SAN ANTONIO, TX — March 2026 — A new exhibition at the McNay Art Museum is shining a spotlight on one of the most influential designers in theater and film history, offering visitors an inside look at the creative mind behind some of the stage and screen’s most iconic productions.
“Tony Walton: Designer of Dreams” draws from the museum’s Tobin Collection of Theatre Arts and celebrates the life and work of Tony Walton, a renowned scenic and costume designer whose career spanned decades and continents.
Walton, born in England in 1934, built a legacy across Broadway, London’s West End, and Hollywood. Over the course of his career, he designed more than 50 stage productions and over 15 films, earning widespread recognition for his ability to create immersive worlds through set and costume design. He passed away in 2022.
While many may recognize his work in productions such as Mary Poppins, The Wiz, Chicago, and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, the exhibition reveals the depth and range of his creative output, much of which continues to influence designers today.
The exhibition features a collection of maquettes, or small-scale set models, alongside watercolor sketches, costume renderings, and cast portraits. Together, these pieces offer a rare glimpse into Walton’s design process and artistic vision.
Among the highlights is Walton’s work on A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, where his blend of Roman-inspired visuals and theatrical humor helped define the production across multiple versions, from Broadway to film.
Also featured is his design for The Sea Gull, where Walton took a more understated approach, creating a grounded, rural setting that allowed the story to take center stage. In contrast, his work on Anything Goes showcases his ability to bring grandeur to life, recreating the elegance of a transatlantic cruise ship through detailed set and costume design.
Walton’s influence extended beyond the stage. His costume work for Disney’s Mary Poppins added vibrancy to Edwardian-era London, while The Wiz showcased his ability to reimagine familiar settings with bold, dreamlike flair.
Throughout his career, Walton received more than 20 award nominations and earned some of the industry’s highest honors, including an Academy Award, an Emmy, and three Tony Awards.
Visitors can experience the exhibition as part of general admission to the McNay Art Museum, with tickets priced at $23 for adults. The museum also offers free general admission every Thursday from 4 to 9 p.m., courtesy of H-E-B, and on the first Sunday of each month from noon to 5 p.m., thanks to the Dickson-Allen Foundation. During these times, access to the special exhibition is available for an additional $10.
The McNay will also host related programming, including a film screening of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum on April 19, and a Tobin Distinguished Lecture on May 21 featuring scholar Brad Rosenstein, who will discuss Walton’s artistic legacy.
“Tony Walton: Designer of Dreams” was organized by McNay Art Museum curators and is supported by The Tobin Theatre Arts Fund.
The exhibition offers visitors a chance to step behind the curtain and explore the artistry that helped shape some of the most memorable productions in modern entertainment.
