National Museum of Mexican Art facts for kids
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Museum entrance.
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| Established | 1982 |
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| Location | 1852 W. 19th Street Chicago, IL 60608 US |
| Type | Art Museum |
| Founder | Carlos Tortelero |
| Public transit access | CTA Bus routes: Routes 9 and 50 CTA 'L' (Pink Line): Damen or 18th St. |
The National Museum of Mexican Art (NMMA) is a cool place to explore Mexican and Chicano art and culture. It's located in Chicago, Illinois, in a neighborhood called Pilsen. The museum was started in 1982 by Carlos Tortolero and first opened its doors on March 27, 1987. It's the only museum focused on Latino culture that is officially recognized by the American Alliance of Museums. The museum proudly says it's the biggest Latino cultural spot in America!
The best part? It's completely free to visit!
Museum History and Growth
Carlos Tortolero and a group of Mexican-American teachers had a great idea in 1982. They decided to create the Mexican Fine Arts Center Museum. In 1986, they made a deal to use a building in Harrison Park.
The museum building officially opened in 1987. It was later made even bigger in 2001. The special designs on the outside of the building were inspired by ancient patterns from Mitla in Oaxaca, Mexico.
In December 2006, the museum changed its name to the National Museum of Mexican Art. This new name showed that it was the only museum of its kind in the American Alliance of Museums that focused on Latino culture.
Amazing Art Collections
The museum has a huge collection of art and items from Mexican history. It features important works by famous Mexican artists.
Mexicanidad: Our Past is Present
One of the main exhibits is called "Mexicanidad: Our Past is Present." This exhibit takes you on a journey through Mexico's history. It covers five main parts:
- Mexico before Cuauhtémoc (ancient times)
- Mexico during the time of Spanish rule
- Mexico from its independence to the Revolution
- Mexico after the Revolution up to today
- The experience of Mexicans living in the United States
Annual Day of the Dead Exhibit
Every October, the museum hosts a special Día de los Muertos ("Day of the Dead") exhibit. This amazing show features colorful altars and art related to the Day of the Dead. Artists from Chicago and around the world contribute to it. It's the biggest exhibit of its kind in the entire country!
Fun Programs and Festivals
The NMMA also offers many programs for art education and performances. In 1994, the museum started two new festivals. One was "Del Corazon: the Mexican Performing Arts Festival." The other was the Sor Juana Festival, which celebrates an important Mexican writer named Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz. In 1997, the museum also created the Yollocalli Arts Reach, which helps young people get involved in art.
More to Explore
- List of museums and cultural institutions in Chicago
- Mexicans in Chicago
- National Museum of the American Latino
- WRTE
