10/15/2026
We are thrilled to celebrate the one-year anniversary of our Museum. To celebrate this exciting milestone, weโd like to share a timeline of our journey with you, with the hopes that you all are able to get a better understanding of how the Museo del Westside came to be.
The Museo del Westside has grown from the love, determination, and hard work of Westside residents. For years, Westsiders have been distressed by the demolition of homes and historic buildings in our beloved neighborhoods. After losing a fight in 2002 trying to save the historic building "La Gloria," the struggle galvanized our determination to help long-term residents remain, to encourage young people to appreciate our rich cultural heritage, and to strengthen our Westside community identity. Countless community members generously donated time, photos, and artifacts. Ustedes, con su cariรฑo a nuestra gente y nuestra historia, have built the Museo del Westside. Please continue to share your memories, photos, artifacts, research, insights, and more.
This project has been in the making for quite some time, the journey commenced with an empowering group of individuals, the Corazones de Esperanza.
The Corazones De Esperanza :
A core group Isabel, Enrique, Josie, Lucy, Ray, Angie, Jimmy, Mildred, Carmen, Elisa and more formed the Corazones del Esperanza in the early 2000s. They dedicated to sharing pieces of the westside history, including sayings, cherished recipes, photos, and music. Documenting the history of the Westside helps empower those who live here to authorize their own history and to create an ongoing archive of experiences and knowledge that have been traditionally omitted from official history books.
Second Saturdays (2002):
The Corazones de Esperanza started having gatherings every second Saturday inviting community residents to the Casa de Cuentos, located at the Rinconcito de Esperanza, to exchange stories about growing up in San Antonio's Westside, some sharing photos and others artifacts. We still host them to this day and we welcome you, whether you're someone who enjoys listening to stories or sharing your own, to embark on this journey as we discover and celebrate the power of storytelling.
โEn Aquellos Tiempos: Fotohistorias del Westsideโ (2006):
To preserve and honor one of San Antonioโs vibrant and culturally significant communities, Esperanza curated a collection of photographs provided by members of the community. These images from the early 1900s to the 1950s are displayed as photo banners in more than six locations throughout the Westside.
Acquired Rubens Ice House/ M&E Grocery (2008):
Originally a residence but then opened as the M&E Grocery Store by Manuel and Elida Reyes in the mid 1940โs, expanded into Rubenโs Icehouse in 1959, and served as a community gathering space until it closed in 1987. In 2008, Esperanza acquired the property from the Reyes family with the help of former councilwoman Patti Radle. This marked the beginning of actualizing the first museum of the westside of San Antonio.
Temporary Exhibits (2013/2023):
Throughout the restoration of the Rinconcito de Esperanza, temporary exhibits were showcased for visitors. This allowed guests to engage with art and history even while the building was under construction.
Grand Opening (Oct 18th, 2025):
The Museo del Westside officially opened its doors to the public on October 18, 2025. Showcasing 3 central exhibits, Rubens Ice House, M&E Groceries and โOur Work Transforms the World.โ We also have two digital exhibits, available to view on our website: www.museodelwestside.org/exhibitions
We are so happy to announce that this Sunday, October 18th, the Museo del Westside officially turns One!! To celebrate with us on this exciting achievement come visit us Tuesdays through Saturdays from 12PM to 6PM. To book a guided tour and extended availability, visit our website: www.museodelwestside.org/visit
