ELIZABETH HUTH COATES

an Antonio philanthropist Elizabeth Huth Coates had a particular interest in pre-Columbian art and donated important works to the museum over the years. The Elizabeth Huth Coates Collection of pre-Columbian art, one of the finest in the country, was bequeathed to the museum in 1997. It contains superb examples of objects from the Andes and Mesoamerica, including ceramics, stone work, and works in precious metal. Highlights include a rare turquoise and shell mosaic mask from the post-Classic Mixtec culture and an exciting gold diadem from pre-Columbian Peru.

Elizabeth Huth Coates was a guiding force of the San Antonio Museum of Art from its inception. She firmly believed that San Antonio needed a showcase for the arts and was committed to the adaptive reuse of the former Lone Star Brewery complex. Her generous contribution paid for the renovation of the east tower, which now bears her name. In addition to her donations of pre-Columbian art, she helped underwrite numerous exhibitions, and over the decades donated funds to purchase key American paintings. She also made numerous contributions to the African, Asian, and Antiquities collections.

An enthusiastic participant in all aspects of the life of the museum, Elizabeth Coates seldom missed a board meeting, musical offering, lecture, family day, or other activity. Her love of the visual arts has left an important legacy to be enjoyed by generations of museum visitors.