Institute of Texan Cultures

The Institute of Texan Cultures in San Antonio is the state's leading museum for multicultural education and heritage. Spanning across 16,000 square metres, all of the exhibitions, historic artifacts, photographs, interactive displays and guided tours focus on the ethnic and cultural history of Texas. The institute itself is administered by the University of Texas San Antonio, which also conducts research as well as hosting events and festivals celebrating the ethnic diversity of Texas.

You may be aware of a heavy Mexican and Spanish influence on Texas, but what about the other cultures that helped define this great state? German, Japanese, Swedish, Polish and Native American ethnicities are all represented in the Institute of Texan Cultures.

There is an extensive collection of permanent and temporary exhibits designed to entertain as well as educate when it comes to the history and development of Texas. Some items in the permanent collections include historical manuscripts from local authors, architects and urban planners as well as oral histories, rare books and an historical photo collection of more than 3.5 million images. Students, authors and visitors alike use these collections for historical research. If you have particular research interests then make sure to email the institute in advance of your arrival.

If you are lucky enough to be here for the Texas Folklife Festival then you are in for a treat! Three days of fun, food and entertainment, this summer event is very popular among tourists and locals. More than 40 different cultures are celebrated at this festival through performances, dancing, music, food stalls and parades. Don't worry if you miss it as there are lots of other events taking place. October sees the Day of the Dead festival, there's a Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon in November and the toy drive in December celebrates timeless Texan toys. It would be worth checking the institute’s official website for details about scheduled events.

Situated on the campus of The University of Texas, the Institute of Texan Cultures is only a few minutes away from the River Walk and the Alamo. It is easily accessed by foot or public transport. A small entry fee applies however all money is invested back into maintaining the institute.