Built as the Texas Pavilion for the 1968 Hemisfair, the Institute of Texan Cultures (ITC) stands as one of the largest permanent structures from the event. Designed by William M. Peña of Caudill, Rowlett, and Scott, the monumental inverted pyramid pavilion reflects Peña's pioneering work in architectural programming. Following the conclusion of the world’s fair, the State of Texas entrusted the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) to maintain and house the state's museum of diverse Texan cultures. However, after over 50 years in the Texas Pavilion, the ITC has closed to the public and is set to relocate to a temporary facility.

As the future of the property hangs in the balance, the University of Texas Board of Regents has conditionally approved a plan to lease or sell the ITC property to the City of San Antonio for a potential downtown revitalization endeavor. Despite this decision, public input regarding the fate of the iconic building has been minimal. Additionally, alternative uses for the space have not been explored since UTSA canceled a 2016 Request for Proposals. Advocates within the San Antonio community are calling for a reconsideration of the building's potential, highlighting the possibility of leveraging up to 45% state and federal tax credits available to developers for rehabilitation projects. Ultimately, preserving the ITC as part of San Antonio's vibrant multicultural experience should be a priority as part of any redevelopment proposal.

Help the ITC building get state designation! Visit saconservation.org/announcements/save-the-institute-of-texan-cultures-building for instructions on how to send public comments to the Texas Historical Commission, and to sign the San Antonio Conservation Society’s petition to save the building.