More than 9,000 people have visited the Katy Contemporary Arts Museum in its first 15 months of operation, said museum Director Ana Villaronga-Roman during a presentation at the City Council's regular meeting Dec. 8.

Since opening in September 2013, the museum, which has featured the works of artists Earl Staley, Ron Hartgrove, Paola Isola, Patrick Renner and Ibsen Espada, has had visitors from 46 cities in Texas, 26 states and 33 countries.

Villaronga-Roman said the number of museum visitors shows that people are interested in contemporary art.

"We're not No Label Brewery. We don't give away free beer," she said. "People are coming here to see this museum and see the historic district."

The museum also benefits the businesses of Downtown Katy, she said.

"People come here and park their car and visit the museum and then they walk to the shops or look for a place to eat," she said. "It's really doing wonders for the downtown district."

Katy City Council

Meets at 6:30 p.m. every other Monday. Meetings for the new year have not been scheduled.

910 Avenue C, Katy

www.cityofkaty.com