National Museum of Mexican Art
The National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago showcases Mexico's culture and traditions through over 10,000 artworks, from ancient civilization to contemporary pieces. Enjoy free admission and explore exhibits highlighting Mexican folk art and Mexican-American experiences.
Chicago is a city of many splendid things: ethnic enclaves, heritage, and art culture. Rising in the midst of the Mexican American barrio is the National Museum of Mexican Art, which serves as one of the big cultural resources in America. It depicts Mexico and Mexican Americans, their customs, and art, so anyone interested in Mexican culture can learn more. Anyone interested in art and history or those who would like to know more about the traditions of Mexico should not miss the NMMA when in Chicago.
National Museum of Mexican Art - A Small History
Established in 1982, the NMMA was established by Carlos Tortolero and a team of teachers who wanted to bring the spirit of Mexican arts throughout the United States. After starting as a small community-producing organization, it has grown into one of the largest Latino cultural organizations in the country. It was founded in 1987 though since then it has been operational as a platform for Mexican artistry as well as providing functional knowledge of Mexico’s traditions, cultures, and histories to the public. The museum does not charge for admittance to its exhibitions; as such, people from all financial classes can benefit from the art.
A Journey Through Mexican Art and Culture
The National Museum of Mexican Art contains over 10,000 complete pieces containing artwork from pre-Columbian to present-day pieces. The museum's permanent collection is divided into thematic sections that present a comprehensive view of Mexican culture:
Pre-Columbian (Ancient Mesoamerican Art):
This section deals with the art of ancient civilization, and the art of Maya, Aztec, and Olmec culture. The pottery, jewels, and stone carvings depicted talent and religious networks that were influential in the formation of modern Mexican society.
Mexican Folk Art:
Mexican folk art has been an important part of the country for generations and pieces in the NMMA collection are textiles, pottery, and wood sculptures, frequently with scenes from common life, carnivals, and religious practices. Some of the best features are the Day of the Dead collection, comprising elaborated ofrendas (altars) and sugar skulls.
Modern and Contemporary Art:
The museum showcases a collection of Mexican and Mexican-American contemporary art in painting, photography, and videos. The collection addresses social concerns that include immigration, identity, and the Mexican-American experience with art masters, Diego Rivera, and Frida Kahlo.
Mexican-American Art:
One that is unique is the content from artists of Mexican descent who get to examine what separates Mexican-American art from the rest of it. The museum is a narration of why the settlers migrated, how they were accepted or rather rejected, and their struggle for equal rights.
Special Exhibitions and Programs:
Apart from the collection it has, the NMMA organizes temporary exhibitions dedicated to modern Mexican artists or Mexican culture. These exhibitions pose themes like immigration and gender and place a focus on marginalization in art domains.
Educational Programs:
Throughout the year, the NMMA provides education programs that include organized school visits, children’s tours, and adult seminars designed to raise cultural sensitivity and social understanding to contribute to numerous social discussions. Such activities as creating artworks provide a meaningful way of educating all ages on the Mexican traditions in the program.
Día de los Muertos:
Probably the most awaited annual event of the NMMA is the Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) show – one of the biggest and grandest in America.
About the exhibition :
The exhibition showcases altars as developed by local and international artists in remembrance of the dead, a tradition sanctified by Mexican culture.
Visitor Information:
The National Museum of Mexican Art is found at 1852 West 19th in Chicago Illinois, 60608. It is however very important to note that the museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM and does not charge a dime for viewing for any reason. It can be easily accessed by train through the Pink Line or by bus.
The National Museum of Mexican Art is a young and active museum that represents the richness and versatility of Mexican traditions. If you are a permanent resident of Chicago, or if you are just a tourist, a visit to the NMMA is a trip back into the soul of the Mexican historical past that you would not want to miss.
