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The American Alliance of Museums (AAM) announced the latest accreditations granted by the Accreditation Commission in its October 2023 meeting. The International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS), alongside 40 other museums, received reaccreditation honors. Currently, out of the estimated 33,000 museums across the nation, 1,106 hold accreditation status, including 48 museums in Texas.
The IMAS has been an American Alliance of Museums accredited museum continuously since 1972 and was in the second cohort of museums to receive this distinction, currently held by only 3% of museums across the United States of America. The American Alliance of Museums Accreditation Program has been recognized as the gold standard of museum excellence. AAM Accreditation helps to ensure the integrity and accessibility of museum collections, reinforce the education and public service roles of museums, and promote good governance practices and ethical behavior. About the International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS) The International Museum of Art & Science is a Smithsonian Affiliate and fully accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.
The Museum was founded through the efforts of the McAllen Junior League to increase the quality of life for the citizens of the Rio Grande Valley and opened its doors to the public in 1969 to provide activities in the arts and sciences that are meaningful, educational, and available to the public. 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 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 nearly 5,000 folk art and textile objects. The 1,500 fine art works in the permanent collection reflect international cultures and artistic movements beyond Mexico, dating from the 16th century to the present. About Hate Ends Now: The Cattle Car Exhibit The Hate Ends Now Exhibit is presented through a traveling cattle car replica with moving holographic images and narration by survivors.
During a 30-minute, 360-degree immersive presentation for groups of 20-30, students and visitors will be exposed to the development and aftermath of the Holocaust through a collection of imagery and footage dating from 1933-1945. It includes recorded testimonies of Holocaust survivors sharing their personal stories in a holographic virtual presentation. The sold-out exhibit will encourage visitors to reflect on the depth of evil while inspiring thoughtful conversations about genocide and indifference.
For more information about the Hate Ends Now: The Cattle Car Exhibit, visit www.hmmsa.org/hate-ends-now For more information about the Holocaust Memorial Museum of San Antonio, visit www.hmmsa.org About the Holocaust Memorial Museum of San Antonio The Holocaust Memorial Museum of San Antonio, the only museum of its kind in South Texas, opened its doors in 2000. Since then, thousands of guests have continued to visit and engage in interactive educational programming, customized tours, and intergenerational discussions, bridging the lessons of the past to a brighter future. Through its customized tours, intergenerational conversations with survivors and their children, and creative educational programming, the Holocaust Memorial Museum aims at forming a community of “Upstanders” throughout South Texas – those who stand up for each other and are not bystanders. Today, the Holocaust Memorial Museum impacts over 40,000 students and visitors annually. For more information, visit www.hmmsa.org
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 IMAS is fully accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and is an Affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution. The museum is located at the intersection of Bicentennial Way and Nolana Avenue at 1900 W. Nolana in McAllen, Texas. Hours of operation are 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays; 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sundays. Regular admission is $5 with discounted $3 for children ages 4-12, students with an ID, and senior citizens 65+. Museums for All (WIC/EBT) discount is $1 for up to four people per card. Please check our website www.theimasonline.org or call (956) 681-2800 for more information.
