Nave Museum | Victoria

The Nave Museum in Victoria, Texas, is an art museum known for its beautiful architecture and its collection of American art, particularly works by Royston Nave, a renowned Texas portrait artist. The museum has served as an important cultural institution in the area for decades, offering a space to experience both permanent and rotating exhibitions that showcase local, national, and international artists.

History and Architecture

The museum is housed in a historic Greek Revival building with an iconic hexastyle Ionic portico, which is crafted from polished Vermont marble. This impressive structure was designed by architect Atlee Ayers and commissioned by Emma McFaddin McCan Nave, the widow of Royston Nave, in memory of her late husband.

The building was originally used to display Royston Nave's artwork and the Bronte Study Club library. It was later converted into the Nave Museum in 1976, after which it continued to evolve as a cultural center for the region. In 2003, the building was deeded to the Victoria Regional Museum Association for continued operation and preservation.

Royston Nave's Art Collection

The museum's permanent collection includes a substantial number of works by Royston Nave, who was known for his impressionist style of portraiture. Nave’s works feature expressive brushstrokes and rich portrayals of his subjects. Some of the museum's key pieces include:

Norma

The Red Shawl

Sidney Dickinson

These pieces highlight his talent and provide a glimpse into early 20th-century American portraiture.

Current & Upcoming Exhibitions

The Nave Museum regularly features both local and international artists. Current and upcoming exhibits include:

Wildlife in Focus (January 10 – March 1, 2025) - A photography exhibit showcasing the work of photographers who participated in the Wildlife in Focus contest, aimed at promoting wildlife conservation.

Robin Hazard (March 21 – May 10, 2025) - An exhibit featuring vibrant, colorful works by Robin Hazard, a graduate of Southern Methodist University with a degree in painting, drawing, and printmaking.

The Art of Dr. Seuss (May 30 – July 16, 2025) - This exhibit features estate-authorized limited edition reproductions of Dr. Seuss’s original art, carefully chosen by his estate for publication and release.

Myke Venable (August 15 – October 4, 2025) - An exhibition focusing on abstract paintings by Texas artist Myke Venable, known for his exploration of color theory and geometric abstraction.

Tara Conley (October 24 – December 20, 2025) - An exhibition that highlights Tara Conley's use of materials like fiber, steel, bronze, and fiberglass, showcasing her unique sculptural work.

Visiting the Nave Museum

Location: 306 W. Commercial Street, Victoria, TX 77901.

Hours: The museum is open Tuesday to Friday from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM and Saturday to Sunday from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, while it remains closed on Mondays.

Admission: Admission is free, though donations are appreciated to help support the museum's programs and operations.

Parking: There is ample parking available on the street and at nearby church parking lots.

Accessibility: The museum is wheelchair accessible. Pets are not allowed unless they are service animals.

Educational Programs and Events

The Nave Museum also offers a variety of art education programs designed to foster creativity in the community, including:

Children's Art Experience Classes - Free classes for children to explore their artistic abilities.

Teen Edition Art Classes - Art programs for teenagers to engage with various forms of art.

Kids Summer Art Program - Summer workshops that focus on different artistic techniques and mediums.

ArtVenture Art Discovery Program - A program to discover and nurture young artists.

Girl Scouts Art at the Nave - A program designed to help Girl Scouts earn art-related badges.

ARTSpeak Artist Mixer Events - Networking and collaborative events for artists to meet and exchange ideas.

Museum Mission and Cultural Impact

The Nave Museum is more than just an art gallery. It serves as a cultural center, striving to enrich the artistic community by:

Providing access to fine art exhibitions.

Encouraging creative development in young artists.

Offering a place for the community to connect with and appreciate art, culture, and history.

It stands as a testament to both the artistic legacy of Royston Nave and the broader cultural impact of art in the Victoria area. Whether you're an art enthusiast, a local resident, or a visitor, the Nave Museum offers a rich, educational experience that connects people to the arts in meaningful ways.