Arts & Culture

Discover art from local artists and cultural events in and around the City of McAllen

McAllen Heritage Center: The McAllen Heritage Center (MHC) - Museum of McAllen history opened to the public during June 2008. Please visit us and enjoy learning about McAllen's colorful history! MHC offers diverse history exhibits, special presentations, story-telling sessions, children's activities, an educational "Traveling Trunks" program, with more projects and exhibits under development.

The museum is located inside the historic old McAllen Post Office building now known as "La Placita" directly across from JC Penney in downtown McAllen (301 S. Main St.), and is open Tuesday-Friday, 1:00pm - 5:00pm, and 11:00am - 4:00pm on Saturday.

Admission is free and we offer limited free parking in the rear parking area. We are expanding our exhibit area in early 2012 and also plan to offer extended hours of operation. Check us out on Facebook and on our website: www.mcallenheritagecenter.com for more news or call us at 956-687-1904!
McAllen Arts Council: The McAllen Arts Council will support and encourage the development of a citywide arts culture and infrastructure that includes all discipline of arts.
McAllen ArtWalk: The McAllen ArtWalk is a self-guided tour of art galleries and art hosts in one of the oldest areas of McAllen. Guests can start their tour at any location and proceed at their own pace. The McAllen ArtWalk begins the first Friday of each month starting September through May. The evening exhibits begin at 6 p.m. and last until 10 p.m.

This is all free and open to the public in attempt to highlight the culture of our community. It is a wonderful opportunity to mingle, meet a variety of different people and create new neighbors who might share in your passion for art.
McAllen Creative Arts Incubator: The McA2 Creative Incubator, is the home, support and voice for local artists throughout the Rio Grande Valley. With the help of the McAllen Chamber of Commerce, McA2 is bringing arts to the city and increasing the attractiveness of our community's culture. We provide low cost studios, managerial advice, legal and technical support to qualified artisans with qualified projects. Our newly remolded building hosts 13 art studios, exhibition space and a stage for performances. We invite you to stop by and visit our talented artists' exhibits or check for performances on our calendar.
McAllen Public Library: The McAllen Memorial Library shall dedicate its efforts to the task of bringing to its patrons the body of knowledge and of human insights which forms the basis of our culture.
IMAS Museum: The International Museum of Art and Science guides its collecting interest towards obtaining Fine Art, Folk Art, Decorative Arts, Pre-Columbian, and scientific objects from all parts of the globe, with the primary focus being the Americas. This interest is realized by the collection which consists of examples of folk Art, including ceramics and masks, and an impressive array of scientific specimens, including a large assortment of geological samples. This collection is further enhanced by an eclectic assortment of fine art works on paper, paintings, and sculpture by local, national and international artists. IMAS was developed through the efforts of the McAllen Junior League to increase the quality of life for the citizens of the Rio Grande Valley, and to provide activities in the arts and sciences that are meaningful, educational, and available to the public. The museum is located at the intersection of Bicentennial Way and Nolana Avenue.
Quinta Mazatlan: Quinta Mazatlan is the McAllen Wing of the World Birding Center under the stewardship of the City of McAllen Parks & Recreation Department. Its mission is to preserve the 1930s adobe estate and the native plants and animals of the Rio Grande Valley, by providing a sanctuary for environmental education, eco-tourism and inspiration to people of all ages.
Valley Symphony Orchestra: The Valley Symphony Orchestra is presently an 80-musician orchestra with a six-concert subscription season and eight educational concerts. It performs both standard symphonic repertoire and commissioned new works. It also hosts the most acclaimed American and international soloists.
Email McAllen Ballet: Send an email to McAllen Ballet to find out more about performances.
Nuevo Santander Art Gallery: Nuevo Santander Gallery is the place to visit when looking for museum quality Old West arms and fine Mexican collectibles. Original paintings and sculptures by internationally recognized artists are presented in a historically fashioned setting. European antiques and a selection of reference books are also offered for sale. Nuevo Santander Gallery gives you the chance to own a part of history.
Cine El Rey: This historic venue brings entertainment to the Heart of the City.