Buckhorn Saloon & Museum

The Buckhorn Saloon was established in 1881 by Albert Friedrich, an avid outdoorsman. Friedrich decorated the saloon with trophies from hunting trips in Central and South Texas. The saloon was popular with cattle drivers dropping in before heading to the rail yards in Kansas. These trail hands traded not only stories with the saloon owner, but also swapped trophy racks and natural oddities in exchange for drinks and entertainment.

As Friedrich's collection of horns and collectibles grew, he moved the Buckhorn twice before it was acquired by the Lone Star Brewery in 1956, instantly becoming the star attraction of the brewery tour. The collection was re-acquired by descendents of the Friedrich family in 1998 and renamed the Buckhorn Saloon and Museum, now located in a former department store in downtown San Antonio, just a few blocks from its original 1881 location.

Alamo Architects re-created the historic exterior of the building with new wood windows, projecting stucco cornices, brick detailing, and suspended canopies. A 30-foot neon pylon sign beckons visitors from the rooftop. Three-dimensional Longhorn heads add a note of whimsy. Inside, the original collection of horns is housed on the second floor, which overlooks the double-height saloon space featuring a section of the original bar. New exhibit areas were created for the Hall of Fins, Hall of Feathers, North American and Alaska Halls, and a hall dedicated to the history of Texas and cowboy lore. Other spaces include a gift shop, restaurant and a banquet hall for 300.

Client> Buckhorn Saloon and Museum
Construction Cost> $1,800,000
Completion> 1999