More than 85 works come together to promote understanding around the legacy of Shakespeare’s work in "Designing Shakespeare Through The Ages," including maquettes, paintings and works on paper from the McNay’s Tobin Collection of Theatre Arts.

Through the designs of Hamlet, Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet, The Tempest, Twelfth Night, Othello, The Merchant of Venice, and King Lear, the exhibition explores the plays’ respective themes, revealing a different facet to the human condition while pointing to the enduring influence of Shakespeare in popular culture.

The exhibition also takes a close look at the ways Shakespeare’s writings have influenced the current cultural landscape in the centuries since his death. The designs of several stage plays, including those of San Pedro Playhouse’s 2024 production of Midsummer Sueño, as well as designs from other productions of plays inspired by Shakespeare’s works, reinforce Shakespeare’s influence in the work of today’s artists. Further underscoring the relevance of the iconic playwright, the exhibition features a soundtrack including pop songs, scores for ballets and operas and other works of classical music inspired by his many plays and poems.

In collaboration with the San Pedro Playhouse, the exhibition will feature an array of workshops related to theatre arts, where participants gain hands-on experience in costume design and acting. The McNay will also have a presence at Shakespeare in the Park, a San Antonio tradition where Shakespeare plays are performed outdoors. This year, the San Pedro Playhouse will produce Romeo & Juliet.