Institute of Texan Cultures

We went to the Folk Life festival last weekend and it was so awesome. I hadn’t been to that in years. I love the Institute. My husband’s citizinship ceramony was done here. Perfect venue for taking an oath of citizenship surrounded by all the cultures that make up Texas.

This place is one of the best museums I’ve been to. So many cultures make up the historical thread of Texas, and this museum represents so many interesting, noteworthy contributions by various religions, ethnicities and time periods. Mexican, Native American, Irish, African American, Middle Eastern (Lebanese), Jewish, Indian (Sikh, Punjab), Korean, German, Irish, Swedish… the list goes on. So many interactive exhibits that are fun way to learn about various communities and histories that make up the fabric of Texas today!
The staff is wonderful, attentive and willing to accommodate your requests and questions. The charge is minimal considering how much it takes to run the space and the educational value it offers to the public. I was fortunate enough to attend an amazing event here, and was blown away at how this massive space was transformed into the perfect party venue and fundraiser.
If you’re looking for something worthy of your time while San Antonio, make this a stop!

I think the museum is worth the 8 – 10 $ price tag, especially for kids. It’s quite large, with some interesting visiting exhibitions. The back portion of the museum, however, is outdated in decoration and content. I did enjoy the WWII exhibition and I learned a lot about TX unique role. I also really enjoyed that it had a strong focus on diversity, an aspect of TX culture that not many people realize. Don’t miss the cute (albeit cheesey) ceiling show in the central dome. This museum can only get better and better with community support. So please, my friends, give this place a chance. I guarantee it will improve as we invest in improvements at Hemisfair Park.

This was the best field trip ever! All of the tour guides were patient and kind to the kids and made this an educational and fun trip. There is so much I never knew about Texas, such as the Germans bringing accordions here and influencing Hispanic music forever by doing so!
There are indoor exhibits and outdoor exhibits. The outdoor exhibits we toured told the story of how Texans lived and learned in various areas of Texas whenever it was first settled. The indoor exhibits cover many different cultures that impacted Texas while focusing on one culture on the first floor the first floor exhibit is changed out throughout the year.
There is a massive outdoor area to eat at. It’s covered and doubles as a space where they hold special events and shows. There is so much to learn here I think everyone should come because it shows you just how connected we all are!

As much as The Alamo extols the idea of settlers forming what would become Texas, The Institute of Texan Cultures highlights the many ethnicities that have and still do contribute to the building of San Antonio. Whether it is through the various festivals, exhibitions, demos or celebrations it certainly gives a much wider narrative to the diverse groups that live here.
To the local or tourist that decides to come here to visit it is a good point of historical, cultural and social reference to our city. It is after all exactly the way I remembered it when my father brought me here as a child. The bridge, the waterfall with calming music and the unmistakable architecture are all intact. The first thing you see inside is a gift shop with really cool Mexican and Texas things of interest: jewelry, keychains, a shirt that says, «Come and Take It» etc. As you leave the gift shop the admission table to get in awaits you.
There is an entry fee to get in. However, every second Sunday of the month you and your family can get in for free. It is basically comprised of two levels: one which is the main floor. The second floor level, which can be reached by stair or elevator. Once inside there are big and small exhibits with themes surrounding each display. In essence each serves to tell a story using costumes, pictures, news clippings etc. Jewish, German, Irish, Asian, African American, Scottish, Czechoslovakian, Indian, Tejanos and Chicano narratives are put together to celebrate our differences and commonalities. And if you have any questions, pertaining to the various displays do not hesitate; they have very knowledgeable docents who will answer any of your questions.
For history buffs, like myself this is the perfect place to learn about how various groups to came to Texas and in what way did their contributions influence the city. Typically they will a run a particular installation for a month or months and then rotate them. For example on the day I went they had a small exhibition on the Indian Sikhs of Texas. Depending on the exhibit they will periodically host cooking, dancing and musical demos that supplement that theme. In addition they have a historical library created by UTSA that welcomes students and scholars alike.
I like that it is user friendly, it certainly is family friendly. All the staff, to include docents and security are friendly. While there is a wealth of educational information here, I am struck by a few things:
1.) I wish there was a diversity in the people that work here. Not only culturally but also in the age of docents. I’d like to see more staff that reflect the patrons that come here. Maybe they could utilize college students who study here as a prerequisite to a class. It could inspire potential patrons to pursue fields of discipline such as history, anthropology or archaeology.
2.) I’d like to see more comprehensive exhibitions. For example they could do one on the Germanic influence of Polkas on Tejano music. Or the oral tradition of storytelling before the formation of towns. And then utilize a bigger space to tell its narrative. While themes are dispersed evenly I’d like to see one realized in a much bigger context.
3.) The third and most important thing is the parking situation here it is not the greatest. Parking is $ 11 and the meters are not conducive to fully maximizing your experience here. You can park across the street from the federal building. I wish with all the development going on downtown particularly Hemisphere Park they would find some space for this place.
Still, I do like it. I encourage families, couples and individuals to go. It has the power to highlight different cultures by hosting festivals like the Asian or Folklife Festival. The staff are both friendly and helpful. If you are a history buff like me or want to expand your children’s horizons or your own this is the perfect place.
And to think at one time mammoths and mastodons roamed freely here many centuries ago. I thought that duallys and big Chevy Trucks were the only beasts that ruled the land, at least Texas?

