JUNE 17, 2024 — The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) is continuing to prepare the Institute of Texan Cultures (ITC) to move into its temporary home in the Frost Tower. Effective May 31, the museum temporarily halted access to the public while transitioning to its interim residence.
Over the coming weeks and months, the university will focus on safely preserving the museum’s priceless collections and moving items to safe storage, while simultaneously preparing the Frost Tower for the temporary museum opening. The UTSA Libraries special collections previously housed in the ITC will reopen to researchers later this year in the temporary storage location. Additionally, local residents will soon see signage on the outside of Frost Tower in anticipation of the museum coming in 2025.
As the university continues preparing for the temporary museum’s opening, it will also take steps towards finalizing a location for a permanent home. This process includes two separate yet parallel components — exploring location options for the construction of the permanent museum and taking next steps towards redeveloping the Hemisfair land to support the new museum.
As outlined in the university’s spring announcement about strategic next steps for the museum, this summer, the university will issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) to remove the Texas Pavilion. The responses to this RFP will provide the necessary information to ensure plans can proceed for the land to be eventually redeveloped. Removal of the Texas Pavilion is anticipated to begin in the spring of 2025.
UTSA will continue to work with the Texas Historical Commission and the integrated State Antiquities Committee throughout the summer and fall to ensure that the legacy of the Texas Pavilion is commemorated.
