Stories Without Borders: The Wittliff Collections in Queretaro

Photography offers a unique way to explore cultural heritage, preserve meaningful stories, and discover the perspectives that shape our understanding of the world. Each image provides a glimpse into the traditions, people, and experiences that connect generations.

On October 23, 2026, Texas State University Querétaro and Elisia Education Hub celebrated the opening of a special exhibition from The Wittliff Collections, featuring works by renowned Mexican photographers that highlight the richness and diversity of Mexico’s cultural heritage.

Through this exhibition, students, faculty, and visitors have the opportunity to experience photography as a bridge between cultures, explore different artistic perspectives, and discover how shared stories can strengthen connections between Mexico and the United States.

Capturing the essence of Mexican culture

Each photograph tells a story and offers a unique perspective on the culture, traditions, and people that define Mexico. The exhibition presents a selection of works that highlight the richness of Mexican cultural heritage, inviting viewers to recognize the value of preserving and sharing these artistic expressions.

The exhibition is part of the initiatives of The Wittliff Collections, a renowned research center, archive and museum founded in 1986 by Bill Wittliff and located at Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas.

Since its creation, this institution has been dedicated to preserving and disseminating the cultural legacy of Texas, the southwestern United States, and Mexico through photography, literature, music, and film.

Building bridges between Texas and Queretaro

The inauguration took place through a ribbon-cutting ceremony that brought together academic, cultural and business representatives from Mexico and the United States.

Among the participating authorities were Belinda Salazar, Deputy General Manager of Elisia Education Hub; Prof. Alexandra Strong, Vice-Chancellor of Texas State University Querétaro; and Dr. Pranesh Aswath, Provost and Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs at Texas State University.

The meeting was also attended by Sam Pfiester, President of The Wittliff Collections; Marise McDermott, Executive Director of the institution; and Reid Wittliff, representative of the Wittliff family.

Also participating were representatives from the Texas State Office in Mexico, members of the university community, and guests from the cultural and institutional sphere.

Beyond the inauguration, this meeting strengthened ties between Texas and Querétaro, promoting artistic exchange, international academic collaboration, and dialogue between both communities.

A university experience that goes beyond the classroom

The university is also a space to discover ideas, learn about different cultures, and broaden the way we understand the world.

For students at Texas State University Querétaro, initiatives like this represent opportunities to approach art and cultural heritage from an international perspective, enriching their academic and personal development.

At TXST Querétaro, we believe in the importance of promoting experiences that complement learning and allow our community to connect with different disciplines, perspectives, and cultural expressions.

The arrival of The Wittliff Collections reflects this commitment to an education that integrates knowledge, culture, and international collaboration, strengthening ties between Mexico and the United States.