Here for Folk Life Festival on a rainy Sunday afternoon. It rains off and on but the crowds are fine and food is easier to get to. Already had some delicious Haggis and a great Gyro. Thunder while eating Haggis. Doesn’t get any better!

This a review of the Texas Folklife Friends party held the day before the festival actually starts.
The party is for those folks who have donated money to the festival, which is used to continue the Back 40 exhibits or who are actual participants in the festival.
The party is locally-​catered, this year by Anne Marie’s catering. We had fresh fruit, chips, queso, salsa and pico de gallo. Also, beef fajita tacos, chicken quesadillas and cookies. Beers of several kinds were offered, as well as wine, tea, lemonade and water. A very good spread.
The Bill Smallwood band entertained us.
Jo Ann Andera the festival director for many years said a few words to the crowd and then enjoyed the party. She better. The next two days will be the result of her and her staff’s planning all year.
I’m looking forward to a great Festival this year, the 44^th.

28^th Annual Asian Festival… really?! I’ve been here 4 years and I found out about it just today around 1pm. The festival ended at 5pm so I quickly grabbed some friends and headed over. My main mission… FOOD!
I had no idea how popular this event was. The traffic on Cesar Chavez was crazy! Definitely come early to snag a good parking spot. From what I saw, the closest parking was $ 11 (such a random number).
$ 10 admission at the gate gets you in ($ 8 if purchased online). Near the entrance they had a lonely ram to greet the visitors. Poor ram should’ve had another buddy with him. Will they have a dragon for the next year of the dragon?!
On to the food! Glad to see a wide variety of cuisines, but I wanted to highlight a few.
Indian: Food provided by Mustafa Restaurant. Chaat was perfectly spicy sweet and crunchy. A very refreshing snack on a warm day. I wanted to try the biryani but they were out of rice :(. l will definitely check out their restaurant though!
Filipino: OK I’m biased because I’m Filipino, but that food was delicious. Home cooked chicken adobo served with rice or as a slider with pandesal (Filipino sweet bread). The egg rolls and siopao (steamed bun with a meat filling) were spot on. An assortment of desserts like ensaymada (brioche topped with cheese and sugar), turon (plantain egg roll), and biko (sticky rice cake) were provided by My Chock Dee. I was too excited to eat everything that I didn’t have time to take pictures.
Overall really cool festival with food, entertainment, and shopping. Come check it out!

This was my first trip here and I was very impressed. I really enjoyed learning about all the different cultures that make up Texas. The special exhibits were awesome too! Parking was free and the entrance fee was priced right. The one thing I was not as excited about was the dome show, but everything else was top notch. Definitely recommend!

Cant visit San Antonio with out dropping by the museum
every culture that have settled of are indiginous to texas are depicted here with there traditions and way of life artifacts from the early settlers clothing and homes are laid out touching of some items is allowed and entry of the homes is made available. its along walk to see all the exhibits just follow the chart given to you when entering and its not dificult to find the culture you wish to see .
parking is free rather large and overpriced gift shop awaiting you when leaving but you can passiit by if you wish .
enjoyable educational and interesting time here sorry we didtnt have r time to brouse the buildings located outside in the back. next time …

As an educator, I’m always trying to visit places like ITC and familiarize myself with the resources we have in our backyard. The museum was interesting to walk around and see all the exhibits, however I did expect a large Mexican American area and noted that it was one of the least discussed Texas cultures.
It was fun to see some of the more elaborate areas, like the Cosmos and Creations cave (which wasn’t exactly what I thought it was going to be and could probably be elaborated on if it were ever to be changed up), the post office, the African American area with the house display, and the area with the pavilion of musical instruments and the small schoolhouse (probably my favorite).
One thing I did note as a previous event planner was that there are some great photo opp spots around the museum.
A suggestion to improve the museum and attract more visitors would be more of the interactive exhibits and displays using realia like the schoolhouse, post office etc. at the moment with all the reading posted it’s overwhelming for students. We try hard to make learning fun when it can be!
Also to note, the staff was very friendly and helpful, and students and teachers get discounts.
Rating system:
5 stars = I’ll drive across town specifically for this, and rave to all my friends about it!
4 stars = Would recommend visiting.
3 stars = Average, acceptable, positive.
2 stars = You might be able to drag me here.
1 star = I will not be returning.

