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 special place in Chicago, Illinois. It shows amazing art and culture from Mexico, Latino people, and Chicano communities. You can find it in Harrison Park, in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood.
Carlos Tortolero started the museum in 1982. It first opened its doors on March 27, 1987. The NMMA is the only Latino museum that has been approved by the American Alliance of Museums. It is known as the largest Latino cultural place in America.
The best part is that it's free to visit!
Museum History and Growth
Carlos Tortolero and a group of Mexican-American teachers created the Mexican Fine Arts Center Museum in 1982. The museum building in Harrison Park opened in 1987. It was made even bigger in 2001.
The cool design on the front of the building was inspired by ancient patterns. These patterns come from the friezes of Mitla in Oaxaca, Mexico.
Radio Arte: A Community Voice
From 1996 to 2012, the museum ran a non-profit radio station called WRTE 90.5 FM, also known as Radio Arte. It was a community station. In 2011, the museum announced that the station and its building were for sale. This was due to money problems.
In 2012, Chicago Public Media bought the radio station's license. On December 31, 2012, Radio Arte stopped broadcasting. It had been the only Latino-owned radio station in the Chicago area.
Becoming a National Museum
In December 2006, the museum changed its name. It became the National Museum of Mexican Art. This new name shows its important role. It is the only museum dedicated to Latino culture that is part of the American Alliance of Museums.
Exploring the Collections
The museum has a permanent collection of important Mexican art and historical items. The main exhibit is called "Mexicanidad: Our Past is Present." It teaches visitors about Mexico's history in five main parts:
- Mexico before Cuauhtémoc
- Colonial Mexico
- Mexico from Independence to Revolution
- Mexico from the Revolution to today
- The Mexican Experience in the US
Annual Día de los Muertos Exhibit
Every October, the museum hosts a special Día de los Muertos ("Day of the Dead") exhibit. This exhibit features altars and art related to the holiday. Artists from Chicago and around the world create these pieces. It is the largest Día de los Muertos exhibit in the country.
Other Museum Programs
The NMMA also offers many other programs. These include arts education, performances, and community projects. In 1994, the museum started two new festivals. These were Del Corazon: the Mexican Performing Arts Festival, and the Sor Juana Festival. The Sor Juana Festival honors a famous Mexican scholar and writer, Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz. In 1997, the museum created the Yollocalli Arts Reach, which helps young artists.
See also
