Ruby City’s Bold Vision For Contemporary Expression

Fast forward to 2019, and that dream became a reality. The bold red building, designed by the world-renowned firm Adjaye Associates, officially opened its doors. Inside, you’ll find more than 1,400 pieces from the Linda Pace Foundation Collection — everything from paintings and sculptures to immersive installations and video art. Ruby City is part of a larger creative campus that also includes Chris Park, a peaceful one-acre sculpture garden dedicated to Pace’s son, and Studio, a gallery space that hosts rotating exhibitions and public programs year-round.

Together, these spaces offer a vibrant and ever-changing way to experience contemporary art. “We want everyone to know that Ruby City is here not only to honor the vision of our founder but, most importantly, to serve the people of San Antonio,” said Patricia Morales, Head of Public Engagement & Communications for the Linda Pace Foundation and Ruby City. “Our spaces are designed to be welcoming and engaging for everyone, regardless of prior knowledge of or interest in contemporary art. Visitors can connect with Ruby City in many ways — through the striking architecture of the building, the beauty and tranquility of Chris Park, and the variety of programs and experiences offered throughout the year.”

Creating awareness for contemporary art is a big part of what Ruby City is all about — and perhaps more specifically, the impact that contemporary art can have on its viewers. Reflecting on the subject matter and style seen in the current exhibition, Sensing Meaning, Abstract Painting, Ruby City Director Elyse A. Gonzales shared, “What makes abstraction so powerful is its ubiquity and fluidity. Without relying on representational imagery, these artists specifically embrace abstraction to convey their personal experiences. But there is also an inherent generosity to these artists and their works, as they recognize (and celebrate) that viewers will bring their own feelings, meanings and interpretations. That generosity is what makes abstraction deeply personal and universally accepted and accessible.”

That spirit of openness shows up in everything Ruby City does — from teaming up with local organizations to hosting family-friendly events and school tours. And the best part? It’s all free, including admission. “We’ve focused on making contemporary art accessible and relevant through multiple avenues. We offer free public access to our galleries and programs, and our location in Southtown along the San Pedro Creek Culture Park helps make Ruby City a visible and inviting destination. Dynamic programming like exhibitions, artist talks, concerts and workshops encourages hands-on engagement and dialogue with art. Through educational outreach and community collaborations, we connect audiences directly with artists, creating meaningful experiences that foster understanding and appreciation of contemporary art. We also maintain a strong digital presence to share our exhibitions, events and artist features with a broader audience. Ultimately, everything we do is guided by a commitment to community engagement, ensuring that contemporary art is accessible, inclusive and meaningful to everyone in San Antonio,” said Morales.