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Established by the Texas State Legislature in 1965 to showcase the state’s rich heritage for HemisFair ‘68, the Institute of Texan Cultures has been the state's leading institution for exploring the many cultures that shaped Texas' history, character, and identity. Housed in the Texas Pavilion, the institute’s immersive exhibition, which showcased the people and cultures of Texas, was a cornerstone attraction of the event.

After the World’s Fair ended, the ITC became a permanent center devoted to research focused on telling the history of the people of Texas. In 1969, the institute was placed under the University of Texas System, and in 1973, it became a part of the recently established University of Texas at San Antonio. It became an official campus in 1986.

Over the years, the Institute of Texan Cultures has served the public through an array of programming, including:

• Exhibits, programs, and special events designed to inspire, entertain, and educate.
• Outreach programs for schools and community groups.
• Teacher-training workshops.
• Community events such as the beloved Texas Folklife Festival and Asian Festival.

In 2010, the institute became an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution. This partnership gives us access to Smithsonian artifacts, educational programs, and expert resources, significantly enhancing our exhibitions and educational offerings. This collaboration was instrumental in the university achieving the prestigious Carnegie R1 classification.

In 2021, the university embarked on the ITC Centennial 2068 Community Stakeholder Visioning Process, a robust community engagement initiative to envision the future of the Institute of Texan Cultures. The institute's ongoing evolution reflects its commitment to growth, learning, and its role as a dynamic cultural institution in Texas and beyond.