San Antonio, Texas is observing 300 years since its founding in 1718 by Spain through its network of Franciscan friars. Tricentennial celebrations, such as lectures, musical programs, and educational events, are taking place all year long around town.

But since its opening at the San Antonio Museum of Art in February, a blockbuster art exhibit has been drawing crowds from near and far. One reason is that “San Antonio 1718: Art from Viceregal Mexico,” focuses exclusively on San Antonio’s first 100 years. 

The performing arts have long recognized and taken inspiration from great works of art. Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's Broadway musical, Sunday in the Park with George, paid tribute to artist Georges Seurat in months leading up to the completion of his most famous painting, A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte. The song, Mona Lisa, written by Ray Evans and Jay Livingston describes Leonardo da Vinci’s portrait, Mona Lisa.