Hertzberg Circus Museum (San Antonio, West, Mason: closing, firm, building)

[Spankmonkey152]

I was in downtown the other day and pass by and notice that the city is renovating the building at turning it into the Briscoe Western Art Museum. I was wondering if anyone knew what the expected date of completion of this project. But here are some photos of the building in its current condition. And also I found some renderings of what it will look like once it is done.

[Chimpie]

Matthew Broderick?

[irnag]

I never went in there when it was the circus museum. I'm scared of clowns.

[mexicajun]

My parents took me there when I was about 3 years-old and I barely remember it. I do recall looking into a display case and seeing small scale size circus models thinking they were toys. I do regret not going back to check it out when I was older. A friend of mine went there when he was young as well and got to see an upstairs part of the museum that was usually closed off. Supposedly he saw a library that had some weird magic(esoteric?) books.

A few years ago the San Antonio Current ran an article about the closing of the Hertzberg Circus Museum and what was going to happen to the collection. Anyone know what's happened since then?

[tlynn614]

The Witte Museum purchased the collection. A very small part is currently on display there. The rest they are working on restoring. I believe that when their new expansion is done they will start showing it.

[js63]

My understanding is that book collection upstairs was Mr. Hertzberg's private collection of books on Masonry and the occult.

[mexicajun]

Originally Posted by js63

My understanding is that book collection upstairs was Mr. Hertzberg's private collection of books on Masonry and the occult.

Neat! I'm a HUGE aficionado of all things Masonic.

[js63]

I wonder if the Masonic Cathedral or whatever it's called a few blocks away wound up with this collection.

I hope Lake-Flato doesn't knock out any walls or change the integrity of the interior. I know they're a prominent firm and all and I know how architects love to put their own spin on renovations, whether they fit the original style or not.

[tlynn614]

Just talked to a friend at the Witte and they are going to check on the book selection. But they did say it was not likely.

[tgannaway89]

It is set to open Fall 2008. You can visit the website @ http://www.nwafoundation.org