Join our mailing listMEXICAN Culture
Where else in the Northern U.S. can you experience Mexican and Mexican-American culture like you can in Chicago? Head to Pilsen and Little Village to share in the excitement and pride of their comunities. Venture into other neighborhoods to taste tampiqueña, listen to Latin rock, and dance the duranguense. All sumer long, Chicago embraces Mexican-style celebration with outdoor festivals, singing, dancing, food, and family fun.
National Museum of Mexican Art
The National Museum of Mexican Art is an absolute must. Expressing Mexican culture through visual art, literature, culinary art, film, and performance, it’s clear why this free Pilsen institution is considered the nation’s premier Latino museum.
It is also the cultural nexus for Chicago’s Mexican-American community of over a half-million people, and it serves as an educational hub for those intrigued by this fascinating culture. Wherever you’re coming from, this is the perfect place to start your exploration of Mexican culture in Chicago.
current Exhibitions
Chart Mexican culture through U.S. history at the Museum’s Con Safos (With Respect) exhibition through June 15. Southwestern and Californian Chicano artworks—from paintings to photographs to installations— guide you from the late ’60s to today.
Through July 20, explore the impact of the mythical blood-sucking creature Chupacabras in artworks by Chicago artists during Chupacabras! Artists Reinterpret the Myth. Enhance your visit with the public tour highlighting visiting exhibitions offered one Saturday a month in English (Noon) and Spanish (1 pm).
Permanent Collection
Journey across times and traditions, from ancient Mexico to today, in the Museum’s permanent collection. View prints and drawings, folk art, contemporary painting and sculpture, photography, artifacts, textiles, and ephemera such as posters, broadsides, postcards, and tickets.
Shopping
Mine the treasures of the Museum shop Tienda Tzintzuntzan. Besides exhibition-related items, unearth special finds from Mexico, including sugar skulls made for the Day of the Dead by artisans from Toluca (Mexico’s famous candy center); Mexican action figures of luchadores (wrestlers) in colorful masks; fine intricately patterned Talavera pottery from Puebla; CDs featuring son y huapango (the traditional music of Veracruz); and Frida's Fiesta, a cookbook containing Frida Kahlo’s personal recollections and recipes.
Sidebar
Key to Icons
 |
Free |
|---|---|
 |
Kid Friendly |
 |
Wheelchair Accessible |
Key Information
National Museum of Mexican Art
Tuesdays–Sundays
10am–5pm
1852 W. 19th Street
312.738.1503
More Information
