As a former docent and volunteer with connections and emotional baggage tied to this venerable institution it is difficult to evaluate and review this museum fairly and objectively. The very first time I ever walked through the heavy glass doors of this museum I was a child holding my grandmothers hand. The occasion was the 1968 HemisFair Worlds Fair in San Antonio, Texas. I did not get to see all of the museum in 1968 and I made up for it by visiting it many times as adult and volunteering to work there in 2005. I have always enjoyed visiting the museum and I enjoyed my volunteer work there. The staff was always friendly and seemed to appreciate my being there. However, as the museum aged and the management changed there are many reasons to be concerned about its future. The Institute of Texan Cultures was created to be the Texas Museum and the stronghold of Texas history. Frankly it has failed in that mission and has conceded that mission to a museum in Austin, Texas. With that failure the management and operation of the Institute was given away to the University of Texas San Antonio. You would think that a institution of higher learning would have the ability to operate a museum but obviously that is not the case. The Institute of Texan Cultures is operated now like an illegitimate child to UTSAs primary mission of running a junior college. As such, the Institute receives more bureaucracy now than support. It is a convenient and luxurious dumping ground for school bureaucrats who dont contribute much to the the colleges primary mission but cant be fired and replaced. Probably one of the easiest jobs in the world is to be an Institute manager. Because you dont have to do much. And they dont. Consequently the exhibits at the Institute of Texan Cultures tend to remain rather static and known. They are very good. Dont get me wrong. But they are product of the hard work of managers and docents who have worked at and for the Institute of Texan Cultures for the last 50 years. Not the dullards in charge now.

I came here for the Asian Festival 2020. There is a lot to learn inside of the building which was just standard setup for the event. There was some dancing in the center stage inside the building, which is nice. There was also a display of beautiful bonsai trees. Outside, there were food trucks, tents, and many places to taste Asian foods from all over. There was also a stage outside that had singers and dancers. My only complaint was that it was very crowded and kind of hard to move around the building, but I still had a good time.

I came here for the Asian festival. Great variety of food.

Alright so the people are nice and they give you a good clean background on the history of the state and the many people who lived in Texas but it’s all something that after you see it once, you don’t need to see again unless you go on a free Sunday.

Today the institute hosted the San Antonio Asian festival.Tons of booths, food, dancing and drinks!A great time, just keep in mind that you need tickets for food and drinks!

Overall still a great place to take a trip back to the days of old Texas history, culture, and to learn about cultures that immigrated here.Kids are disconnected and get reconnected coming here and seeing the actors and displays.Love that the schools still do the field trips here.

Its all about Texas history & its 6 Flags stories ... There is short theater show .. I love it

Loved this place! Lots of information about diversity in Texas and the various groups of people who came to create the Texas we have today.The exhibition is in one big circle, with the countries represented in the outer spokes if you will. In the center is a 360 degree theater with a film that plays every hour or so. If you miss it, they announce it and the very friendly staff even come and tell you its starting!The part I found most fascinating was the exhibition on the Hemisfair, the worlds fair of 1968. The area where ITC is located is the former Hemisfair location and it goes into detail about it together with artifacts.Allow yourself a couple of hours to see everything. When we visited they had a photography exhibit on the lower level.

My 3 and 5 year old lived this place! The Back 40 was a huge hit! Thank you to the docents on site who were ready to show and explain things to my kids.

This museum has so many wonderful artifacts! Every single artifact there is in wonderful condition and you are able to learn so much about so many different cultures that reside in Texas. So many different cultures reside in Texas that I want even aware of, but I was able to learn about them at the museum and gain a deeper understanding of them. This a great place to visit and feel connected to all of humanity.

If you have history junkies this is their paradise. There is even room for kids to roam when its too hot to go outside venues. Then try Tower of Americas for lunch. You are already next door and will save the parking fee.

It’s two levels of history on immigration to texas. It’s nice the and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable. It’s is a little dated. But they do add new exhibits.

Great show, cheap price. You have to set a day aside to come here because there is so much to see, each time you go there is a different attraction. There is a show every hour it is fun and informative for native Texans and tourist alike, young or old there is something for everyone to enjoy.

