In 2024, we are thrilled to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the McNay Art Museum. Built in the late 1920s by Marion Koogler McNay, the distinctive residence became the site of Texas’s first modern art museum when it opened in 1954. Since Marion McNay’s bequest of 700 works of art, along with her house, surrounding 23 acres, and an endowment to establish the museum, the McNay has broadened its program offerings, grown its collection, and expanded its spaces.

For 70 years, the McNay has engaged a diverse community in the discovery and enjoyment of the visual arts. Today, we begin a year-long celebration honoring our history as well as our founder, Marion McNay (February 7, 1883–April 12, 1950). Throughout 2024, we will invite the public to join in commemorating the Museum’s legacy of transformational art experiences through an array of events, programs, storytelling, and activations.

Our 70th anniversary events kicks off with Founder’s Day on February 8 in honor of Marion McNay’s birthday and culminates in November with a month-long series of events to mark the opening month of the Museum in 1954.

As part of the celebration, we’re debuting McNay Stories, a video series that brings together significant McNay experiences from across the decades as told by members of our community. Come back often for new stories added throughout the year and share your own on social media with #McNay70.