IMAS Mission
The International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS) located in the Rio Grande Valley inspires audiences of all ages to explore art and science through its permanent collections, exhibits, programs, and partnerships by empowering learners to discover their interests and pursue their passions.
The International Museum of Art & Science is a Smithsonian Affiliate and fully accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. IMAS is the premier art and science museum of South Texas and contains over 50,000 square feet of exhibit space. The IMAS galleries host a number of revolving art and science exhibits each year.
The museum provides a unique opportunity for visitors to participate in hands-on science exhibits and to learn about original works of art while encouraging creativity and innovation. The IMAS permanent collection includes more than 2,000 natural history and geology specimens and 4,500 folk art and textile objects. The 1,500 fine art works in the permanent collection reflect many countries and artistic movements beyond Mexico, dating from the 16th century to the present.
History
The International Museum of Art & Science is a Smithsonian Affiliate and fully accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. IMAS is the premier art and science museum of South Texas and contains over 50,000 square feet of exhibit space. The IMAS galleries host several revolving art and science exhibits each year. The museum provides a unique opportunity for visitors to participate in hands-on science exhibits and learn about original works of art while encouraging creativity and innovation. The IMAS permanent collection includes more than 2,000 natural history and geology specimens and 4,500 folk art and textile objects. The 1,500 fine artworks in the permanent collection reflect many countries and artistic movements beyond Mexico, dating from the 16th century to the present.
The Museum 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 was chartered under the laws of the state of Texas on June 2, 1967, and granted its tax exemption certificate in August of that year. On October 7, 1968, the Junior League Museum Board entered into a leaning agreement with the City of McAllen for a 5,000-square-foot building. Shortly after, a Board of Trustees was appointed and by-laws were adopted. The initial funding came from donations from local business firms, civic organizations, and individuals. An Executive Director was employed in June 1969, and building renovations were completed. The Museum was dedicated and formally opened to the public on October 26, 1969. On July 4, 1976, a new building was constructed and completed as a Bicentennial Project, and the Museum moved to 1900 Nolana, where it currently resides.
A new building expansion, partially funded by the New Millennium Capital Campaign, was constructed and completed in 2001, which added 17,259 square feet to accommodate 3 classrooms, an artist studio, a cafe, a gift shop, a theater, and a hands-on exhibition space called the Children’s Discovery Pavilion. In the same year, the Museum completed its “Community Big Build” project and unveiled “RioScape: A Children’s Discovery Park”, incorporating play in an outdoor learning environment that reflects scientific and environmental concepts specific to the Rio Grande River. The Museum currently has over 50,000 square feet of exhibit space and public access areas.
IMAS
1900 W Nolana Ave
McAllen, TX 78504
Latitude: 26.186987
Longitude: -98.381888
Make reservations online
Entrance Fees
- Adult: $5
- Children (4-12) : $3
- Students (13-18): $3
- Seniors (65+): $3
- Museums for All (WIC/EBT): $1
- IMAS Members: Free
- Children 0-3: Free
- Educators (PreK-12 Public School): Free
Hours
- Monday Closed
- Tuesday Closed
- Wednesday 10AM–5PM
- Thursday 10AM–5PM
- Friday 10AM–5PM
- Saturday 10AM–5PM
- Sunday 1PM–5PM