Courtesy: Briscoe Western Art Museum

The enduring legacy of Selena Quintanilla-Pérez will take center stage this summer in San Antonio as the Briscoe Western Art Museum unveils Selena Forever / Siempre Selena, a major exhibition showcasing some of the most iconic photographs ever captured of the Queen of Cumbia.

Opening June 4 in the museum’s Kate Marmion Gallery, the exhibition features monumental photographs by acclaimed San Antonio photographer John Dyer, offering visitors an intimate look at Selena during a pivotal period in her rise to international superstardom.

Captured between 1992 and 1994, Dyer’s photographs document Selena at the height of her emergence as one of the most influential figures in Latin music. Widely recognized as some of the most published images of her career, the collection is being presented as the most comprehensive exhibition of large-scale Selena portraits ever assembled.

In addition to the striking portraits, Selena Forever / Siempre Selena will feature never-before-seen boutique photographs, magazine covers, and other memorabilia that provide a deeper look into Selena’s life, artistry, and lasting cultural impact. The exhibition will remain on display through Jan. 4, 2027.

“Selena was a trailblazing Tejana whose influence reached far beyond music,” said Liz Jackson of the Briscoe Western Art Museum. “She embodied the independence, determination and entrepreneurial spirit that have long defined the American West, while proudly carrying her culture and community with her every step of the way. These photographs preserve a pivotal moment in her journey and celebrate the enduring impact Selena continues to have on Texas, Tejano culture and generations of audiences around the world.”

More than three decades after her breakthrough, Selena remains a symbol of perseverance, cultural pride, and representation. At a time when Tejano music was largely dominated by male performers, she shattered barriers with a style and authenticity that resonated across generations, languages, and borders.

Through the Lens of John Dyer

Dyer has spent decades documenting the people, traditions, and landscapes of the American Southwest. His work has been featured in prominent institutions including the National Portrait Gallery, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, the El Paso Museum of Art, and the McNay Art Museum.

Among his most celebrated work are the images he created of Selena, photographs that have become inseparable from the singer’s enduring public image and legacy.

Summer Film Series Honors Selena and Tejano Culture

To complement the exhibition, the Briscoe will launch its annual summer film series under the theme Siempre Tejano, celebrating Selena, Tejano music, and the cultural traditions that continue to shape Texas.

Screenings will be held on the third Sunday of June, July, and August and are included with museum admission. Guests will also receive complimentary beer from Ranger Creek and movie snacks.

The series begins June 21 with Selena y Los Dinos (2025), the acclaimed Netflix documentary that chronicles Selena’s life through rare archival footage and personal family materials.

On July 19, audiences can revisit the beloved 1997 biopic Selena, starring Jennifer Lopez, which tells the story of Selena’s rise from family-band performer to one of the most influential Latin artists in history.

The series concludes Aug. 16 with Take It Away: The Rise and Fall of Tejano Hollywood (2025), a documentary exploring the impact of legendary television host Johnny Canales and his role in elevating Tejano music and launching the careers of artists such as Selena.

A Summer Celebration of Tejano Heritage

The Selena exhibition is part of a broader summer lineup highlighting Tejano history and culture at the Briscoe.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to experience Tejano Legacy: Another American Origin Story, a landmark bilingual exhibition opening July 24. Featuring more than 100 rare artifacts, artworks, and immersive displays sourced from private collections and institutions throughout the United States and Mexico, the exhibition is described as the most ambitious project in the museum’s history.

The museum will also host its annual National Day of the Vaquero / Día Nacional del Vaquero celebration on July 25.

Located along San Antonio’s River Walk near La Villita, the Briscoe Western Art Museum continues to explore the history, art, and cultural contributions of the American West, including the vital role Tejanos have played in shaping Texas and the nation.

For Selena fans, however, this summer offers a rare opportunity to experience the legendary artist through the lens of one of the photographers who captured her journey firsthand—preserving moments that continue to inspire generations nearly three decades after her passing.

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Celina Martinez