Grounds Photography
Our grounds offer a picturesque setting for engagement, quinceañera, graduation, maternity, and other portrait sessions.
Hours
- Monday – Wednesday: 7 AM – 8 PM (CDT) / 7 AM – 7 PM (CST)
- Thursday: 7 AM – 9 PM (CDT) / 7 AM – 9 PM (CST)
- Friday: 7 AM – 8 PM (CDT) / 7 AM – 7 PM (CST)
- Saturday – Sunday : 7 AM – 5 PM
Pricing (per posed group session, e.g., a Girl Scout troop, cheerleading team, or club photo)
- Up to 9 guests: $50
- 10–19 guests: $75
- 20+ guests: $125
Purchase your pass online up to 48 hours in advance, or pay the security officer on the grounds when you arrive (cash or check accepted).
Guidelines
- Grounds close at 5 PM every Saturday for all photography (this doesn’t apply to evening rental events like weddings or corporate functions). Museum and rental events take priority over standard grounds photography; check the rental calendar and event calendar before your shoot, as you may be asked to clear the area.
- Come dressed and ready to shoot. We don’t provide changing rooms, and public restrooms can’t be used for changing.
- Swimwear and revealing attire are not permitted.
- Museum galleries, lobbies, and the indoor courtyard are not available for portraits.
- Don’t move, climb on, or rearrange sculptures and decorative objects, and don’t stand in the fountains.
- Personal video is allowed; commercial use (publication, advertising, marketing) is not.
- Drones are prohibited on the grounds.
Courtyard & Staircase Photography
Shoot against a backdrop unlike anywhere else in San Antonio. This option includes access to the Semmes Lobby and the Blackburn Patio (courtyard and staircase), available only by reservation and only when the Museum is closed to the public.
Reservation windows
- Sunday: 11 AM–12 PM or 5–6 PM
- Monday & Tuesday: 5–6 PM (CDT also offers 6–7 PM)
- Wednesday & Friday: 9–10 AM (CDT also offers 6–7 PM)
- Thursday & Saturday: 9–10 AM
Appointments are first come, first served. Reservations must be made at least 14 days in advance by emailing indoorphotos@mcnayart.org.
Pricing
- $200 flat fee, includes 1 hour indoors plus grounds photography at no extra charge
