San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts

About San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts

The San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts, known locally as SAMFA, sits on the bank of the Concho River across from downtown. Its swooping roof is the first thing most people notice: some see a saddle, others a covered wagon. Inside are galleries for traveling exhibitions and a permanent collection focused on Texas artists.

The building

The museum moved from Fort Concho into its riverfront home in 1999. It has two tall main galleries, two smaller ones, an education wing, a research library and a rooftop sculpture terrace that looks out over the river and the downtown skyline.

A winding footbridge links the museum to the riverside parks, so it fits naturally into a walk along the River Walk.

What's inside

The permanent collection centers on Texas artists, and the galleries rotate traveling exhibitions through the year.

SAMFA is known for the San Angelo National Ceramic Competition, and it has hosted sculpture competitions, plein air painting events and shows of nationally known artists. In 2003 it received the National Award for Museum Service from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Plan your visit

• Pair it with a walk on the Concho River Walk; the footbridge connects the two.
• Go up to the rooftop terrace for the view of downtown.
• Check samfa.org for current exhibitions, hours and admission.