Through its permanent collections, exhibits, events, and partnerships, the International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS) in the Rio Grande Valley encourages visitors of all ages to investigate the intersection of art and science. Accessible, inventive, and awe-inspiring learning through various art and science activities makes the IMAS a must-visit for locals and visitors alike.
The American Alliance of Museums has recognized the International Museum of Art & Science as a Smithsonian Affiliate. With more than 50,000 square feet of display space, IMAS is South Texas’s best art and science museum. Each year, the IMAS galleries showcase a variety of new art and science displays.
The museum encourages creativity and innovation by allowing visitors to interact with interactive science displays and view original works of art. Over 2,000 natural history and geology specimens and 4,500 folk art and textile pieces comprise the IMAS permanent collection, which features over 1,500 works of art spanning the 16th century to the present day and showcasing the contributions of artists worldwide.
The McAllen Junior League’s goal in creating the Museum was to enrich people’s lives in the Rio Grande Valley via accessible, informative, and enjoyable arts and science programming.
The Museum received its charter from the state of Texas in June 1967 and its tax-exempt status in August of the same year. In October 1968, the Junior League Museum Board signed a lease for a 5,000-square-foot building with the City of McAllen, TX. A Board of Trustees was established, and bylaws were written shortly after.
Donations from local businesses, civic groups, and individuals provided the initial funding. In June 1969, they hired an Executive Director and finished fixing up the building. In October 1969, the Museum opened its doors to the public following a dedication ceremony. The Museum relocated to its current location at 1900 Nolana in July 1976, after a new building had been erected and finished as a Bicentennial Project.
The New Millennium Capital Campaign helped fund a 2001 building addition that added three classrooms, an art studio, a cafe, a gift shop, a theater, and an interactive exhibit space called the Children’s Discovery Pavilion, which occupies 17,259 square feet. The Museum unveiled “RuneScape: A Children’s Discovery Park” in the same year it finished its “Community Big Build” project, which included incorporating play in an outdoor learning setting reflective of scientific and environmental ideas unique to the Rio Grande River. The Museum’s existing display and visitor space totals over 50,000 square feet.
McAllen Public Library
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