Explore the Museum of Western Art & the Kerr Arts & Cultural Center
If you want to explore the art and culture of the Texas Hill Country and beyond, you don’t have to wander too far from Hotel Giles to find two standout destinations that showcase the artistic spirit, talent, and history of the American West. The Museum of Western Art and the Kerr Arts & Cultural Center open the door to sweeping frontier stories and modern-day artistic expression. Only two miles apart, they make the perfect duo for an afternoon of creativity and discovery.
The Museum of Western Art: Where the West Comes to Life
The Museum of Western Art is a must-see for anyone who loves the stories and imagery of the American West. The museum opened in 1983 as the Cowboy Artists of America Museum and has welcomed more than 1.6 million visitors since its early days. Today, it’s recognized as the No. 1 Western Art Museum in the country for 2025 by True West Magazine — a well-earned honor.
Inside, the museum’s 14,000 square feet create an immersive experience. Distinctive architectural touches like handcrafted boveda ceilings, mesquite flooring, and stacked limestone walls set the tone before you even step into the galleries. The building itself was designed by renowned Texas architect O'Neil Ford, and the grounds are dotted with impressive, larger-than-life sculptures.
The art is just as unforgettable. The collection includes around 150 sculptures and 250 paintings, featuring both period works and contemporary pieces by artists who follow in the tradition of Frederic Remington and Charles M. Russell. Cowboy life, Native American heritage, frontier landscapes, and the history of ranching all appear through changing exhibits and a remarkable permanent collection. Visitors even get a glimpse of masters like E. I. Couse and Oscar Berninghaus of the historic Taos School.
The museum also features an extensive Western research library, the Griff Carnes Research Center, which holds more than 6,000 volumes. Families appreciate the Journey West Children’s Gallery, and the museum frequently hosts educational programs, hands-on workshops, and special events. One upcoming favorite is Wild West Wine Wednesday on December 3 with Becker Vineyards — complete with complimentary samplings and presentations.
Two exhibits on display from mid-November through early January 2026 offer fresh perspectives: The New American West by Brush and by Bronze, a sculptor-painter pairing that highlights both natural and abstract beauty, and Silver Saddles and the Silver Screen, which explores Hollywood’s Golden Age.
Kerr Arts & Cultural Center: A Hub for Hill Country Creativity
A few minutes down the road sits the Kerr Arts & Cultural Center, affectionately known as KACC. Founded in 1995 by a group of local artists, the center moved into Kerrville’s iconic former post office building in 1999 and transformed the space into a warm, welcoming, and endlessly inspiring community art hub.
Today, KACC attracts more than 20,000 visitors each year and represents over 500 artists through its affiliated groups. The center’s three galleries span 6,500 square feet and showcase up to 40 rotating exhibitions annually. Painting, photography, woodworking, quilting, mixed media — these galleries have seen just about every medium you can imagine.
The current exhibition, the 26th annual Texas Furniture Makers Show, brings together some of the finest furniture makers in the state. The craftsmanship ranges from small decorative pieces to heirloom-quality works that blend beauty with function.
KACC isn’t just about admiring art; it’s about creating it. The center offers art classes for makers of all ages, from young children to lifelong learners. Workshops cover all sorts of artistic traditions and techniques, sparking both curiosity and community. Visitors also enjoy browsing the gift shop, which highlights handcrafted items made by local artists.
Make a Day of It
These two arts destinations are an easy addition to your getaway plans when you book a room with Hotel Giles. Start with the sweeping views and rich heritage of the Museum of Western Art, then head downtown to explore the contemporary, hands-on world of the Kerr Arts & Cultural Center. Both are open year-round, Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Between the two, you’ll experience the depth of Texas creativity and the warm Hill Country welcome that keeps visitors coming back.
