About the Institute of Texan Cultures
Celebrating 50+ Years of Multicultural Heritage
The Institute of Texan Cultures (ITC) is a museum and library operating as a component of The University of Texas at San Antonio, serving as the state's primary center for multicultural education. Building on more than 50 years of tradition, the Institute has recently relocated to a new Houston Street location in downtown San Antonio. The organization offers engaging exhibits, programs, and events including the renowned Texas Folklife Festival, an annual celebration of the many ethnicities that comprise Texas's diverse population.
The Institute maintains a library with extensive resources on cultural and ethnic history, plus more than 3.5 million images in its historical photo collection and over 700 oral histories documenting Texas's multicultural heritage. The university has secured 25,000 square feet of climate-controlled storage to safeguard objects and archives not currently on display, while museum staff continue updating inventory of all collection items. When the Institute reopens in early 2026 at its new permanent location, visitors will experience Texas through immersive multimedia presentations.
In early 2010, the Institute formalized an affiliation agreement with the Smithsonian Institution, granting access to artifacts, education and performing arts programs, expert speakers, teacher workshops, and resources to complement exhibitions. The museum offers educational resources supporting lifelong learning, outreach programs connecting with schools and community groups, and exhibits that entertain, educate, and inspire audiences of all ages. Through 2030, the Institute operates from a temporary location, with a permanent new museum expected to open thereafter, continuing its vital mission of celebrating Texas's rich multicultural tapestry.
Plan Your Visit
The Institute of Texan Cultures is currently located at 111 W. Houston St. in downtown San Antonio (temporary location in Frost Bank Tower). The museum is open Thursday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with Wednesdays reserved for school field trips. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for youth (ages 5-17) and seniors (65+), and free for children under 5 and UTSA students, faculty, and staff. For current exhibits and special programs, visit texancultures.utsa.edu or call 210-458-2300.
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