Tejano Legacy Coming to the Briscoe July 24th Following Selena Forever Exhibit
Briscoe Western Art Museum Presents Tejano Legacy: Another American Origin Story
In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, the Briscoe Western Art Museum will present Tejano Legacy: Another American Origin Story, a landmark bilingual exhibition exploring nearly 400 years of Tejano history, culture and identity and the enduring influence of Tejanos on Texas and the American West.
Opening to the public July 24, the exhibition is the most ambitious in the Briscoe’s history and will feature more than 100 rare artworks, artifacts and immersive storytelling drawn from extraordinary private collections, the Briscoe’s permanent collection and institutional lenders from across the United States and Mexico. Several works loaned from Mexican institutions, considered part of the country’s cultural and historical heritage, will be seen in the United States for the first time, offering visitors a rare opportunity to experience objects and artworks that deepen and broaden the understanding of Tejano identity and its connection to the story of the American West.
Spanning from the 16th century to modern times, Tejano Legacy traces the evolution of Tejano identity through art, ranching traditions, military service, music, faith and community. Through paintings, sculpture, saddles, textiles, historic objects and contemporary works, the exhibition highlights the resilience, innovation and cultural influence that continue to shape South Texas, San Antonio and the Southwest today.
“Tejano history is American history, and there is no better place to tell this story than San Antonio,” said Liz Jackson. “This exhibition reflects generations of culture, artistry and resilience that helped define Texas and the American West. As we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, the Briscoe is proud to honor the people, traditions and stories that continue to shape and influence our communities today.”
Presented bilingually in English and Spanish, the exhibition aligns with the Briscoe’s mission to preserve and present the art, history and culture of the American West while expanding the lens through which those stories are interpreted and shared. Lending institutions include Bandera Natural History and Art Museum, Hunter Museum of American Art, Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia (INAH), Library of Congress Geography and Map Division, Museo de Historia Mexicana, Museo Nacional de Historia Castillo de Chapultepec, Museo Nacional del Virreinato, Museo Regional de Querétaro and the San Antonio Museum of Art. Gabriela Gámez serves as the exhibition curator.
Exhibition Catalog to Accompany Landmark Exhibition
Tejano Legacy will be accompanied by a major bilingual exhibition catalog featuring scholarly essays, historic research, photography and exhibition highlights that further explore the themes and stories presented throughout the exhibition. Published in both English and Spanish, the catalog is designed to serve as both a lasting educational resource and an important contribution to the broader understanding of Tejano history and culture.
The publication features contributions from historians, scholars and cultural leaders and extends the exhibition’s impact beyond the gallery walls as the exhibition travels nationally.
National Day of the Cowboy/ Día Nacional del Vaquero to Spotlight Vaqueros and Tejano Influence
The Briscoe’s annual National Day of the Cowboy celebration on July 25 will further honor the exhibition’s themes by spotlighting the role vaqueros played in shaping the traditions, skills and culture of the American West. The day will also serve as a celebration of Tejano Legacy, with free admission to the museum and the celebration.
Filled with family-friendly activities, music, demonstrations and Western traditions, the annual celebration fills the museum with family-friendly activities and all things cowboy and vaquero. The free event highlights the skills, heritage and cultural contributions of the vaqueros whose horsemanship, ranching traditions and way of life helped shape cowboy culture across the West.
By connecting visitors to the living traditions of Tejano and vaquero culture, the event reinforces the exhibition’s central message: that the story of the American West cannot be fully told without recognizing the generations of Tejanos and vaqueros who helped define it.
Tejano Legacy Set for National Tour
Following its presentation in San Antonio, Tejano Legacy: Another American Origin Story will embark on a national tour, further expanding the reach and impact of the exhibition. Tour dates include:
- March 4 – September 5, 2027 — Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West
- October 30, 2027 – February 13, 2028 — Bullock Texas State History Museum
The national tour will introduce audiences across the country to the rich and enduring story of Tejano identity and its foundational role in shaping Texas and the American West.
