San Antonio Museum of Art - Courtesy img.coxnewsweb.com

San Antonio’s distinct heritage and culture attracts millions of people visiting the city each year. Whats more, its one of those places where returning visitors outnumber by far more than anywhere else! The reason is of course that tourists enjoy the friendly atmosphere and vibrant culture! Besides its very affordable and just the place to head out for, especially with kids.

Additionally there is much to experience in a hands-on kind of way that lures people here all the time. San Antonio is the second-largest city in the state of Texas located in the South. It can be said to be the cultural gateway into the American Southwest. The nostalgia and romance about the culture remains intact despite the huge military presence here.

You’d be amazed at the prolific arts scene in San Antonio. The city has an awe-inspiring body of art-work including paintings and sculptures that include Greek, Roman, Asian, Indian, European, Native American, African, Oceanic and even Russian collections. Its awesome! Doing the museum rounds is a must-do to have a look at all thats on display. The best thing about museums in San Antonio is that they are so doable. You can indulge your self gloriously without caring about the time.

Museo Alameda, San Antonio - Courtesy img.coxnewsweb.com

First on your itinerary could be the University of Texas at San Antonio’s Institute of Texan Cultures housing both a museum and a library in downtown San Antonio. It is actually the starting point for understanding the States multicultural ethnic setting, with exhibits and programs showcasing the same. The Texas Folklife Festival is an annual celebration of the many ethnicities that make up the population of Texas, and has been on show every year since 1972.

Marion Koogler McNay Art Museum is home to the first museum of modern art in Texas housing world-famous Impressionist and Post-Impressionist collection. Magnificent works of art are on display here exhibiting modern masters like Paul Gauguin, Vincent Van Gogh, Edward Hopper, Georgia O’Keeffe, Pablo Picasso, Jackson Pollock and Pierre-Auguste Renoir. An extension has the sculpture garden and also the multi-layered glass roof filtering natural light into the exhibition space.

Indulge yourself at A Museum Glows! Museo Alameda, the nation’s largest Latino museum opened in 2007 and it’s the Smithsonian Institutes’s first formal affiliate. It is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15th to October 15th. The only museum sharing the story of Latino experience in the US, it has cultural exhibits that fill an important gap. The museum houses a gift shop and a Botanica too besides the gems of Hispanic art and culture.

But best of all is the San Antonio Museum of Art. Reconstructed from the earlier Lone Star brewery this four level building hosts events like the Asian New Year Festival and family art classes. This comprehensive art museum contains prehistoric art, Roman statuary, Egyptian mummies and Islamic art and a fabulous collection of antiquities. The Nelson A. Rockefeller Center for Latin American Art is also housed in the museum and is the most extensive collection. There is also a large collection of American and European paintings and modern art. The new Asian Art Wing has the largest Asian art collection in Texas.

The Alamo, San Antonio - Courtesy /upload.wikimedia.org

The Alamo however remains the grand symbol of the Texan war of independence. Ranked as a Heritage Site it was originally Mission San Antonio de Valero, the former Roman Catholic mission. Later it turned into a fortress compound under the Mexican Army and eventually got converted into a museum. Its remembered as the historic shrine of Texas liberty and freedom! This popular attraction recreates the compound as it existed in 1836. Housed inside is a small museum containing paintings, weapons, other artifacts along with the wall of history mural portraying Alamo history.

San Antonio’s cultural scene is as diverse as the Hispanic culture itself. Appearing to follow its own rhythm-infused history, the music here is as eclectic as everything else too. The new season begins with conductor Christopher Seaman leading the San Antonio Symphony in a program of timeless classics. Celebrated pianist Orli Shaham performs Mozart’s dazzling Piano Concerto and Brahms’ Second Symphony. If you are in the mood for tender melodies and engaging dance rhythms be there for the Opening Weekend where ticket holders can join up for complimentary champagne. The Majestic Theater should be your destination on October 3 and 4, 2008, that will have you enjoying the International Accordion Festival. Accordions as is well known, play a major role in Texas music and they take center stage for three days in San Antonio - October 11-12. Its free!

Phil Simpson's 'Trinity' - San Antonio - Courtesy blogs.mysanantonio.com

Fall has some more exhibits in store and a pre-view of the arts and entertainment at San Antonio seems to be in order:

• Sculptor Phil Simpson, is displaying his creativity in front of Sunset Station as part of “Texas Uprising,”. The show runs through Oct. 20.

• First Friday in October has Sala Diaz having a 7-11 p.m. reception for “Bowling in the Wind”. Along with artists Buzz Spector, Kimberly Aubuchon, Chuck Ramirez and Michele Monseau.

• Brazilian artist Rosane Volchan O’Conor, has a one-woman show of her large-format mixed media paintings opening Sept. 15 and running through Dec. 29 at the Beeville Art Museum.

• California artist Sha Sha Highby, who uses complex body sculpture as part of her performances, will present “The Glass Jungle” on Nov. 16 at the Southwest School of Art & Craft.

In San Antonio you can never be sure where Old Mexico begins or the Old West ends. The big melting pot is a unique destination. Warm smiles and good natured friendliness makes the city a top spot. Dig a little deeper, and you’ll find a multicultural experience. Just log on to Sanantonio Hotels to pick out the place to hang your spurs and all. Viva San Antonio!