The UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures is a unique and dynamic cultural center. Located at 801 E César E. Chávez Blvd, San Antonio, TX 78205, our purpose is to serve as a living museum that celebrates the history, heritage, traditions and legends of the state of Texas. The Institute has many interactive experiences for visitors of all ages throughout the year. We offer free admission every day, but we do have special events throughout the year. Make sure to check out our calendar frequently to see what activities are coming up! Our mission is to connect people with culture through learning experiences that inspire curiosity and create lifelong connections between people and cultures. Our vision for the future involves expanding our offerings, improving accessibility and creating a more welcoming experience for visitors at all times. Look forward to much more from us!

What is the UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures?
The UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures is a unique and dynamic cultural center. Located in the heart of downtown San Antonio, our purpose is to serve as a living museum that celebrates the history, heritage, traditions and legends of the state of Texas. The Institute has many interactive experiences for visitors of all ages throughout the year. We offer free admission every day, but we do have special events throughout the year. Make sure to check out our calendar frequently to see what activities are coming up! Our mission is to connect people with culture through learning experiences that inspire curiosity and create lifelong connections between people and cultures. Our vision for the future involves expanding our offerings, improving accessibility and creating a more welcoming experience for visitors at all times. Look forward to much more from us!

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Why does UTSA need an Institute of Texan Cultures?
The Institute of Texan Cultures, located on the UTSA Downtown Campus, is a living museum that celebrates the history, heritage, traditions and legends of the state of Texas. The primary goal of the museum is to connect people with culture through learning experiences that inspire curiosity and create lifelong connections between people and cultures. The UTSA Downtown Campus is in the heart of downtown San Antonio, an area that is experiencing steady growth. The Center’s proximity to Interstate 35 and Interstate 37, as well as the adjacent downtown and River Walk districts, provide an ideal setting for the growth of a living museum that serves the greater metropolitan area. The Center is also an attractive destination for out-of-state visitors who come to see San Antonio’s vibrant cultural scene.

Facility Renovations and Expansion
In January 2015, the Institute of Texan Cultures underwent a series of renovations. The expansion of the museum, managed by the San Antonio Downtown Management District, included the addition of two new exhibit galleries, and a third gallery was renovated. The renovation included a new entrance lobby, gift shop, a new restaurant, additional restrooms, a remodeled auditorium and a redesign of the existing exhibition spaces. The renovation also included the addition of a new, larger entrance plaza and a new outdoor sculpture garden. The expansion and renovation project also included a new, state-of-the-art technology and visitor information system. The expansion and renovation project was completed in late 2015.

Future Programming Needs and Ideas for the Future
With the recent completion of the expansion and renovation, the Institute of Texan Cultures offers visitors the opportunity to explore and engage with three permanent exhibitions: “Highways and Handrails: The Story of the Texas Roadside,” “The State of Texas: A Contemporary Look at the Past,” and “Texas on the Move: Discovering the State.” Our facility also features a series of changing exhibitions throughout the year, as well as a variety of educational programs, events, and activities. Several other key areas of focus include: – Expanding our programming to include more diverse offerings aimed at a more diverse audience – Improving accessibility for our visitors at all times – Creating a more welcoming experience for all visitors.