The Institute of Hispanic Culture, a 501 (c)(3) corporation, was founded in 1965 a group of Houston professional interested in preserving enhancing and promulgating the Hispanic Culture and languages inherited from Spain, Portugal and Latin America. The Institute's mission is to disseminated the Hispanic culture, to provide scholarship and to highlight the historical, linguistic, scientific, and artistic achievements and presence of Hispanic in the United States, particularly in Texas.

The Institute's membership is comprised of individuals from Latin American countries, Spain, Portugal and North America. Through its wide range of cultural and education programs, the membership is provided the opportunity to share, understand and appreciate the diverse cultures of the Hispanic world. The Institute is an "Organization of Hispanophiles" rather than an Organization of Hispanics.