The Wittliff Collections
Overview
The Wittliff Collections deliver an exceptionally elegant, intellectually enriching aesthetic destination located on the top floor of the Albert B. Alkek Library at Texas State University. Founded by a passionate American screenwriter and photographer, this world-class cultural institution houses a brilliant permanent archive dedicated completely to preserving the creative literature, photographic genius, and music heritage of the Southwest desert frontier. Visitors can browse sun-drenched view galleries displaying original hand-written movie scripts, vintage southwestern prints, and historic musical instruments from legendary regional artists. The museum's thought-provoking rotating exhibitions provide travelers with a profoundly unique and unforgettable look into true Texas artistic soul.
Practical Info
Travel Tips
- Concealed on the 7th floor of Alkek Library; non-university visitors must present physical government photo identification to register at the main library gate checkpoint.
- Delicate original silver-gelatin photographic prints and primary manuscripts mandate strict preservation; open coffee cups and colored soft drinks are banned near casing tiers.
- The optimal vehicle trajectory targets the Alkek paid multi-level parking deck; parking in rows demarcated with coded student decals triggers immediate university towing.
Reviews
- A premier world-class art and literature vault atop the university library, packing gorgeous southwest master photographs and original movie scripts with stellar visuals.
- Crowned by its legendary permanent 'Lonesome Dove' film archive exhibit, showcasing genuine costume artifacts and props that deliver incredible cultural value.
- The galleries are kept blissfully quiet, spotlessly clean, and climate-controlled, offering a completely free admission led by highly polite and professional staff.
- Excellently set inside a fully flat accessible modern library tower packing wide smooth paths, automatic elevators, and cozy sofa rest lounges overlooking the river.
- Tucked away on the 7th floor of the massive university library, external trail markers are small, making driving and navigating campus lanes confusing for first-timers.
- Packs zero private free parking lots; visitors must use expensive campus garages and endure long walks under the sun to reach the library tower entrance lobby.
- During academic exam weeks and school orientations, the library elevators suffer from long student queues, creating congested line movement and a loud lobby din.
- Enforces strict Sunday, federal holiday, and extended academic summer break closures, keeping gates locked during high-traffic travel breaks and ruining itineraries.