Ruby City

Ruby City grew from artist, collector and philanthropist Linda Pace's vision for a permanent home where San Antonio could encounter contemporary art. The Linda Pace Foundation collection now includes more than 1,400 paintings, sculptures, installations and video works, while rotating exhibitions bring those holdings into conversation with invited artists and changing curatorial themes.

The building is part of the experience. Adjaye Associates translated Pace's dream of a jewel-like red structure into a faceted two-story museum clad in deep crimson concrete panels. The architecture is bold without overwhelming the galleries, and the broader campus extends across Camp Street to Chris Park and Studio, giving visitors public green space and an auxiliary exhibition venue in addition to the main museum.

Ruby City is small enough to combine with a Southtown or downtown day but substantial enough to reward repeat visits as exhibitions change. Admission is always free, and visitors can continue from the main galleries into Chris Park or nearby arts destinations without committing to a conventional full-day museum schedule. Pairing Ruby City with Artpace is especially useful for understanding Linda Pace's legacy: one institution supports artists making new work, while the other preserves and presents the collection and cultural infrastructure she envisioned.