Last updated: 12/19/2009
600 Hemis Fair PlazaSan Antonio, TX 78205
Tuesday - Friday
10 AM - 5 PM
Sunday, Saturday
11 AM - 5 PM
Monday - Friday
9 AM - 6 PM
The Institute of Mexico is the culmination of arduous work by the government of Mexico, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs created in order to establish in the United States, a permanent cultural representation.
In 1958 a group of Mexican - American people opened the Mexican Art Gallery under the direction of Mtro. Alberto Mijangos. This was achieved with the cooperation of the General Consulate of Mexico.
This same group motivated by the same goals and outlined by the government of Mexico during the "Hemisfair 68", was granted a new building, giving them the opportunity of offering many important exhibits.
Opening its doors to the public on June 19, 1972, with the presence of the former President of Mexico Lic. Luis Echeverria and San Antonio Mayor John Gatti.
The Institute was created as a non-profit organization under the auspices of Mexico's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Its mission is to create permanent presence for Mexico in this important region of the United States.
The Instituto's purpose is to promote our country's cultural heritage and assist in strengthening alliances and collaborations between both countries.
At the 1968 World s Fair in San Antonio's Hemisfair Arena, a pavilion was built to showcase a wide sampling of fine arts from Mexico. The pavilion so impressed the people of San Antonio that negotiations began with the Mexican government to keep the pavilion as a permanent institution promoting awareness and knowledge of Mexico's rich cultural heritage.
The Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs appreciated the advantages of San Antonio as a location for such an institution. As a city with its own distinct character and history, a strong Hispanic population, a constant influx of tourists, and close proximity to the border, San Antonio could provide a link between Mexico and the United States.
Launched in 1972, ICM operates as an arm of the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Since most museums in Mexico are administered by the government, ICM is afforded access to many of Mexico's national treasures. ICM is a non-collecting institution, and therefore relies solely on loans for its many changing exhibitions and traveling shows.
The Instituto hosts different activities throughout the year. For information of the different events, please visit www.saculturamexico.org
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