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See photos from the Institute of Texan Cultures’ ribbon-cutting ceremony

January 28, 2026
1 minute

UT San Antonio today celebrated the homecoming of its Institute of Texan Cultures in a newly designed, purpose-built space at 111 W. Houston St. in downtown San Antonio.

The museum’s reopening marked the completion of an 18-month transformation to create a fresh, dynamic experience that celebrates the state’s cultural heritage.

University leaders, community partners, friends and supporters gathered at the ITC this morning for a special ribbon-cutting ceremony.

A short walk from the Alamo, the Spanish Governor’s Palace, Market Square and the revitalized Legacy Park, the ITC’s new location brings the museum’s celebration of Texas history and culture to one of the city’s most storied areas. The move positions the institute at the crossroads of local heritage tourism and community life.

Browse these photos from this morning’s celebration:

neon texas flag at the Institute of Texan Cultures. — The relighting of this iconic neon Texas flag, preserved from the Texas Pavilion, was a favorite among attendees. This iconic piece serves as both a connection to the museum’s past and a unifying symbol within the new ITC experience.

Visitors at the Institute of Texan Cultures — The ITC gallery integrates multimedia projections and interactive stations to engage visitors in layered storytelling. Panoramic displays showcase regions across Texas, while touchscreen discovery stations encourage guests explore artifacts in depth and uncover insights into craftsmanship, resources, migration and community.

institute of texan cultures — ITC mums were provided to guests at the ribbon-cutting as a show of appreciation for their ongoing support.

common threads signage at the institute of texan cultures — Common Threads is the ITC’s premier central exhibition, featuring thematic presentations of artifacts and archival materials that reveal the threads that bind us to weave a dynamic, living cultural tapestry.

grand opening event for institute of texan cultures — Trish DeBerry, President and CEO of Centro San Antonio, ITC Associate Vice Provost Monica Perales, UT San Antonio President Taylor Eighmy and Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Heather Shipley gave remarks at the morning ribbon-cutting.

Visitors to the museum with the "Texas Tapestries" mural. — A custom mural, “Texas Tapestry: Patterns of Belonging,” that spans the lobby’s floor-to-ceiling back wall, greets visitors as they enter the museum. Inspired by fabrics, native plants and traditional motifs, the mural weaves together the state’s many cultural influences. ITC Head Curator Bianca Alvarez (left) stands with mural artist dup Sandra Gonzalez McKinney and Malachy McKinney.

mumentous mum — On loan from the Arlington Museum of Art, the ITC’s inaugural show, “Mumentous®: The Upsizing of a Texas Tradition,” explores the evolution of the high school homecoming mum.

To celebrate the museum’s debut, admission will be free during opening week, Jan. 29 to Feb. 1. Regular admission pricing begins on Thursday, Feb. 5. Admission is $10 for adults; $5 for youth ages 5–17; $5 for seniors 65+ and military personnel with ID; and free for children under age 5 and UT San Antonio faculty, staff and students with ID.

Explore Further

Learn more about the Institute of Texan Cultures.
Read about the planning effort that led to the vibrant new museum.
Go behind the scenes with ITC Head Curator Bianca Alvarez.

March 13, 2026

March 13, 2026

See photos from the Institute of Texan Cultures’ ribbon-cutting ceremony

Explore Further

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