The reason I found myself here on not just any Friday evening, but on first Friday, I had read through Unilocal an event Cooking for Culture highlighting Texas BBQ and craft beers.
It was a great event, and was an awesome turn out, so many people! I enjoyed listening to the differences between Texas BBQ and just grilling. The time, effort, patience, and love that should go into your BBQ. Never rush a good thing and by all means smoking your meats is the number one choice!
But as it dawned on me that the longest single line there was for BBQ, I kinda wished I’d brought snacks. Was definitely glad I brought a friend, cuz I made them stay in line while I fetched us beers to enjoy while we waited.
Alamo Beer Co. was here showing off plans to expand. Can’t go wrong with this beer and pairs great with BBQ, burgers, just about anything. I’m already a fan and enjoyed getting a free pour :) Thanks Alamo Beer Co.
The next craft beer I tried was from The Barley Blacksmith and it was awesome! These guys are passionate about what they do. And enjoy talking about their beers and answering questions too. We tried all three of the beers they brought, and personally I’m ready for more.
This event was fun and we enjoyed ourselves. Though with beers and BBQ, is there ever such a thing as too much?! This girl doesn’t think so :)

The other day, I volunteered at Asian Festival which ITC organized. Regarding the location, I parked my car near Alamo dome. I paid $ 10. Anyway, it was acceptable.
2014 is a year of horse. I was going to work at Japan America society’s booth. We sold «Yakisoba Japanese style noodles». I walked around the festival. There were a lot of people and booth. I had a horse hut and noodles costume. I started selling Yakisoba.
Our booth was very popular. people were coming and coming. We were very busy. My noodle costume was a good advertisement. I took 30 minutes break. I walked around this festival. This was a big festival. I saw a lot of tents of Philippine, China, Vietnam, and other Asian countries. I also could see a lot of Asian dances.
This is a year of horse. People were eating like a horse. People were running like a horse. They consumed calories. Happy year of horse!
mark T

After a year of living in San Antonio, I have finally discovered the Institute of Texan Cultures and am for once proud to live in this city. I recently went to the Asian Festival that the Institute hosted and I loved the positive promotion of diversity and community. It was an incredible experience that allowed recognition of different cultural dances, martial arts, horticulture; as well as, the opportunity to sample many different foods and drinks that I’ve never even known about before. It showed me that there really is culture hidden in this city and gave me hope that someday I might actually be able to find some good restaurants that aren’t all about Mexican food (God bless Mexican food, but I need some variety!). The Asian Festival was one of the best times I’ve had while living in San Antonio and I hope the Folklife Festival in June is just as awesome! I love festivals and I love culture, so by bringing these two things together I will forever be a fan of the Institute of Texan Cultures.

Every 2^nd Sunday, FREE.
Really enjoy learning about all the different cultures and stories that make up Texas. Being able to learn about your hometown is priceless. All the exhibits are well kept and the setting allows you to learn in a comfortable environment.
Also, they usually have really good guest/​touring exhibits.

This is a treasure of our great city, a must see. Lot’s of history and fun inside. Plenty of festivals and events throughout the year, Folklife, Asia Festival, and many more. It’s nice and cold inside, so a perfect escsape from the Texas heat.

This was my first time here. Warning, if you have never been here, you need to go ALL THE WAY PAST THE TOWERS, BEHIND THEM AND FOLLOW THE SIGNS. I spent 15 min trying to find them, but it was worth it.
I went initially to see the Outstanding Fiesta Medal display. I will post pics in a bit. I ended up staying and paying the $ 8.00 admission to view the rest of the exhibits.
I am surprised at how much they were able to put in there and still make it seem very intimate and personal. It did not have the stuffy stalking feeling that some of the other San Antonio Museums have. I won’t mention them by name as I frequent them often.
Down side. GET BIKE RACKS!!! I know I am starting to put this on most every post I do any more, but that is the truth of the matter… I hate locking my bike up to their posts and their railings as I know that is not what they are their for, but please people…
OH, and they currently have a couple of computer kiosks installed that have a catalog of all their medals that have been loaned to them to create their display.
I had the «pleasure???» of meeting and talking to Dr. Brad today and identified two of their medals. I knew them as I have them. But, I am surprised that I could google them up in less then 30 seconds on my phone. No one at the museum could find the time to do that as well? Wowza, that is all I can say.
I will most definitely be going back there again and again and again, and you get the picture.
Oh, and if you can spare it, donate the $ 3.00 to help send a school kid. This is one of the best museums I have been to yet. The kids deserve to go to this one…

Excellent staff, wonderful exhibits and over all one of the most amazing places to go to get into Texas history– I would say plan for a long visit as ours was scheduled through the kids school so we were hurried, I could have spend the whole day there!
You must call ahead and reserve the «Back 40» but that was a great time getting the lowdown on historic buildings and getting into the life of those that lived here back in the day.
Excellent place for history and cultural buffs, kids may lose interest but there are tons of things for them to do so you can keep looking around.

Came because of a work reception and glad I did. Such wonderful exhibits of different cultures of Texas, starting with many Native American tribes and leading to many other ethnic groups that made Texas home (German, Polish, Japanese, Chinese etc.).
If you’re thinking having a special event/​celebration here, do it! Our entertainment was lively and fun with performances ranging from Chinese dragon dance, Nepalese belly dancing, Scottish bagpipes, and clogging. Not sure who catered the food that night but it was absolutely delicious with food stations representing foods from all regions of the world.

It just doesn’t seem to be the ITC I remember from just a few years ago. The exhibits are ok, but it seems as if there is no organization to them.
You seem to wander into one exhibit and then into another without completing the previous one. Still a San Antonio staple though — I recommend checking it out but to be honest, I wouldn’t put it on par with the Witte.