The Ursuline Convent & Academy was established in 1851, when seven Catholic nuns arrived in San Antonio to start South Texas’ first school for girls.
For more than 100 years, girls of all nationalities, taking classes taught in English, Spanish, French and German at times, studied and lived on this site.
When the Ursuline academy closed, the buildings and grounds fell into disrepair — but were saved from certain ruin by a cadre of far-sighted women, including Emily Edwards, through hard work, persuasion and vision.
Rising like a phoenix from the ashes on this historic site about a half century ago, the Southwest School of Art started as a small community art school, but its high standards and expectations have transformed it into a national leader in visual arts education.
In celebration of these remarkable stories of learning and creativity … of tenacity and restoration … of cultures and transitions … there is a small History Museum on the Ursuline Campus, which is open to the public for no admission. Trained docents give tours for interested individuals or small groups; or you can view the museum and walk the grounds on your own.
The History Museum’s hours are
Monday – Saturday, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm.
Sunday from 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Docent tours are available from 10 am until 3pm, Tuesday through Friday, or by special request.
Always free admission.
