Museums of South Texas
Rich in cultural history, AMST is the permanent home to many works of art from North, Central, and South America. The overall feel of AMST’s galleries is sophisticated and reverent, with a splash of fun. Strategically placed interactive stations offer visitors a variety of choices to explore exhibition storylines playfully. A free mobile app for Apple devices adds insight to the exhibitions directly from curators and artists. The Artcade gives young children a space to learn and play at their own pace while special events, free days, benefits for active military and their families, docent-led tours, and extended hours makes AMST more accessible than ever.
The building’s sharp angles make the building itself a point of interest. The 1972 original building designed by architectural icon Philip Johnson blends seamlessly with the 2006 expansion designed by internationally renowned architect Ricardo Legorreta of Mexico. The gleaming white walls constructed of poured white concrete and shell aggregate, radiate light while keeping visitors and the artwork shaded from the strong South Texas sun. The expansive windows and indoor/outdoor café seating, provide the best views of the Corpus Christi Bay while exploring art from every angle.
Art Center of Corpus Christi
The Art Center of Corpus Christi is home to local art in the Coastal Bend. The facility brings together four pleasures: viewing art in its seven galleries, shopping in the Gift Gallery and local artists’ studios, dining in the restaurant and of course, the creation of wonderful art. The Art Center is dedicated to the purpose of promoting an awareness and appreciation of local and regional artists. We provide exhibit space as well as spaces for weddings, meetings, receptions, workshops and classes. We support an educational venue for community outreach projects that raises awareness of the rich cultural and artistic resources available in the Coastal Bend. Admission is always FREE!
Art Museum of South Texas
Selena Museum
Selena Quintanilla Perez, the Queen of Tejano Music, holds a special place in the story of Corpus Christi. The Selena Museum was built by the Quintanilla family to celebrate the life and achievements of their beloved daughter for Selena fans. The Selena Museum admission includes a tour of Selena’s stage costumes, collections and memorabilia including her red Porsche, GRAMMY award and so much more. Guests may even catch a glimpse of Selena’s family because Q Productions is still a working studio and office.
Texas Museum of Asian Cultures
Gaze at the artistry of Japanese kimonos, porcelains, and even a rickshaw! Admire the beauty of artifacts from all across Asia. Visit the Texas State Museum of Asian Cultures & Education Center to take a trip through Asia you will always remember!
Corpus Christi Museum
The Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History features collections of South Texas history from throughout the last 500 years, including artifacts and historically significant items. The 45,000-square-foot facility features educational exhibits and programming that documents everything from Native American presence, shipwrecks, arts, interactive sciences, and the region’s ecological footprint.
Established in 1952, the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History features a number of permanent and temporary exhibits. You can learn about the Corpus Christi history dating back to the Karankawa tribe, the wreck of Sieur de La Salle’s ship La Belle, technology developments in the late 1800s, and more.
The little ones will love the H-E-B Science Center where they can play in a 5,000-square-foot interactive exhibit designed for kids ages 3 and up. The science playground features a shadow wall, imagination blocks, touch tables, and an outdoor play area.
There are also a number of events that take place at the museum, so be sure to check out the calendar before planning your visit.
Texas Surf Museum
Texas is not just the land of cowboys and oil barons. Texas is also home to thousands of surfers who are just as stoked and dedicated to their sport as any Californian or Hawaiian. The Texas Surf Museum, opened in 2005 in Corpus Christi, explores the history of surfing in general and showcases the Lone Star State’s unique place in surf history. The Texas Surf Museum is a must-see for anyone who’s ever rode the Gulf waves, and a delightful adventure for non-surfers as well. Relax on a bench made from surfboards, catch a surf film in the projection theater, and spot old buddies and young stars in the hundreds of photos scattered throughout the museum.
Museum of Hispanic Culture
Part of the Instituto de Cultura Hispanica de Corpus Christi, this small museum aims to advance and promote the history of Hispanic culture and tradition in this part of Texas. There are exhibitions from all over the Spanish speaking world, from Spain to Colombia and everywhere in-between. The museum is a hidden jewel located in the larger Heritage Park complex. The Lichtenstein House, in which the museum is located, is a beautiful merchant’s residence from 1905.
USS Lexington Museum
Visitors can tour the longest serving Essex Class aircraft carrier of World War II. The 16-deck “Blue Ghost” displays military artifacts and more than 20 aircraft. See all five tour routes, 3D mega theater, Lockdown on the LEX Escape Rooms, mess deck eatery and flight simulator. National Historic Landmark located on North Beach. Elevator from the hangar deck to the flight deck.