SAN ANTONIO, TX – One of the most visited attractions in Texas – the San Antonio River Walk – is getting bigger and better. The River Walk’s new "Museum Reach," open as of May 30, 2009, extends north about 1.5 miles along the San Antonio River in central San Antonio and connects the existing River Walk to the San Antonio Museum of Art and the 125-year-old Pearl Brewery, a vibrant urban village. New public art installations, by local, national and international artists, line the banks. A lock and dam system, the only one in Texas, overcomes a 9-ft. rise in elevation.

Catch a River Taxi or Cruise
Rio San Antonio Cruises offer locals and tourists the opportunity to enjoy this part of the San Antonio River that has been previously unseen.

“San Antonio is going to be amazed at what is about to be open and available to them. It is the next great thing in the Alamo City,” says Rio San Antonio Cruises President and CEO JoAnn Boone.

"Since the existing downtown reach of the San Antonio River has always been such a lure to tourists, this new Museum Reach will only enhance their experience in San Antonio as well as enrich the convention options, adds Boone.”

One of the most interesting new features will be the lock and dam system itself, located just north of the Brooklyn Avenue Bridge. The system consists of two lock chambers that will allow a single barge to enter. Once the barge is safely inside, the system allows water to enter or leave the chamber (depending upon direction) changing the difference in water elevation by nearly 9-feet.

The boat captains are expert storytellers that fill in the fascinating details of San Antonio's past while cruising this peaceful urban sanctuary, just one story below the bustling street level. Board at any of three entry points along the downtown River Walk. Restaurants, galleries and shops line the banks of the downtown River Walk while the north River Walk is less commercial. Visitors get that Old World feel because of the lush landscapes, quaint pathways, tinkling waterfalls, quiet pools, outdoor art and relaxing outdoor patios throughout the River Walk.

Riders will eventually be able to purchase tickets at the new lock and dam ticket booth and board a Rio San Antonio Cruises River Barge at one of the 13 new docks.

River Walk Art Corridor
The most mesmerizing feature of the new River Walk Museum Reach is the public art installations visitors will pass as they explore the new stretch of the River Walk. Each of these artworks is unique and most are linked to a bridge or overpass. The installations integrate sound, waterfalls, architecture, light and movement, and were designed by renowned local, national and international artists.

The San Antonio Museum of Art Landing
Renowned for its Latin American folk art collection and stunning conversion of an old brick brewery into gorgeous galleries, the San Antonio Museum of Art opened a new riverside landing as part of the River Walk Museum Reach.

Flanking the longest stretch of riverfront property in town, the landing leads to the River Pavilion, an expansive patio for hosting festivals, receptions, lectures and special events for up to 300 people. A covered walkway links the pavilion with a large covered terrace overlooking the river. Inside and out, this museum offers visitors some of the best views in San Antonio.

Copyright 2009 Rio San Antonio Cruises, Ltd. & San Antonio Convention & Visitors Bureau. All rights reserved.
From http://www.riosanantonio.com & http://visitsanantonio.com.
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