Institute of Texan Culture, San Antonio (must see)

The Institute of Texan Cultures (ITC) is a museum and library affiliated with the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), dedicated to preserving and celebrating the diverse cultural heritage of Texas. Originally established as the Texas Pavilion for HemisFair '68, the ITC transitioned to a permanent institution in 1969 and has operated under UTSA's administration since 1973. It was officially designated as a UTSA campus in 1986.

Housed in a striking Brutalist structure listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2024, the ITC serves as a vital hub for multicultural education. The museum is renowned for its Texas Folklife Festival, an annual event celebrating the myriad ethnicities that contribute to the fabric of Texan identity since its inception in 1972.

The ITC’s 182,000-square-foot complex once featured 65,000 square feet of interactive exhibits and a library boasting over three million historical photos, rare manuscripts, personal papers, and 700 oral histories. Displays within the museum highlighted the cultural impact and historical significance of various ethnic groups on Texas' development.

In 2010, the ITC joined the Smithsonian Affiliates program, granting access to the Smithsonian’s vast resources and expertise, marking a new chapter in its evolution. Despite budgetary challenges—including a 25% reduction in state funding in 2011—the ITC continued to expand its programs, relying increasingly on private donations and corporate sponsorships.

Through its research, exhibitions, and events, the Institute of Texan Cultures continues to honor and explore the rich tapestry of Texan heritage, even as it transitions into a new chapter of its history.