When the Institute of Texan Cultures opens in early 2026, visitors will discover a fresh way to explore Texas: through multimedia technology that adds layers to stories and artifacts. Participation and engagement shape the museum’s new experience, with technology serving as a channel for meaningful moments of connection and understanding.
The journey into Texan cultures begins with six projectors in the main gallery, showcasing views of the Panhandle, Northeast Texas, the Gulf Coast, South Texas, the Hill Country, and West Texas. Each section highlights the people and places of each region, grounding visitors in the landscapes that define Texas life.
“We’ve incorporated a multimedia approach to take people on a journey through Texas, as a place, and across time,” said Bianca Alvarez, ITC’s head curator. “By utilizing audio and video projections, we’ve built an immersive environment, conducive to learning and discovery.”
Two discovery stations – touch-screen computer kiosks – supplement the exhibit areas, each offering different exercises and storytelling opportunities. The stations include additional information about some of the displayed artifacts, which guests can explore at their own pace. Visitors can tap on an object’s hot spots to uncover more stories about craftsmanship, resources, migration, and community.
"For example,” Alvarez said, “visitors can expect an interactive experience that expands our knowledge of the Tigua Drum on view, where touch points of interest on an image of the drum reveal layers of cultural meaning. Each 'hotspot' uncovers stories about the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo, ceremonial rhythms, symbolic maps, and craftsmanship. Guests will learn how these drums embody resilience, spirituality, and artistry — while exploring its unique iconography, use, and the process of making a drum. This digital activity invites visitors to look closer and engage with the artifact as an instrument for both music and storytelling."
Digital experiences won’t stop at the gallery doors. The ITC plans to update its offerings with new stories and interactives throughout its time at Frost Tower. There are also plans to share content on the ITC website, creating access to Texan culture from anywhere.
In addition to exhibit space, the Frost Tower gallery will serve as an innovation space, where the institute can engage students, enabling them to participate in developing new interactive programs. It will also be a storytelling hub where the museum’s community partners can add their voices to the state’s evolving narrative. New ideas and content are already in development.
As 2026 approaches, the ITC team is working toward a clear goal: helping visitors experience Texas culture, one story at a time.