toilet seat museum

Pineapplepalm

Barney Smith is a 93 year old retired firefighter and master plumber. He's been creating and collecting toilet seat covers for decades. The museum is in his garage and houses more than 1,150 of his treasures. He knows where every one is and the story behind each one. He takes painstaking care of his collection. He'll even show you "film strips" of his tv appearances. The museum is impressive, but Barney is the real attraction... A kind, charming man who 's committed to something he loves. Just call before you arrive. He's not open as often as he used to be...he's "starting to slow down a bit."

Nattysimps

Simply amazing!! Mr. Barney Smith is a 92 yr old man who has worked on making art out of toilet seats for about 50 years. There are nearly 1,200 unique seats with everything thinkable. NOTE: It is recommended to call ahead so that he can be ready for you (210-824-7791). I suggest that you aim to be there about an hour - there is sooooo much to look at and Barney has so much to talk about. Great guy!!!

acedaughter

Having read about this quirky museum on Roadside Attractions and seeing that it was close to the airport, we decided we must visit right after we landed in San Antonio. Barney is the best part of the experience -- what a guy! It is truly amazing to see the 1100+ decorated toilet seats that he had hanging in his garage.

Sarah-Ryan1

We read about this place and realized we were in the area...the place is NOT obvious to find. There is a tiny sign that reads "Free Museum" with a phone number to call. We called the number and waited about 15 min. for Barney. I would suggest calling ahead earlier to give him extra time.He promptly opened the gates to the shed and showed us a video of his various appearances on morning shows. As other reviews mentioned, we spent about an hour in this tiny museum...listening to Barney's stories about his late wife (of 74 years!), their travels around the world together, history, etc. Of course, all told through toilet seat art. He even recited a poem. The museum is free, but make sure to leave a small donation. Also, make sure to see the museum soon! Barney is 93 years old. Very sharp and obviously passionate about his art! We loved every minute.

crusadercc

A friend and I visited Barney and his "museum" this past weekend to collect the virtual geocache. We had read plenty about him, but it's really a treat to be able to visit in person and get to talk with this fascinating man! A few pointers: (1) definitely call ahead and plan to give him at least 20-30 minutes notice so he can walk out to his garage and open the doors for you...Barney walks very slowly these days; (2) BRING A CAMERA!; (3) leave yourself plenty of time to visit. The third point is important as Barney can talk for hours about his seats, and you will probably want to keep listening! We spent 1.5 hrs there before we even realized it. If you're lucky, Barney will let you sign a lid that's relevant to you (e.g., a country you're from, your university, and other more obscure things like witnesses to the Columbia space shuttle explosion.) Definitely worth a visit if you're in the area, particularly since Barney may not be around much longer - and he's the best part of the museum!

CaboDude

Barney has a story behind every toilet seat and he will tell you every story. Barney is a lovable museum curator and you will not be disappointed by a stop to this quirky museum.

497cathyp

I will admit to being a little skeptical when I first found this on tripadvisor, but the reviews were so good, I grabbed my daughters and we headed over. You have to call first to schedule an time to go. Barney Smith, the artist and owner is 92 awesome years young and the museum is housed in his garage. Don't let his age fool you-he is sharp as a whip and remembers every piece he's created, every signature and he point to a piece as he talks about it without even looking. And he has stories to tell abound! Each toilet seat is beautifully decorated by Barney and has its own theme. He's an amazingly talented and charming man. There is no charge, but he welcomes donations of supplies. If you're in San Antonio, stop in and visit with Barney and check out his incredible-and still growing!-exhibit.

CliffS98

The reason to visit this spot isn't so much the art as much as the proprietor. At 92-years young, Barney is worth the visit. He'll find out where you are fun and have you sign several guestbooks, including one from the state you are from that is part of his art work.Whatever else you do when visiting San Antonio, you MUST visit this place - it's some of the best of roadside Americana that I've ever visited. Just make sure to call ahead first so that Barney can open the place up for you.

boo1956

Gotta go see Barney's Toilet Seat Museum that is! The museum is in his garage around back and filled to the rafters with toilet seat art he's been doing since a young man. He's 92 and still creating. You've gotta call ahead for an appointment 'cos it's just him. He's not forgot a single detail of any of his seats. Barney and his museum are San Antonio gems you've got to go visit.

KandJ91

Do yourself a favor and make time to visit! It's a little quirky and all that but you'll love it. Barney was such a pleasure to meet and be sure to get him to tell you about his favorite seat. My wife and I went on a whim to really just spend some time together and we came away not only having accomplished that, but also getting to meet one really cool dude!!

I5852YPdaveb

One of the most interesting men I've met in my life.my wife and I visited today Wednesday January 15th 2014 a man that has 92 years of knowledge. Barney is a man of many talentsVery creative and artistic. Enjoyed every minute.

StuT795

We spent a wonderful hour with 93 year old Barney Smith at his Toilet Seat Museum. Seats featuring everything under the sun are part of his museum. If you are ever in San Antonio, take the time to call Barney and set up a time to go see this.

offseasonfun

Very odd but fun. I think the artist is wort the visit. Very hot in August .. Be prepared. He makes a toilet seat art for his wife on their anniversary every year. This Tuesday will be anniversary number 72!!

hollyt694

Hands down my favorite part of visiting the San Antonio area! Barney is FANTASTIC and will talk your ear off about his seats! He's up over 1000 now... and still going (as is he at 92 years young!). Give him a call before you come so he can meet you at the garage! There were three groups of us there when my family went and Barney was loving it. He asks you to sign his guest book and the toilet seat from your state. He doesn't ask for donations, though he will accept them. The donation jar is tucked away so you can't even see it! He doesn't care about the donations, just wants to tell you the stories of his collection. He does have a favorite, so be sure to ask him what it is!This place does NOT get enough play or enough credit for how amazing now only the collection is, but how amazing Barney Smith is. There is NOTHING else in the San Antonio area worth experiencing as much as this.

VineyardWoman

If you enjoy the unusual and like to be entertained, this is where you need to be! Barney, at 92, will mesmerize you with stories that are heart-warming, funny, and downright strange about each of his 1,100 toilet seats, which is a slice of Americana at its finest. And while the museum is what draws you in, Barney is DEFINITELY the gem of this attraction...and one you'll not soon forget!Wear cool, comfortable clothing, call ahead so Barney knows to expect you, and be prepared to have a good time. And before you leave, show Barney some love with a donation so he can keep on cranking out the toilet seats for all to enjoy.