New Visitor Center and Gallery Unveiled at Villa Finale Museum
On a bright afternoon in San Antonio’s historic King William neighborhood, dignitaries and preservation advocates convened to inaugurate the Mathis Gallery at the Villa Finale Museum and Gardens. This event highlights a significant step in enhancing the visitor experience at this unique cultural site.
Mathis Gallery: A Functional Addition
The newly opened Mathis Gallery spans 1,600 square feet and includes essential visitor amenities such as a ticket office, docent space, exhibit halls, and a kitchen. This addition was developed to support the museum’s operations as a nonprofit organization welcoming the public.
Design and Construction Insights
Mark Stoner, the senior director of preservation architecture at the National Trust for Historic Preservation, commented on the thoughtful design process, stating, “The great challenge here on this project was to locate and design the gallery to pack a lot of functionality into a relatively small space.” He emphasized that the design aimed to enhance the historic house without overshadowing it.
A Unique Historic Site
Villa Finale is one of only 27 sites managed by the National Trust across the United States, and notably, it is the only one located in Texas. The property sits on a charming corner of jasmine-lined streets in the King William Historic District.
Legacy of Walter Mathis
Walter Mathis, a civic leader and dedicated preservationist, acquired and meticulously restored Villa Finale in 1967. His efforts extended beyond his own home; he also bought and rehabilitated 13 other historic properties in King William, helping to revitalize the area, which later became San Antonio’s first designated historic district. Upon his passing, Mathis bequeathed Villa Finale and its extensive fine arts collections to the National Trust in 2004.
Funding and Development Challenges
The establishment of the Mathis Gallery has been in development for several years. Jane Lewis, the executive director of Villa Finale, noted that funds for the $1.2 million project were secured through the sale of several of Mathis’ commercial properties over a decade ago. “It was his legacy to have his home become a museum and, of course, you can’t be a museum if you don’t have some way to support the guests that come,” Lewis explained.
Improving Visitor Experience
The Museum currently attracts over 600 visitors monthly. The new gallery will significantly enhance the staff’s ability to accommodate these guests while adequately displaying the museum’s collections, which number around 12,800 items. According to Sylvia M. Gonzalez-Pizaña, the deputy director and curator, the staff will transition to the new gallery from their previous location within the property in the coming month.
Architecture and Aesthetic Integration
The Mathis Gallery was designed by architect Mac White and combines functionality with aesthetic integration into the existing property. White expressed satisfaction with the gallery’s current state, noting that it adheres to his vision of complementing the original mansion. “It doesn’t feel like it’s competing,” he remarked, indicating that it fulfills its role without detracting from the historic space.
The Mathis Gallery stands as a testament to the dedication of preservationists and local authorities in maintaining the historical integrity of Villa Finale and enhancing its role as an educational facility for future generations.