San Antonio: Institute of Texan Cultures

Side of building with sign saying The University of Texas Institute of Texan Cultures with banners on poles showing individuals in traditional dress from different cultures
Two women in pioneer dresses demonstrating fiber arts to a group of children seated in front of them. Visible are a spinning wheel, weaving loom, and a sign saying Texas Fibers and Fabrics

Demonstrations inside the museum.

Dancers – men in lederhosen and women in dirndl circle skirts dancing on an outdoor platform

German folk dancers at the Texas Folklife Festival, 1974.(UTSA Special Collections Library)

Man wearing a red best and a long red and white striped apron demonstrating sausage making in front of a crowd

Sausage-making demonstration at the Texas Folklife Festival, 1978 (UTSA Special Collections Library)

Men wearing lederhosen and knee socks playing musical instruments on stage

German musicians and dancers performing at the Texas Folklife Festival, 1980 (UTSA Special Collections Library)

Group of international flags flying

When the first Germans landed in Texas, they were immersed into a melting pot of cultures –American, European, African. Many Texans today can trace their heritage in the Lone Star State to ethnicities that originate outside of the United States.

The Institute of Texan Cultures tells the stories of immigrants who have called Texas home and made it the economic powerhouse it is today. Located in the old State of Texas Pavilion, which was built for the 1968 HemisFair, the Institute is the state’s first museum to interpret the various cultures that comprise Texas – including the Germans.

Institute of Texan Cultures

  • Hours: Monday – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday, 12-5 p.m.
  • Admission: Adults: $10, Seniors (65+)/Children (6-17)/Military  and College w/ID: $8
  • 801 E. César E. Chávez Blvd., San Antonio, TX
  • 210-458-2300
  • Visit Website
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