| :: San Antonio
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Attraction >Neighborhood
| Hemisfair Park |
Address:
200 S. Alamo
| San Antonio | 78205
Region:
San Antonio
Rating:
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Description and Basic Information ::
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HemisFair Park was the central location of San Antonio’s world fair in l968, the HemisFair. Today, the area serves as a beautiful community park and the home of the Tower of the Americas, the Institute for Texan Cultures and the Instituto Cultural Maxicano.
The 750-ft Tower of the Americas, which can be seen from many vantage points throughout San Antonio, provides breathtaking panoramic views of the city and surrounding area. To arrive at the observation level, one ascends 500 feet in a glass walled elevator. The elevator is open daily from 8 am till 11 pm.
Admission; Adults $3; Children $1; seniors $2. Call 210-207-8615 for details. A restaurant is available for lunch and dinner.
A short walk along architectural waterfalls leads to the Institute of Texan Cultures. This is Texas history at it’s best. The exhibit encourages visitor participation; so many areas have hands-on artifacts. The displays begin with man coming to the North American continent. Indian culture displays portray the progress and merging of various tribes with the Spaniards. The display murals on the walls of the institute show the life of the various Indian ancestors to San Antonio’s descendants. There are many displays of other immigrants that make up the Tex-Mex blend.
Also located within the lovely park is the Instituto Cultural Maxicano. Sponsored by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Mexico, its mission is to promote the Mexican culture and to strengthen ties between the US and Mexico. Its programs include visual arts, exhibits, movies and performance art.
Located on the fringe of the park is the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center. Recent expansion brings its size to 1.3 million square feet. San Antonio has become a major player in the convention market, hosting major events and providing over 25,000 hotel rooms. |
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:: San Antonio :: |
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