The Museum of Western Art — Attraction in Kerrville

The Museum of Western Art in Kerrville, Texas is an incredible gem that exceeded all expectations. We visited on a rainy day, arriving through a clearing storm, and even that couldn’t dampen the experience. Though we entered from the back lot by mistake, we quickly found our way to the entrance and were welcomed by stunning outdoor sculptures and a stone wall lined with cowbells. It set the tone perfectly for what was to come.

Inside, we were warmly greeted by two friendly and knowledgeable curators who took time to explain the museum's history. We learned that the land was generously donated by a local resident so the museum could be built in Texas instead of California, which led to an outpouring of support from collectors all across the country. Once word spread, people donated incredible artwork and western artifacts, creating a collection that is as rich in history as it is in beauty.

The museum is incredibly well maintained and thoughtfully laid out. The architecture alone is impressive, but it’s the content that really shines. From oil paintings to bronze sculptures, the halls are filled with scenes of frontier life, cowboys, Native Americans, ranchers, and breathtaking Western landscapes. Some works are even for sale, and the staff mentioned that they had just completed their Spring Round-Up, which is a showcase and sale event for Western artists.

In addition to the art, the museum houses a Western research library, making it a valuable resource for historians, students, and anyone interested in the culture and legacy of the American West.

It was our first Western art museum on this leg of our RV journey, and it left a lasting impression. It offers a peaceful and inspiring atmosphere for anyone who appreciates art, history, or the American frontier.

Highly recommended if you are visiting Kerrville or passing through the Texas Hill Country. We plan to return if we’re ever back in the area. Do...

Visited during Spring Break as a group of 6, including 2 boys aged 4-6. Easy to find and free car parking near the entrance. Finding the parking area wasn’t clear, but we got there. The front entrance has a cool walls of cow bells that you could hit to make sound. We ain’t have to wait to get in - the place was quiet and we basically had the run of it. The staff were all friendly and after we paid to enter we were given a 1-3 minute welcome presentation and then could go diff to explore. There were a few big rooms full of paintings, sculptures, display saddles, some cases with pistols and Derringers under glass. There was even a room in the back aimed towards kids - it had a full-sized wagon, a large tent, and dress-up outfits. Our boys dressed up like cowboys and spent the whole time looking in the crates at the plastic food and equipment that the old-timers used to lug around on their frontier journeys. The boys were satisfied. There’s a great variety of art and they all evoked the spirit of the West. One thing I’d have liked to see was labels that said the date and description of the art pieces, beyond the artist name and piece title which was provided. We stayed about an hour which was enough to see all the rooms. Browser the gift shop which had books, art prints, leather and jewellery items. I’d recommend visiting this museum, even in you...

This is a wonderful art museum representing the art featuring the life of cowboys and the western ranching lifestyle. Paintings and bronzes are well displayed. The museum was originally built to feature artists of Cowboy Artists of America (CAA), but now features other western artists as well. The building itself was designed by a prominent western architect and is the perfect showcase for the art. When we were there, there was a bronze sculptor in the casita as a visiting artist who talks with visitors and explain what it is he is doing. The grounds are beautiful and the gift store has a nice selection. A treasure in the middle of...