The Southwest School of Art was the first school for girls in San Antonio, and a cornerstone of San Antonio history. Today, it’s a center of our city’s art scene, and a lively, distinctive, art-filled place to visit.
Visiting the SSA is an easy, 5-minute walk from the Crown Plaza, El Tropicana, the Hotel Havana The Sheraton Guenther, and the Hotel Indigo — and is just a few minutes longer walk to other downtown hotels. The ‘blue’ trolley line gives easy access to visitors. During business hours, walkers on the River Walk can access the grounds.
For art aficionados: Both the historic Ursuline campus and the Navarro campus contain a number of Galleries for student, local, regional and national exhibitions.
For upscale shoppers: The Gallery Shop, filled with unique artist-made jewelry, glass, ceramics, fiber and more, is a favorite of connoisseurs looking for something special.
For restoration and history buffs: By saving this historic site from destruction, the school has been a significant catalyst for downtown revitalization. It’s an engaging tale, attractively interpreted in the History Museum.
For walkers and photographers: The site is a true urban oasis, in the city and of the city, but exuding a sense of grace, tranquility and history. Walk our well-maintained gardens, or have a homestyle lunch in our Copper Kitchen Cafe.
