The San Antonio Museum of Art (SAMA) is gearing up for a major transformation, and museum leaders have just announced that the internationally acclaimed architecture firm Herzog & de Meuron will be at the helm of this ambitious project. The Switzerland-based firm, known for its cutting-edge museum designs and expertise in repurposing historic spaces, was chosen after an extensive selection process.

According to SAMA, Herzog & de Meuron stood out due to their strong track record in designing innovative cultural spaces and their ability to breathe new life into existing structures. While the museum has yet to finalize a budget or fundraising strategy for the project, its reported net assets in 2023 totaled nearly $79 million, indicating strong financial footing for future development.

SAMA’s Executive Director, Emily Ballew Neff, emphasized the transformative nature of the initiative. “This project presents an incredible opportunity to reimagine our 13-acre campus, enhancing the visitor experience and deepening our ties with the community,” she said. Neff, who took the reins at SAMA in 2022, previously led the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, where she oversaw the transition to a new Herzog & de Meuron-designed facility.

Founded in 1978, Herzog & de Meuron has an impressive portfolio of over 200 cultural projects, including the Tate Modern in London—a prime example of how the firm repurposes industrial buildings into world-class art destinations. Other notable works include the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg, the M+ Museum in Hong Kong, and the de Young Museum in San Francisco.

For this San Antonio venture, Herzog & de Meuron will partner with Page, an architecture firm with offices in both Austin and San Antonio. Page has extensive experience working on local landmarks such as Hemisfair, the San Antonio Botanical Garden, and several major hospitals.

SAMA boasts one of the most comprehensive collections of ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman art in the southern U.S., along with significant Asian and Latin American art holdings. Since 1981, it has been housed in the historic Lone Star Brewery complex, a set of industrial buildings originally designed by E. Jungenfield & Co. The site underwent a $7.2 million renovation before opening as a museum, and now, more than four decades later, it’s poised for yet another transformation.

The museum is strategically positioned at 200 West Jones Avenue, near the rapidly developing Pearl District. The surrounding River North neighborhood has seen significant investment in recent years, with new residential and commercial developments reshaping the area. In 2021, SAMA acquired an additional one-acre parcel from CPS Energy, which was initially intended for art storage and additional exhibition space. Meanwhile, in early 2023, CPS Energy sold a larger adjacent property for $29.5 million to a group owned by the McCombs family. That land is now slated for a mixed-use development, further integrating the area into San Antonio’s growing cultural and business hub.

Edward Hart, chair of SAMA’s board of trustees, expressed excitement about the museum’s role in this evolving landscape. “We are thrilled to be part of the momentum in our fast-growing neighborhood. As stewards of the last remaining green space along Museum Reach and owners of the largest property adjacent to the river, this master plan will help us create a more vibrant and welcoming space for the entire community,” he said.

The redevelopment will focus on improving accessibility, expanding storage and exhibition facilities, and enhancing the museum’s outdoor areas. “We are excited to craft a forward-looking vision for SAMA, one that fully embraces its beautiful outdoor spaces, historic architecture, and diverse art collection,” said Ascan Mergenthaler, Senior Partner at Herzog & de Meuron.

A key aspect of the project is community involvement. Museum officials have committed to gathering input from San Antonio residents to ensure that the final design reflects the city’s diverse perspectives and needs.

How This Project Benefits Local Businesses

The redevelopment of SAMA’s campus isn’t just about art—it’s a catalyst for economic growth. Local businesses, from restaurants and retail shops to professional services, stand to benefit from the increased foot traffic and tourism that an improved museum campus will generate.

For professionals like a San Antonio Assault Attorney, the revitalization of this area could have indirect benefits as well. As neighborhoods grow and develop, there is often an increased need for legal services—whether related to business transactions, real estate matters, or even criminal defense. The influx of new residents and businesses will likely bring more clients to law firms specializing in various legal areas.

Additionally, a thriving arts district contributes to a safer, more engaged community. With more people visiting the area for cultural events, restaurants, and nightlife, there’s a natural demand for public safety initiatives and legal professionals who can help maintain the integrity of the neighborhood.

Ultimately, SAMA’s redevelopment is about more than just improving a museum—it’s about shaping the future of San Antonio’s cultural and economic landscape. As plans move forward, local businesses and residents alike can look forward to an exciting transformation that will make this part of the city even more dynamic and accessible.