| Built: |
1972 |
| Designed
by: |
Philip
Johnson |
| Cost: |
US$1,300,000.00 |
| Floors: |
3 |
| Type: |
Museum |
| Location: |
1902
North Shoreline |
A
structure which defies and defines its surroundings,
the Art Museum of South Texas stands out because of
its simple form. It is surrounded by a cacophony of
structures typical of an urban waterfront location.
But the swirling waters, wheeling gulls, and auditorium
next door fade away in the orderly expanse that surrounds
the museum. It is a well manicured lawn that echoes
the smooth walls of the building. Free from unnecessary
decoration or ornaments, what links the museum to
its cacophonous neighbors is a long man-made stream.
It, too, an example of order amid chaos -- the square
stones are arranged at regular intervals while the
random play of water trickles around and over them.
It is a haven for thirsty birds and playful children
in the hot south Texas summer just as the interior
is a sanctuary for adults eager to slake their desire
for inspiration. In all, the building has 12,000 feet
of art galleries plus classrooms, a library, and offices.
- 1944
- Centennial Art Museum established in South Bluff
Park.
- 1967
- Fund raiser held to come up with US$1,000,000.00
for a new museum.
- 1967
- Name changed to Art Museum of South Texas.
- October,
1972 - New museum opens to the public.
|
|
 |
 |
|
"Light
is the essence, and light coming in from all sides
is especially bathing and soothing."
Philip
Johnson
architect
|
|
|
