City leaders hosted the grand opening of the World Heritage Center Friday with a ribbon-cutting and dedication of a veranda, which is in commemoration of the city’s founding in 1718.
The occasion was celebrated with an indigenous blessing and remarks from Mayor Ron Nirenberg, District 3 Councilmember Phyllis Viagran, Public Works Director Razi Hosseini, World Heritage Office Director Colleen Swain and Cynthia Teniente-Matson, the former president of the San Antonio Tricentennial Celebration Commission.
“The opening of the World Heritage Center is not just a celebration of our shared history,” Nirenberg said, in a news release. “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.
Exhibition curator Gabriela Gamez said they took a lot into consideration when selecting the stories from the past to tell at the center including whose stories should be included and what they may have wanted to share with visitors.
“We want [visitors] to feel proud and we want them to feel really excited about what they have because many people don’t know or don’t value those origins,” she said.
At the center, visitors can see a multimedia exhibition showcasing interviews of mission descendants who share their stories of living in the communities.
One of those descendants is Vincent Huizar, whose family member Don Pedro Huizar was the master builder who carved the rose window and facade at Mission San Jose.
Vincent Huizar’s hope is that visitors from near and far will “see the World Heritage Center here, then go visit the Missions and that they can tie this to the Missions and find out the stories that the descendants told in there.”
The exhibition also displays paintings by local artists that capture its traditions and legacies.
The center’s veranda designed by local artist Adriana Garcia is a legacy gift from the Tricentennial Celebration Commission to the people of San Antonio.
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.
Photographer Bria Woods contributed to this story.
