After several years of ups and downs at the UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures (ITC), the university announced next steps for the museum’s strategic plan — they’re moving out of the Texas Pavilion.
We’re here to break down what’s coming up for the museum, where they might end up in the future, and what’s next for the Texas Pavilion.
Temporary home
As the current home of ITC continues to face deteriorating infrastructure and costly repairs, UTSA has decided to relocate to a temporary facility for the next few years.
So, where are they going? UTSA has secured space on the first floor of the Frost Tower and will serve as the ITC museum’s temporary home for the next five years. This new location will give visitors easy access to the museum and is steps away from San Pedro Cultural Creek Park.
UTSA has also secured an additional 25,000 sqft of climate-controlled storage space to house its objects and archives currently not on display at an undisclosed location.
The museum will close in May 2024 and is expected to reopen in its temporary space in early 2025.
Finalizing the forever home
As ITC settles into the Frost Tower, UTSA will continue to hunt for the museum’s permanent home. While still reviewing the site, the university’s top pick is adjacent to the Crockett Hotel — just steps from the Alamo. This would allow the university to build a 65,000 sqft, state-of-the-art immersive museum with a parking facility.
However, there is an alternate site being considered near the UTSA Southwest Campus at 1123 Navarro St. near the San Antonio Central Library and the Tobin Performing Arts Center.
What’s happening with the old space?
After careful consideration and review, UTSA determined that redeveloping the land at Hemisfair is what’s best for the future of the museum, the university, and the community — meaning the removal of the Texas Pavilion.
The University of Texas System Board of Regents conditionally approved granting an exclusive option to the City of San Antonio to purchase or lease the approximately 13.59 acres for a potential downtown revitalization project.
The next steps are for the university are issuing a Request for Proposals to remove the Texas Pavilion. During this time, UTSA will work with the Texas Historical Commission to safeguard the legacy of the building through proper documentation.
