Located in a region where the ethnic majority is Hispanic (55%), the Art Museum of South Texas creates programs that bridge Hispanic, Anglo and other audiences. The Museum is funded through a partnership with Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, the City of Corpus Christi and donations from the private sector.

The original museum facility was designed by leading American architect Philip Johnson, and opened to the public in 1972. A new wing is under construction today - now 75% complete - which has been designed by another internationally recognized architect, Ricardo Legorreta of Mexico City. Legorreta, who received approval from Philip Johnson for his building design, has done an excellent job of matching the original Johnson structure and complimenting it from an architectural standpoint. The combined buildings will double the space currently available for visual arts exhibitions, educational programs and secure storage for our growing permanent collection.

The Legorreta wing, named the William B. and Maureen Miller Building, will be complete in mid-2006. At that time, the Museum will close to the public for a few months in order to begin initial renovations on the Johnson structure and to move into and prepare the new building. The expanded arts complex will re-opening toward the end of the year.

The mission of the Art Museum of South Texas is to operate educational facilities and an art museum that advance the awareness, knowledge, appreciation and enjoyment of the visual and performing arts. The Museum collects, exhibits, and interprets outstanding works of visual art with a focus on art of the Americas and this region.

1945:
Art Museum of South Texas is founded when the City of Corpus Christi turns over its Centennial Museum to a group of local arts organizations

1972:
Art Museum of South Texas opens a new building on the shoreline of Corpus Christi Bay in downtown Corpus Christi, designed by internationally recognized architect, Philip Johnson

1993:
Art Museum of South Texas trustees formally commit to collecting visual art of the Americas, with an emphasis on the arts of the region

1995:
Art Museum of South Texas and Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi form a partnership, for the purpose of offering joint programming onsite and outreach educational opportunities

1996:
City of Corpus Christi moves its annual funding allocation for the Art Museum of south Texas from its general operations budget to revenues generated by the Hotel and Motel Tax

1997:
Art Museum of South Texas merges with the Center for Hispanic Arts and the Creative Arts Center to form the South Texas Institute for the Arts. The Museum now offers programs and exhibitions at 2 facilities, the Museum of South Texas on Shoreline Boulevard, and the Antonio E. Garcia Arts Education Center in west Corpus Christi

1999:
Negotations begin with Ricardo Legorreta of Legorreta + Legorreta to design a new wing adjacent to the current Museum structure on Shoreline Boulevard.

2003:
Art Museum of South Texas commits to American western and wildlife art as a new focus area for exhibitions, collections and educational programming

2005:
Art Museum of South Texas completes the "Arts Within Our Reach" capital campaign, securing $8.5 million for the new Legorreta wing

2006:
The expanded arts complex opens.