MAKE time to Stop HERE! This museum covers all the cultures and nationalities that lived and built Texas. First and only place that presented the tribes that lived and settled in this area. They offer artifacts & photos along with full size recreations. They have rooms full of outfits, picture, furnishings, documents from England Ireland Germany Mexico Phillipines Scotland Czech, Jewish culture,etc. They show a video showing how all our cultures and nationalities are mixed & blended inyo our makeup. We should enjoy & respect our differences. Everyone from child to adult will learn a lot working their way through the museum. They also have rotating exhbits. This week it was how ranching evolved. Volunteers are. Very knowlegable and super friendly. Clean, well organized, with a large selection of international themed souvenirs. The other historic sites only relate the American/Mexican/Spain history of San Antonio. Students & veterans Free. Discount coupons in tourist pamphlets. There is something for everyone at the Institute of Culture in San Antonio. Surprise..room full of heavy metal paraphernalia and classic lunchboxes

It has big history for everyone and cultural aspect contributed to not only Texas but the country itself.

What a great experience walking through the Texas Institute of culture. Very friendly staff and a great spot to bring a tourist group.

LOVED IT!!!! So much wonderful to see and read all the information. Staff was very helpful and kind.

This is one of the better yet less unknown attractions in the city. It is one of my favorite museums. The museum starts back as far as 13,000 BC and covers all of the inhabitants of Texas, from the early Native Americans to the many different cultures that immigrated here from the all around the world. There are several areas that clearly depict the various periods and cultures. I would recommend this museum to any tourist and local who hasnt seen it in many years.

Very nicely done. There were a few hands on items. All displays were on one floor.

This is one of the better yet under appreciated attractions in the city and certainly one of my favorite museums. Housed in a very uniquely shaped structure, the institute has been around almost 50 years. I used to visit as a child but was always rushed through a visit by either family or my school. As an adult I was finally able to do a solo trip and take as much time as I wanted to fully digest and appreciate everything that was presented.Starting back as far as 13,000 BC the museum covers all of the inhabitants of Texas from the early Indians to the subsequent cultures that immigrated here from the many diverse parts of our globe. There are several areas that clearly delineate the various periods and cultures. There are many hands on areas and some clever constructs which helps reinforce the message they are trying to convey.

Great place to visit if you want to delve into the history of TX; and find out a little about tequila along the way! Wish the water features were running, though I appreciate the water shortage that prevented them from running. Parking was a bit of a challenge, but other than that, a pleasant experience!

Love history, visited the Asian Festival. Great food, vendors and really fantastic martial arts demos

Save you a trip. Dont go theyre not open!

This place is ever evolving and full of fun and education

I must admit, Im not a big museum person. My husband wanted to go and Im glad we did. Were not Texans but I still felt very proud to be there. My favorite part was the inclusion of all the different ethnicities that became such a great tapestry of this beautiful state. And the flag pics you can take in the front were pretty cool.

Though a smaller and lesser known museum compared to others in the city, it is a necessary one that is vital to the city that showcases the diversity and intersectionality of our city and the cultures within. Free to UTSA and Alamo Colleges students, with free parking, I would definitely recommend a visit if you can find the time.

Participated in the folk life festival each yearWhat an experience

So much information in beautiful displays about Texas and its heritage.

Great exhibits! Live structures and not just images. A must visit if in San Antonio.

Very nice staff, very informative, but a LOT of reading. Otherwise this place is a hidden gem.

So sad what this place has become. They charge U an arm and a leg after U already gv a donation, to see the displays Ur families have donated to them. So sad.

Well Im partial because I work here, but all ages have a great time. To anyone local we are free every second Sunday of the month except June because of the Folklife Festival.

The best place in Texas to find out who made the state what it is today. This is a cultural museum that highlights the diverse ethnicities that made Texas famous. Plenty of interactive artifacts located in open trunks for visitors to examine. Docents on the museum main floor from 10:00am to 12:30pm, Monday through Friday. Docent Gallery Hosts available on weekends.

