Texas Historical Commission Approves Plans for Exhibition Hall and Collections Building

The Alamo crossed a milestone in its efforts to improve the visitor experience and expand its exhibition facilities with the Texas Historical Commission’s approval of its new Exhibition Hall and Collections Building this week. This approval will expand exhibition space for documents and objects in the Alamo’s comprehensive collection by 500%. The Alamo will break ground on the new 24,000-square-foot building on August 17, 2021.

The Alamo Plan encompasses both restoration of historic buildings and new construction projects, all with the goals of fostering reverence and dignity at one of the most important sites in Texas history. The plan aims to memorialize those who lived, fought and died at the Alamo, and share the stories of more than 300 years of Alamo history with an enhanced visitor experience that is both moving and informative. The Alamo Plan includes:

• Restoring the 1836 Battlefield footprint, including the closure of city streets to further delineate the site, and fostering a spirit of dignity and reverence on the sacred grounds. The portion of Alamo Street that runs in front of the Church today is now closed to vehicular traffic, allowing visitors to explore the historic footprint of the mission more freely
• Preserving the 300-year-old Church and Long Barrack, the last remaining structures from the 1836 Battle of the Alamo
• Construction of the new Exhibition Hall and Collections Building (scheduled to open in 2022), which provides state-of-the-art facilities for special exhibitions and storage to ensure the long-term care of the Alamo collection
• Construction of the new Visitor Center and Museum, repurposing the historic Crockett Block and Woolworth buildings on the west side of the Alamo Plaza to provide 40,000 square feet of gallery space for dynamic installations of the Alamo’s collection of original documents and artifacts that deepen visitors’ understanding of history
• Creating new programming that expands upon the stories that preceded and precipitated the 1836 Battle of the Alamo, and its enduring impact on the development of Texas, the United States, and our lives today
• Renovating Alamo Hall and transforming it into an education center for children, families, and visitors of all ages

“The Alamo is the most important landmark in Texas and is known around the world. We must preserve this history and share the stories of those who lived, fought and died at the Alamo,” said Alamo Trust, Inc. Executive Director Kate Rogers. “We are confident that we have the right plan in place to create the world-class visitor experience that this sacred space deserves.”

“We are pleased to see our plans for the Alamo being realized,” said Hope Andrade, Chair of the Alamo Management Committee. “The Alamo is sacred ground and many around our community and state have a deeply personal connection to this space. It is time that we honor and preserve this history, and make it a great educational resource for generations to come.”

For more details on the Alamo Plan, including the new Collections Building and Visitors Center visit theAlamo.org.

About Alamo Trust, Inc. | Located in the heart of San Antonio, the Alamo serves as a sacred memorial to all those who lived, fought and died there. Visitors pay homage to the heroes of the 1836 Battle of the Alamo, a defining moment in Texas History. Alamo Trust, Inc., or the Alamo, tells that story of Texas independence, as part of its 300-year history to over 1.6 million visitors every year. To visit the Alamo is to witness living history, experience authentic artifacts and admire an iconic landmark that shaped the country. Visit thealamo.org.