braunberg’s book. The program is limited to guests 21+ and pre-registration is required. Tickets are $50 per person and $35 for museum members.
Extended Hours & Programming Make it Easy – and Fun! – to Head West
The Briscoe is committed to engaging the community with a variety of family-friendly and educational programs for all ages – all included in museum admission. The museum offers extended hours on Thursday, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. and is open 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Friday – Monday. Children 12 and under always receive free admission at the Briscoe, making these programs affordable family fun:
- Highlights Tour – Enjoy a guided tour through the museum’s galleries through these 45-minute tours each Thursday at 2 p.m., with stops at some of the most significant and striking pieces in the Briscoe’s collection. With frequently rotating artworks on display, this tour is ideal for both first-time visitors and long-term friends of the museum.
- Locals Day – Come say howdy and explore the West for free as a San Antonio local. San Antonio and Bexar County residents enjoy free admission on the first Sunday of each month. Upcoming dates: Oct. 5, Nov. 2, Dec. 7, Jan. 4.
- Full STEAM Ahead – Dive into this monthly hands-on activity on the first Sunday of each month with children and families combining science, technology, engineering, art and math with Western themes. Full STEAM Ahead falls on the Briscoe’s monthly Locals Days, giving families an opportunity to explore the museum and enjoy hands-on activities together. Map-related programs include:
- Full STEAM Ahead: Finding Your Way
Sunday, Oct. 5 | 1–3 p.m.
Families will learn how explorers navigated by compass, then craft their own compass and use it to explore. Perfect for curious learners of all ages.
- Full STEAM Ahead: Salt Maps
Sunday, Jan. 4 | 1–3 p.m.
Explore different types of maps and their meanings, then create a topographical salt map to take home. A fun, tactile way to understand the landscapes that shaped Texas history.
- Scout the Briscoe – Hunt and enjoy a fun interactive way to see more of the Briscoe’s collection in a free scavenger hunt on the first Sunday of each month. Completing the hunt is a family affair and you can enjoy a 10% discount in the museum’s Hendler Family Museum Store once you finish. Upcoming dates: Oct. 5, Nov. 2, Dec. 7, Jan. 4.
Going to Texas: Five Centuries of Texas Maps was organized by the Museum of the Big Bend at Sul Ross University in Alpine, Texas. The exhibition is sponsored in part by Julie and Ralph Beck, Mr. & Mrs. Marrs McLean Bowman, the City of San Antonio Department of Arts & Culture, Jessica Elliott Middleton, the Tex Elliott Family, H-E-B, Humanities Texas, Korbell Family Ranches, The Plum Foundation | Debbie & John T. Montford, Carol & Thomas M. Reding, Jr., the Summerlee Foundation, the Texas Commission on the Arts, the Williams-Chadwick Family Charitable Fund of the San Antonio Area Foundation and in-kind support from Tale to Tell Communications.
See the West All Year Long at the Briscoe
Located along the historic San Antonio River Walk, the Briscoe is open Thursday, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., Friday through Monday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and closed to the public on Tuesday and Wednesday. Admission is free for children 12 and under and for active duty military. The museum grounds feature 35 sculptures portraying various aspects of Western life. The museum’s beautifully restored historic home inside the former San Antonio Public Library building includes 14 galleries, with special exhibitions, events and the Hendler Family Museum Store, providing art, culture, history and entertainment. Museum hours, parking and admission details are available online.
About The Briscoe Western Art Museum:
Preserving and presenting the art, history and culture of the American West through engaging exhibitions, educational programs and public events reflective of the region’s rich traditions and shared heritage, the Briscoe Western Art Museum is located on the San Antonio River Walk at 210 W. Market Street in the beautifully restored 1930s former San Antonio Public Library building. Named in honor of the late Texas Gov. Dolph Briscoe Jr. and his wife, Janey Slaughter Briscoe, the museum includes the three-story Jack Guenther Pavilion, used for event rentals and programs, and the outdoor McNutt Sculpture Garden. Follow the Briscoe on social media, @BriscoeMuseum.
