Museum Spotlight: The National Museum of Mexican Art

Since 1982, The National Museum of Mexican Art has showcased art from America and Mexico, celebrating the diversity of Mexican art and culture. Located at the edge of Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood, the National Museum of Mexican Art shares the richness of Mexican art with visitors from around the world and around the block.

History

In 1982, a group of educators envisioned what they called the “Mexican Fine Arts Center Museum.” In 1987, their vision became a reality, and they created a museum with the goal of establishing an arts and cultural organization committed to accessibility, education, and social justice that displayed the Mexican art many other institutions failed to celebrate.

Over the years, the museum expanded. In 2001, the museum moved to its current state-of-the-art facility in Pilsen. In 2006, the Mexican Fine Arts Center Museum was renamed to its current title: The National Museum of Mexican Art. 

Today

Today, the National Museum of Mexican Art is one of the most prominent institutions for Mexican art and culture in the country. With a collection of over 11,000 pieces, the museum also houses one of the country’s largest Mexican art collections. 

The National Museum of Mexican Art also offers educational and community programming, making it a gathering place for the Pilsen and broader Chicago areas. The museum hosts cultural programs throughout the year including theater, dance, and musical performances as well as seminars and symposia. 

Visit

Upcoming exhibitions at the National Museum of Mexican Art include Surrounding Kahlo: Works from the Permanent Collection on display through January 15, 2023, and Yollocalli 25 Years Young on display through August 28, 2022. 

The museum is open to the public and offers free admission. Masks are required.