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Museums #2 in Ukrainian Village, Chicago

National Museum of Mexican Art

4.8 · 3,627 reviews
Welcoming, educational, and community-focused.
National Museum of Mexican Art, 1852 W 19th St, Chicago, IL 60608, United States
Interesting facts
1

It is the largest museum in the United States dedicated exclusively to Mexican art and culture.

2

The museum holds the most significant collection of Mexican art in the country outside of Mexico.

3

Its permanent collection spans from pre-Cuauhtémoc times to the contemporary era.

4

The facility is situated in Pilsen, a neighborhood with a long-standing history of Mexican migration to Chicago.

5

The museum was founded in 1982 by educator Carlos Tortolero.

6

It famously hosts an extensive annual Day of the Dead exhibition that features traditional altars.

7

The institution actively incorporates both professional art and folk art into its curated narratives.

8

The building was designed to integrate seamlessly into the public space of Harrison Park.

Overview

The National Museum of Mexican Art is the first Latino museum accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. It houses a permanent collection of over 18,000 objects representing 3,000 years of Mexican creativity. The museum is located within Harrison Park in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago. It features a diverse range of artistic mediums including ancient Mesoamerican artifacts, colonial-era religious art, and contemporary Mexican-American works. The institution is recognized for its commitment to showcasing the diversity of Mexican culture across both sides of the border. It serves as a community hub that prioritizes accessibility through free admission year-round. The exhibition spaces rotate frequently to highlight various regional and historical themes.

Photo spot

The main gallery hallways which often feature vibrant, color-blocked walls and large-scale installations.

Insider tips

Check the event calendar online before arriving to see if there are live artist workshops or performances scheduled.

Explore the surrounding Pilsen neighborhood after your visit to view extensive public murals.

Visit the museum gift shop for unique handcrafted items sourced directly from Mexican artisans.

What to avoid

Confusing the museum's location with the Ukrainian Village; while the database lists the city as Ukrainian Village, the address is physically located in the Pilsen neighborhood.

Good to know

Closed on Mondays.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
1.5-2 hours
Best time to visit
Weekday afternoons for the quietest experience; autumn for the special Day of the Dead installations.
Address
National Museum of Mexican Art, 1852 W 19th St, Chicago, IL 60608, United States
41.856, -87.673
Get directions
Details
Key exhibitsPermanent collection of over 18,000 items, Mesoamerican artifacts, and annual Day of the Dead displays.
Cultural focusMexican and Mexican-American artistic heritage.

Frequently asked

Plan for about 1.5-2 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Weekday afternoons for the quietest experience; autumn for the special Day of the Dead installations..

The main gallery hallways which often feature vibrant, color-blocked walls and large-scale installations.

Close by you'll find Millennium Park, Skydeck Chicago, The Art Institute of Chicago.

United States of America

About Ukrainian Village, Chicago