Fun source of information about the history behind Texas and its development over time. Some sources, such as cultural group growth and decline, were only updated through 2010. It would be nice to see more current records.We went with a large school group and had tour guides throughout the trip, plus we had the pleasure of visiting the outdoor buildings where employees/volunteers were on hand to make it more educational and fun for the class. I would like to see how interactive the location would be with a family-size group. On one hand, we would be able to take our time reading and reviewing the displays, which we couldnt do as a group. On the other, would we even be allowed to visit the outer buildings? Could we still obtain the same level of detail if those tour guides/employees/volunteers werent present?I would certainly recommend this location for planned visits with large groups (7 years and older) & anyone wanting to learn about Texas in a fun environment.

Worth visiting! A yes. Tickets 12

It was my first time going inside. It was very interesting and I did learn a few new things. Inquired about volunteering in the future. Really enjoyed the variety of food that was on the location for this 2019 for people to experience.

Great museum of Texas history! Be sure to go downstairs to see the photos of San Antonios history!

Go if you can. Time consuming but excellent information to learn about Texas heritage

This place was phenomenal. The volunteers were helpful, knowledgable and worked great with kids. Plan on going back!

This is a nice place to learn about our cultures hence in the name Texan Cultures. It is big and there is so much to see, might take about an hour to see all of them, an hour or two. Very fascinating. Especially the activities they do and demonstrate there such as how to weed cotton on the wheel. I recommend this for you and your family.

Love it!! Great place to visit with family and friends.

It was a great experience learning about Texas history through its cultures. I especially loved the beer exhibit

Was smaller then I member....

Field trip was less than stellar. The museum itself has great displays, but the kids were rushed through 4 stations in about 28 minutes, watched an 8-minute video, and shown out to the pavilion area, which was reserved for an hour. The buses had come late to the school to pick up the students, which isnt the museums problem, but by the time they got there our guide was a little curt. My sons teacher asked at the end if they could take a few minutes to see some of the other areas the students had expressed interest in (since there were no other field trips going on) but she was told no. Were not even that far away on the edge of town, and the kids spent more time on the bus than they did inside the museum. :( Just disappointed.

Very informative history of Texan cultures and movement. Being new to the area, it provided us with helpful context. We are eager to return as it is a very large museum - too much for us to learn all in one trip.

This is a fascinating place. There are a number of people groups that immigrated to Texas not to mention a number of native groups that were here already and theres information and displays and narratives about all of them at the Institute of Texan cultures. The layout is thoughtful and comfortable. I was there during the Folklife Festival and they had six stages going with cultural presentations on each of them. Its a lot of fun.

Beautiful place, so many exhibits! Sunday is free of charge; beware of knucklehead kids running around like its Chuck E. Cheese.

The cultural experience was owesome

If ur in San Antonio and on vacation this is 1 of best places 2 visit. The museum has art, exhibits and world war 1and 2 exhibits. Great 4 the kids.

This a a great way to know texas history . I especially enjoyed the touchy atmosphere it makes all the difference

Great place to take the family. Lots of cultural history pieces and a nice little gift shop. They also have the Texas Folklife Festival and the Asian Festival every year which are fun. If you like FOOD, try the festivals!!!!

One of the best museums across the State of Texas. Thank God it opened the last day before my departure from San Antonio. They give discount to students and staff are professional and kind to visitors. You will definitely learn new things about the Texans culture.

I took my 2 and 4 year old there and they loved it! They have several hands on areas even small children can enjoy like the share cropper house mail room class room and doctors office. The museum is generally empty and has a wide open floor plan so your kids can go nuts. We have been twice and really enjoyed it.

Loads of Texas history, and hurry because word on the curb is they close soon, like for good. Provides historical look at native Texans, buffalo soldiers, various countries migrants and their contributions. A great way to invest a few hours.

I have been several times for the cultural events. Wonderful experience.

Great place to visit with family.

Spent the last few minutes speaking with Mr Paul crow... best part of my visit. The nut cracker performance, the volunteers who showed math In todays life style, and the ladies who helped kids make Christmas cards. It was a great time!

I loved this place when I was younger my parents would go dancing at the food cluster and I would go to play games at the playground at the towers of America

Went early and parking was no problem. Very informative and bought some items at gift shop.

