Visitors are first greeted by a striking and gigantic, kinetic outdoor sculpture, Iroquois, by acclaimed artist Mark de Suvero, who sculpts by using such 20th-century materials as cranes, giant steel I-beams and rivets. This modern introduction to the stately old building is just a taste of the wide range of periods and styles you'll discover as you explore four floors of galleries. You'll encounter a newly acquired Andy Warhol, Green Pea (one of his ubiquitous soup can paintings), while a stroll through the Ancient Art galleries leads to a magnificent marble statue of the Roman Emperor Trajan (circa A.D. 98-117) -- not to mention mummy cases, Greek vases and a gallery devoted exclusively to ancient glassmaking.

Step into the modern glass elevator for a ride up to the second and third floors, with their treasure trove of Asian art, featuring Chinese ceramics from the Ming and Quing dynasties, as well as Hindu and Buddhist sculpture and impressive pieces from Japan, Korea and Southeast Asia. An elegantly carved, six-post, canopied Chinese bed and ornate black and gold "palanquin" (traveling compartment suspended from an arched beam and carried on the shoulders of two men) from centuries past are just a few of the visual delights. The uppermost gallery is devoted to the Art of Oceanea, comprised of the island cultures of the South Pacific from Australia to Hawaii, New Guinea, Melanesia and Polynesia, including Aboriginal bark paintings and a massive calabash bowl once owned by the Hawaiian royal family.

The Nelson A. Rockefeller Center for Latin American Art is the nation's only center dedicated to the exhibition and study of Latin American Art and contains an extensive collection spanning 4000 years of Latin American history, with pre-Columbian treasures from Mesoamerica, Central America and the Andean region. The fascinating collection of Olmec, Mayan, Aztec, Mixtec and Toltec objects range from small fertility figures to a jaguar-headed ceremonial "metate." In the Center's Folk Art Gallery, look for Little Red Riding Hood in the 18th-century rural nativity set backdrop and admire the whimsical, painted earthenware creations of 20th-century Candelario Medrano. In the Contemporary Gallery, admire works by Jose Clemente Orozco, Diego Rivera and other modern artists. The Colonial and Republican galleries display beautiful religious art, including a richly carved and gilded, 18th-century "retablo" or altar screen.

The museum also offers American and European art from the 12th through 20th centuries, including the breathtaking Irish Silver collection, a Decorative Arts gallery displaying exquisite Wedgewood pieces and a gift shop offering a range of art books, distinctive jewelry, specialty gift items and educational toys.

Three galleries feature changing exhibitions. "Lure of the West: Treasures from the Smithsonian American Art Museum" runs in the Cowden Gallery through Aug. 13, "Relicarios: Devotional Miniatures from the Americas" is on display in the Latin American Center through Aug. 27, "Earth & Fire: Ceramic Sculpture (including Pablo Picasso)" is on view in the Focus Gallery through Oct. 1, and more exciting exhibits are planned. Yes, there's always something exciting brewing at the San Antonio Museum of Art.

For hours & prices, call (210) 978-8100. No surcharge for above-mentioned special exhibits.