The Alamo Hosted a Sneak Preview of the New Alamo Collections Center

November 18, 2022

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 

CONTACT
Jonathan Huhn, Alamo Trust, Inc.
jhuhn@thealamo.org
Office (210) 225-1391x6064
Mobile (210) 867-7717

Visitors looking a display of weapons on the wall of a museum lobby

Today, the Alamo hosted a Sneak Preview event for the Alamo Collections Center. The new Center is the first building developed as part of the Alamo Plan.  Groundbreaking took place on Aug. 17, 2021, and the facility will officially open to the public on March 3, 2023. 

The Sneak Peak event was held earlier this afternoon and was emceed by Former Congressman Will Hurd. It featured remarks from Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush, Texas Land Commissioner-Elect Dawn Buckingham and Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff. 

“Today is a momentous day as the Alamo Collections Center opens its doors," said Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. "This is a major step in building a world-class historic site to honor the memory of the brave men who perished on this sacred ground in 1836. Artifacts from the battle will be displayed proudly and prominently, telling the story of the battle and the men who gave their lives for Texas and liberty. It has been my goal since day one to ensure that the Alamo renovation plan remains true to our history, and as Lt. Governor, I will never stop fighting to preserve and protect our beloved Alamo.”

“Today we celebrate a tremendous step forward in our sacred duty to preserve our State’s most cherished symbol of freedom and independence,” said Land Commissioner George P. Bush. “The Alamo and the legacy of its courageous defenders, who laid down their lives in the name of liberty, continue to be the backbone of the strong principles that have guided Texans for generations. The new Exhibition Hall & Collections Building will help Texans immerse themselves in the rich history of the Alamo while surrounded by its most precious artifacts, and I look forward to the endless educational opportunities this new addition will bring to all who visit.”

About Alamo Trust, Inc. | Located in the heart of San Antonio, the Alamo stands as a shrine to Texas Liberty. Alamo Trust, Inc., or the Alamo, tells the story of Texas Independence as part of its rich and diverse 300-year history to over 1.6 million visitors every year and is the #1 most visited destination in the state of Texas. In 1960, the Alamo was designated a United States National Historic Landmark, and in 2015, it became part of the Lone Star State's only UNESCO World Heritage Site. Witness living history, experience authentic artifacts, and explore an iconic landmark that shaped the country. Visit theAlamo.org.

Commissioner George P. Bush speaking to audience behind a podium on a stage in Alamo Gardens
Two men shaking hands greeting each other in a lobby

"It is a tremendous day for the Alamo and Texas, as the Alamo Plan takes its biggest step forward yet with the newest constructed building on the historic grounds since the 1950s," said Kate Rogers, Executive Director for the Alamo Trust, Inc. "The Alamo became a U.S. historic landmark in 1960, and many believe it is the last historic landmark in our nation to officially receive its due. However, as we walk through the doors to the new Alamo Collections Center today, we can say that after many years the Alamo Plan is no longer only a dream and that it is actually becoming a reality."

The Alamo Collections Center marks a turning point for the iconic site as it will provide 10,000 square feet of exhibition space-expanding the current galleries by fivefold. In addition, the new building will house state-of-the-art storage and conservation space for the Alamo Collection, ensuring proper care of objects over the long term. Designed by Gensler | GRG and constructed by Clark/Guido (a joint venture between Clark Construction and Guido Construction), the two-story building is located behind the Alamo Church, beyond the historic footprint.  

Items from the Phil Collins Collection, the Donald and Louise Yena Spanish Colonial Collection, and the Alamo Collection will be displayed in the Alamo Collections Center until they can be shown in the new Visitor Center and Museum, which is anticipated to open in 2026. Once the Visitor Center and Museum is complete, the Alamo Collections Center will provide space for traveling exhibitions and other educational resources.

For more information on the groundbreaking ceremony, details on the Alamo Plan and the upcoming Visitor Center and Museum, please see the assets in this digital press kit

About Alamo Trust, Inc. | Located in the heart of San Antonio, the Alamo stands as a Shrine to Texas Liberty. Alamo Trust, Inc., or the Alamo, tells the story of Texas Independence as part of its rich and diverse 300-year history to over 1.6 million visitors every year and is the #1 most visited destination in the State of Texas. In 1960, the Alamo was designated a United States National Historic Landmark, and in 2015, it became part of the Lone Star State's only UNESCO World Heritage Site. Witness living history, experience authentic artifacts, and explore an iconic landmark that shaped the country. Visit theAlamo.org.