Incredible displays of the various ethnic groups that settled in Texas. Fun special events for both children and adults. Docents help interpret many of the exhibits. Dont miss the replica of a one room school school house, outside. I highly recommended this museum to visitors and San Antonio residents alike.

Great place for history of san antonio. Loved it

Ever since I was a kid this has been a great place to learn and have fun. They do a great job of promoting diversity and culture. An amazing gem of San Antonio and Texas history and culture.

This is a place where a naturalization ceremony is held.

Beautiful place, friendly staff

It is just perfect.

Fun day at the Asian Festival. TX State Korean Culture Club rocked the house!! Awesome dance performances.

Great museum, did a fast walk through and enjoyed its displays. Next time will come early to take in all the information.

This place is an amazing piece into the world of Texan history. Before I came here, I did not realize so many cultures were weaved into the states tapestry. The guides are full of knowledge and you leave feeling like you just stepped out of another world, at another point in time.

The 1st time I went here, it was the Texas Pavilion at HemisFair 68. Lots of exhibits spotlighting the many cultures of immigrants to Texas... including Americans! My most recent visit was during San Antonio Beer Week. Theres an exhibit right now called Brewing Up Texas that shows the history of brewing in Texas & especially in San Antonio. From the earliest breweries to the craft brewers of today. For Beer Week, samples from San Antonio craft brewers were available. Yes, you could drink Beer in a Museum! For 1 night only... If you go, there IS a $10 adult admission; cheaper for kids. A Whole Lot more to see than just beer... & theres an exhibit on HemisFairs 50th Anniversary, too!

Deserve to visit

Perfect for history lessons

Includes history of many different cultures. Love the historical buildings in the back.

Beautiful place that exhibits all of the cultures within Texas, with plenty of helpful staff and many demonstrations to watch. A great place to take the family, especially during the Texas Folk Life Festival.

Had so much funn

One of my favorite museums. The atmosphere is great, and is a wonderful place to learn about the different ethnic groups in Texas. Also, make sure to come out to the Asian New Year Festival in February and the Texas Folklife Festival in June!

A wonderful place to visit, look for a guided tour=) if you love culture, you will love this place=)

Comprehensive look at the many cultures that make up and influence Texas. Quite informative and interesting.

Feels like it could be made far more interesting

Ive been here several times. In planning to go back again because theres always something to learn every time.. I love this place!!

Had a great time! Its $10 per person unless you have a school ID you can get in totally free. Parking was a little hard to get to with the construction and traffic so plan ahead. Parking is free, the tower is not its 8$ for that unless you walk to the other side and just leave your car there in their parking lot. Everything was good except the African American side it mostly talked about jordans and snap back hats and todays hairstyles. The only thing that was vintage was the headwraps. They have lots of culture background for it to be covered with 20 century shoes and hats something that could be seen at river center mall.

Cool museum with space for events. Parking can be a bit of a pain during peak hours, so have a plan or be ready to street-park.

Cheap ($10/adult) and really interesting.I lived the history between Native Indian and texan people

Amazing, Sundays are free. Very well designed and very informative. I was very impressed, nice way to spend an afternoon.

Is a great museum with a lot of history about Texas. They have free days every second Sunday of the month along with an event, sometimes being performances.

Ok if youre a Texan

A Texas sized museum, it has exhibits on the settlers from each part of the world that came to call Texas home. A small exhibit hall changes frequently. A wide open floorplan.

Great opportunity to learn more about Texan culture and what those who developed this area endured to make it livable. 100% would recommend a visit.

Taught me a lot about Texas and San Antonio.

A very cool place to visit if you are interested in texas culture or history or anything of the sort. I like going here.

Took my family on a weekend. So much stuff going on. Everyone has a good time

Interesting place. Very informative about the different cultures and influences theyve had in the area

A nice museum for the family. Its very informative.

Fascinating look into the various cultures that make up the great state of Texas.

Great place! Loads of information, can keep you busy for a good while walking around.

Awesome experience. Go and learn something new!

This place is awesome. Learned a lot about Texas heritage and history.

Great place to learn!! The volunteers are happy to answer questions from kids!!

Great Museum learned a lot . The Staff was super helpful.

Was here for the Asian festival has a wonderful time.

Great exhibits, nice gift shop and wonderful volunteers.