San Antonio Celebrates World Heritage Center Grand Opening

Published on February 07, 2025

SAN ANTONIO (February 7, 2025) – Today, the City of San Antonio World Heritage Office hosted the grand opening of the much-anticipated World Heritage Center. This momentous occasion was celebrated with remarks from Mayor Ron Nirenberg, District 3 Councilmember Phyllis Viagran, Public Works Director Razi Hosseini, World Heritage Office Director Colleen Swain, and Dr. Cynthia Teniente-Matson, the former president of the San Antonio Tricentennial Celebration Commission.

The grand opening featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony and dedication of the World Heritage Center veranda, a legacy gift from the Tricentennial Celebration Commission to the people of San Antonio in Commemoration of the City’s founding in 1718.

“The opening of the World Heritage Center is not just a celebration of our shared history,” said Mayor Ron Nirenberg. “It is a vital bridge connecting the past and present, inspiring future generations to appreciate and preserve the rich cultural heritage of our beloved San Antonio and sharing it with the world.”

The World Heritage Center is a space where residents and visitors can discover, learn, and celebrate the vibrant culture and history of the five San Antonio Missions — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — and the surrounding communities. Visitors are welcomed with a range of engaging opportunities, including a captivating multi-media exhibition showcasing interviews of mission descendants who share their stories of living in the communities. Additionally, the exhibition displays paintings by local artists that beautifully capture the traditions and legacies of the mission communities.

“With the opening of the World Heritage Center, we underline a significant milestone for the San Antonio community and an important benchmark for the world,” shared District 3 Councilmember Phyllis Viagran. “The Center will serve as a platform for sharing our rich stories and proud heritage with residents and tourists from around the globe.”

In addition to self-guided tours, the invocation, and an Indigenous blessing, the grand opening showcased the dedication of the veranda designed by local artist Adriana Garcia. The Center will host lectures and activities for all ages, along with other public programs that are free and open to the public throughout the year.

"We are thrilled about the opening of the World Heritage Center, marking an incredible moment for San Antonio and our community,” said World Heritage Office Director Colleen Swain. “The Center honors the living legacies of the people connected to the missions and provides an opportunity for them to share their stories and experiences as they lived it.”

Visitors to the World Heritage Center can immerse themselves, connect with the communities surrounding the historic San Antonio Missions and celebrate what makes San Antonio’s UNESCO World Heritage unique.

World Heritage Center

3106 Roosevelt Ave., 78214
Free admission

Hours of Operation

• Mondays: Closed
• Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Thursdays: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Saturdays and Sundays: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

*For holidays and closures, please contact the World Heritage Center at 210-207-3905 or WorldHeritage@SanAntonio.gov.

For more information, visit WorldHeritageSA.com.