During the summer, it is free to enjoy the beauty of the McNay every Thursday from 4:00 - 9:00 pm. We decided to take advantage of this opportunity the other day, despite the rainy weather.
When we got there, we were told about their temporary exhibit called "Limitless" which costs an extra $10. We ended up deciding to go through the exhibit and, it was certainly an experience. The exhibit "features the artwork of individuals who create without boundaries. The exhibition offers trailblazing installations in different mediums by artists Martine Gutierrez, Letitia Huckaby, Yayoi Kusama, Sandy Skoglund, and Jennifer Steinkamp."
I have to be honest, I am not sure it was worth my $10. The art was certainly "trailblazing" and the main draw, the mirrored pumpkin room was a bit underwhelming.
The first part of the installation was a couple of rooms that had pictures to go along with them. They were created to have people interact with them and the pictures show that. The more notable room was the one made of packing peanuts painted in orange, to look like puffy Cheetos.
There were also a couple of looping videos that were mesmerizing, a music video-style film playing on four screens that surround you, and a place to dance.
The most notable part of the exhibit, the part we all came for... drumroll please... the pumpkin room!
Now, here's the thing about the pumpkin room. It was a small box in the back of the exhibit. You had to get in line and check-in. People can go in two at a time for a whopping 45 seconds. Which, if I'm being honest, is more than enough time. Additionally, you are escorted by a docent who just stands against the door with her hands behind her back. And, since it's a mirror room, this means that you can't get any pictures in the room without her in it.
I ended up going into the room 3 times. Once with my friend, once with my mom, and once with my Grandee. When Grandee went in, she turned to the docent and said "do they do anything?" The docent simply sighed and said "no ma'am." And I couldn't help but feel a little bad for her since she has to stand in an endless pumpkin room over and over for hours.
Once we went through the "Limitless" exhibit, we couldn't stop laughing about the pumpkins. But, we continued into the rest of the museum.
There were a lot of other really cool pieces in the museum. The building used to be a house that has been turned into galleries and has been added onto over the years. So, each room has its own personality. It ranges from sculptures to modern art, to a nature exhibit in the library and an exhibit of art from local students.
However, one of the most beautiful parts of the museum, in my opinion, is the garden and koi pond. Since we were there on a day that it rained, we were able to see a rainbow in the garden too!
And... of course... the famous McNay tiled steps
Last, but certainly not least, is the sculpture garden. Although we didn't walk through the entire garden because of the rain, we also drove around the grounds and saw some other statues.
The entire property is gorgeous. We know someone who has been married there, and they are just one of many couples who have said "I do" there. In the summertime, pre-covid, there would also be live music and large events on the grounds. I am looking forward to being able to go back to one of those in the future!
Check out the vlog here:
So, go for the experience, stay for the rainbow, and never forget to dillydally!
- Amber
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