Walk in the front doors of the Witte Museum in San Antonio, TX, and you’ll find yourself transported through time: Look up at the Quetzalcoatlus, scan the limestone walls on the left and right to find ammonites, stare straight ahead and you’re met by an Acrocanthosaurus.
Nestled along the banks of the San Antonio River, the Witte invites you into a world of wonder this summer through special exhibitions and permanent galleries exploring nature, science and culture. Whether you’re a local or visiting from out of town, the Witte Museum has something for everyone, making it the perfect air-conditioned destination.
A Summer of Science: Sharks and Space
Embark on a scientific journey from sea to sky with two stellar special exhibitions, Sharks and Surviving Space: Astronauts & Asteroids, open now through September 2.
Submerge yourself in Sharks, where you can explore the fascinating lives of these apex predators—no scuba gear required. Come face-to-face with life-sized models of ancient and modern sharks; get hands-on with interactive displays like the Hammerhead vision simulator; and view real objects that shed light on the ocean’s most feared and misunderstood creatures. Dive into a world dominated by members of the shark family to explore their genetic diversity, territories, interactions and importance to ocean ecosystems. It’s as close as you can get to these incredible marine animals… without getting eaten.
Set your sights on the skies inside Surviving Space: Astronauts & Asteroids, an interactive exhibition that’s out-of-this-world. Discover what happens when meteorites come to Earth and what scientists are doing to avoid the next colossal collision. Experience what it takes to be an astronaut through physical and mental challenges. Simulate the conditions of space travel and learn what life is like beyond the atmosphere. Complete with dinosaur casts, NASA artifacts and a touchable meteorite, Surviving Space is a can’t-miss for families this summer.
Uncover Texas History
The Witte Museum doesn’t just celebrate the wonders of science; it also pays homage to the complex history of Texas. Back for an encore presentation, the Black Cowboys: An American Story exhibition is a must-see, highlighting the lives and work of the numerous Black men, women and children – enslaved and free – who labored on Texas ranches. Did you know that one of four cowboys who went up the trail was Black? Go back in time to meet these legendary cowboys who played a pivotal role in cattle drives, rodeos and building Texas communities. Through photographs, artifacts and narratives in their own words, you’ll gain a clearer picture of the Black West and a more diverse portrait of the American West from before the Civil War through the turn of the twentieth century.
In addition to the special exhibitions, the Witte Museum’s permanent galleries offer a deep dive into Texas’ natural and cultural heritage. Journey back to the Cretaceous Period in the Naylor Family Dinosaur Gallery; learn about the First Peoples of what we now call Texas in the Kittie West Nelson Ferguson People of the Pecos Gallery; explore the eight ecological regions of the Lone Star State in the McLean Family Texas Wild Gallery; find a new friend in the SWBC Live Lab; and meet chili queens and cattle kings in the Robert J. and Helen C. Kleberg South Texas Heritage Center.
Plan Your Visit
Throughout its 10-acre campus, the Witte Museum creates a transformative experience for visitors of all ages to engage with Texas history from millions of years ago through modern-day discoveries. With life-sized models, hands-on interactives and evidence-based information, the Witte is a standout attraction in San Antonio, Texas.
Plan your visit to the Witte Museum and prepare for an adventure across land, sky and water that will inspire curiosity, reveal untold stories and leave you with a sense of wonder. Visit WitteMuseum.org for hours, tickets, pricing and exhibition details.
