Tejano art - Godina (New Spain), “Ex-voto to San Nicolás de Tolentino,” 18th century, Oil on tin, 14 ¾ x 17 ½ in., Private Collection
Godina (New Spain), “Ex-voto to San Nicolás de Tolentino,” 18th century, Oil on tin, 14 ¾ x 17 ½ in., Private Collection

The story of the American West did not begin with the cowboy. It began centuries earlier through the people, cultures, and traditions that shaped the region long before the United States was established.

Beginning July 24, the Briscoe Western Art Museum invites visitors to experience that story through “Tejano Legacy: Another American Origin Story,” a landmark bilingual exhibition exploring nearly 400 years of Tejano history, culture, and identity through exceptional works of art and rare artifacts. The exhibition will remain on view through January 18, 2027.

Artist Once Known (Spain), “Introduction of Hernán Cortés to a Native Lord by An Interpreter,” early-18th century Oil on canvas, 38 ½ x 48 ¼ in., Private Collection
Artist Once Known (Spain), “Introduction of Hernán Cortés to a Native Lord by An Interpreter,” early-18th century Oil on canvas, 38 ½ x 48 ¼ in., Private Collection

More from the Museum:

The largest and most expansive exhibition ever developed by the Briscoe, “Tejano Legacy” brings together more than 100 paintings, sculpture, saddles, maps, weapons, and historical objects from private collectors and museums throughout the United States and Mexico. Complementing the exhibition are immersive educational experiences, an original documentary by National Geographic filmmaker Jeremy Zipple and a landmark bilingual exhibition catalog that together invite visitors to explore Tejano history through multiple perspectives. Several works considered part of Mexico’s cultural heritage are being displayed in the United States for the first time, offering visitors an unprecedented opportunity to experience extraordinary pieces rarely accessible to the American public.

Developed by the Briscoe in collaboration with scholars, collectors, and lending institutions across the United States and Mexico, the exhibition expands the traditional narrative of the American West by exploring the generations of Tejanos whose influence can still be found in ranching, horsemanship, language, music, food, and everyday life throughout Texas and beyond.

Tejano art - Ernesto Icaza Sánchez (Mexican, 1866 - 1935), “Lassoing Cattle (Lasando una res),” late-19th century, Oil on canvas, Private Collection
Ernesto Icaza Sánchez (Mexican, 1866 – 1935), “Lassoing Cattle (Lasando una res),” late-19th century, Oil on canvas, Private Collection

Created in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, “Tejano Legacy” invites visitors to reconsider whose stories shaped the American West – and how those stories continue to influence life in Texas today.

“’Tejano Legacy’ is more than an exhibition. It is an invitation to experience a richer, more complete understanding of the American West,” said Liz Jackson, President and CEO of the Briscoe Western Art Museum. “For generations, the contributions of Tejanos have been woven into the fabric of Texas and our nation, yet many of those stories are not widely known … This exhibition honors and celebrates those contributions while inspiring new conversations about the people, cultures and traditions that continue to shape our shared history.”

José de Alcibar (New Spain), “De Español e Yndia, nace Mestizo,” 18th century, Oil on tin, 20 x 33 in. framed, Museo de Historia Mexicana, Monterrey, Mexico
José de Alcibar (New Spain), “De Español e Yndia, nace Mestizo,” 18th century, Oil on tin, 20 x 33 in. framed, Museo de Historia Mexicana, Monterrey, Mexico

For more information, please visit briscoemuseum.org.

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Story prepared for the web by Cherie Dawn Haas, Editor of Fine Art Today


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