The Art of the West

Anyone who has ever watched an experienced cowhand do their job knows there’s an art to how they rope and ride. It’s not just what they do—it’s in how they do it, what they wear and the heritage they carry with them. That combination continues to inspire a passion for the American West.

That artistry and passion also fuel the Briscoe Western Art Museum. Beyond just a collection of stunning art and artifacts, the Briscoe is a gateway to understanding the people, cultures, and stories that define the West. Through its collection, exhibitions, and educational programs, the museum creates a space where visitors of all ages can engage with—and celebrate—this rich history. And you can’t talk about the West without showcasing the cowboy.

“Our mission is to honor the stories and spirit of the American West in all its diversity and complexity,” explains Liz Jackson, President and CEO of the Briscoe Western Art Museum. “To tell the story of the West, you have to showcase the cowboy. Cowboys have always been central to Texas’ identity, symbolizing the spirit of the American West. Today’s working cowboy is still very much alive, and that iconic figure continues to inspire stories, films, music, and art.”

From the vaqueros who introduced ranching to the region and the trail drivers who blazed iconic cattle paths, to the working cowboys, and rodeo performers who embody the spirit of the West today, the Briscoe invites visitors to explore the history and legacy of these rugged individuals. 

At the heart of the museum’s mission is the idea that “The West Starts Here,” a phrase that encapsulates the museum’s role in sharing the stories of the West, beginning on the 98th meridian—where San Antonio lies—and radiating westward.

The idea that “The West Starts Here” is also a nod to the influence of the region on the American West. The land where the museum sits was home to cattle pens near a low point in the river that served as a cattle crossing. That story is told through “Camino de Gálvez,” a magnificent piece by cowboy sculptor T. D. Kelsey, showcasing cattle climbing the riverbank behind the museum.

Artifacts in the museum’s collection, including intricately-tooled saddles and silver-mounted spurs, provide a glimpse into the craftsmanship and artistry of both cowboy and vaquero culture. These pieces tell the story of how vaqueros laid the foundation for Texas’ ranching industry and left a legacy that endures today. 

The Briscoe is named in honor of Texas Governor Dolph Briscoe, Jr., and his wife Janey Slaughter Briscoe. They envisioned a museum that would share the story of Western heritage and the West’s diverse people, landscape and wildlife. With 14 galleries on three levels, the Briscoe opened in 2013 and is now a repository for art and artifacts including Native American art, Spanish and Mexican colonial-era art, Western folk art, and photography. 

The museum spans one-and-a-half acres that includes the museum’s McNutt Sculpture Garden, an outdoor oasis featuring larger-than-life bronze sculptures of cowboys, vaqueros and other Western figures. The serene space allows visitors to reflect on the artistry and stories represented inside the museum while enjoying the beauty of San Antonio’s River Walk.

From works by renowned Western artists such as Charles Marion Russell, Frederic Remington and W. Herbert Dunton to saddles that belonged to icons like Roy Rogers, “Buffalo Bill” Cody, and Pancho Villa, the Briscoe’s collection is wide-ranging. Visitors can learn more about the Spanish and Mexican colonial eras through artifacts that include one of General Santa Anna’s swords, a sixteenth-century silk embroidered Spanish saddle, and a Comanchero jacket.

Paintings and sculptures throughout the museum capture the grit, determination, and artistry of modern cowboy life, the essence of the American frontier and the Old West. Works by Allan Houser and Martin Grelle and a monumental bronze sculpture in the lobby, “Visions of Change” by John Coleman, depict the important role Native Americans played in the West. Works by Curt Walters, Z. S. Liang, and Greg Beecham show the West’s dramatic landscape and wildlife, while artists Mark Maggiori, Kim Wiggins, and Phil Epps showcase Black cowboys and their role in the West.

A visit to the Briscoe is more than a journey through history—it’s a chance to immerse yourself in the spirit of Texas and the American West. Dive into the art of the cowboy and the beauty of the American West at the Briscoe—and see why “The West Starts Here.”