The Briscoe Western Art Museum in San Antonio has opened a new exhibition titled "Selena Forever," featuring monumental photographs of Selena Quintanilla-Pérez taken by local photographer John Dyer between 1992 and 1994. The 50-by-62-inch images, many never before displayed together, are presented as an intimate experience for visitors. The exhibition serves as a prelude to a larger summer showcase, "Tejano Legacy: Another American Origin Story," opening in July, which will explore 400 years of Tejano history and culture. The museum is also launching a "Siempre Tejano" summer film series starting with a Father's Day screening of the 1997 film "Selena," accompanied by free admission for fathers, snacks, beer, and a tequila tasting.
This exhibition matters because it positions Selena, a beloved Tejano music icon, as a central figure in the broader narrative of Tejano heritage and the American West, connecting contemporary pop culture with deep historical roots. By pairing the intimate photographic tribute with a major historical survey, the Briscoe Museum is drawing new audiences—especially younger and Latino visitors—to a Western art institution, expanding its cultural relevance. The free admission and family programming also underscore the museum's commitment to accessibility and community engagement during the summer season.