Visitor Center and Museum

The Alamo Visitor Center and Museum, scheduled to open in 2027, will offer a transformative, world-class experience that invites guests to explore the full 300-year history of this iconic site. With nearly 160,000 square feet of space, the state-of-the-art facility will combine historical storytelling with cutting-edge immersive elements, including a 4D theater and special event spaces.

Guests will journey through meticulously designed galleries that bring to life the rich history of the Alamo, from its earliest Indigenous inhabitants to the pivotal moments of the Texas Revolution, the Battle of the Alamo, and beyond. The museum will showcase a growing collection of over 5,000 artifacts, including more than 400 items from the renowned Phil Collins Texana Collection. These treasured pieces, such as cannons fired during the battle, archaeological discoveries from the Alamo site, and personal belongings of iconic figures like Sam Houston and Santa Anna, will enrich the visitor experience like never before.

This project would not be possible without the generous support of the State of Texas, Bexar County, and our many donors. We extend our gratitude to the Texas State Legislature for appropriating $400 million for the Alamo Plan, with Lt. Governor Dan Patrick and Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, M.D. championing this critical funding through the Texas Legislature. Additionally, we thank the Bexar County Commissioners Court for their $25 million commitment to the project, and we are deeply appreciative of the ongoing donations from our supporters, all of whom are helping to make this vision a reality.

We marked a significant milestone with the Construction Kickoff Ceremony on October 1, 2024, a testament to the collaboration and dedication that is driving this project forward.

1. Indigenous Peoples: Uncover the lives of the Indigenous peoples who first settled around the San Antonio River thousands of years ago.
2. Mission Era: Explore the era when Mission San Antonio de Valero, later known as the Alamo, was founded, offering perspectives from both Indigenous peoples and Spanish settlers. Learn how the mission became a critical religious, cultural, and agricultural center in the 18th century.
3. Mexican Rule & Texas Revolution: Delve into the crucial early decades of the 19th Century that led to the Texas Revolution and set the stage for the legendary Battle of the Alamo. Experience the political and social upheavals of the time, including key events that drove the fight for Texas independence.
4. The Battle of the Alamo: Relive the Battle of the Alamo through immersive displays and artifacts that bring the battle to life. Guests will walk through the intensity of the siege in our Battle Theatre experience, gaining a deeper understanding of the sacrifice and courage that shaped this pivotal moment in history.
5. Frontier Post: Trace the transformation of the Alamo from a mission to a U.S. military outpost when the U.S. Army arrived in 1847, setting the foundation for what would become Military City USA. Explore how the site evolved into a strategic military hub during the Mexican-American War and for western expansion.
6. From Ruin to Memorial: Discover the efforts that preserved the Alamo and transformed it into the Shrine of Texas Liberty that we know today.
7. Long-Term Legacy Gallery: Discover how the Alamo has been depicted across films, literature, art, and other media. Guests will gain insights into how the story of this historic site has evolved and been interpreted over time, offering a deeper understanding of its enduring impact and connection with the world.
8. San Antonio Civil Rights Gallery: Honor the trailblazers who made history in San Antonio’s Civil Rights movement, particularly at the historic Woolworth Building Lunch Counter. This gallery will shine a light on the courageous individuals who broke barriers and helped shape American freedom. 

The centerpiece of this experience is the 4D theater, which will offer an unparalleled multisensory journey through history. Additionally, several other unique immersive elements will be integrated throughout the museum to engage visitors in new ways.

The facility’s design includes innovative sustainable features, such as using condensation from the HVAC system to support water features along the adjacent Paseo del Alamo, which connects the Alamo to the famous San Antonio Riverwalk.

The first-floor lobby of the Visitor Center and Museum, including the Café and the San Antonio Civil Rights Gallery, will be free for public access. Within this lobby, visitors can explore vignettes that highlight key moments in the Alamo’s rich history. Additionally, a prominent wall display will feature a representation of the original Alamo Mission and Fort's western wall, as the Visitor Center and Museum are built atop the historic location where this western wall once stood. This display will serve as a tangible connection between the modern Visitor Center and the original footprint of the Alamo.

Beyond its historical exhibits, the Visitor Center will provide contemporary amenities, including:

• Event Spaces: Flexible venues for public and private events.
• Rooftop Terrace: Offering stunning views of downtown San Antonio.
• Alamo Café: A space where guests can relax and enjoy refreshments while reflecting on their experience.
• Retail Space: The Alamo Gift Shop will provide curated mementos to commemorate your visit.

This project is not only significant for its historical impact but also for its economic contributions. Over the first five years of construction and operation, the Alamo Visitor Center and Museum is projected to generate $11.3 billion in economic benefits, boosting tax revenues for Texas.

Join us in 2027 for this extraordinary journey through time and stay connected by following our social media channels or signing up for our monthly updates to receive the latest news on the progress of the Visitor Center and Museum. The stories of the Alamo’s past will come to life in new and exciting ways, creating a truly world-class facility that will preserve Texas history for generations to come.

Make a date with history and experience the Alamo like never before.