Categories: Museums
National Museum of Mexican Art
Author: Rachel Brito
Want to see exhibitions full of amazing, colorful, and beautiful art? The National Museum of Mexican Art has exactly what you want plus more! Enjoy witnessing the beautiful and creative visual and performing Mexican art. The National Museum of Mexican art is the largest Latino arts institution in the country and, lucky fo us, is located here in Chicago. Enjoy the different exhibits, works of art, performances, and educational programs at the museum.
Permanent Exhibits
The National Museum of Mexican Art has a wide variety of collections and exhibits. It has over 5,500 pieces of art, which is one of the largest collections of art in the entire nation. From the Mesoamerican civilizations to Contemporary artistic movements, this museum has an amazing collection of art that has educational value, too.
One of the NMMA’s collections is of drawings with Mexican style. These pieces of art range from having many beautiful colors to black and white drawings. Two other collections of art include Folk Art and Photography. The Folk Art shows vibrant colors and detail of the Mexican heritage, including ceramic vases and mini sculptures.The photographs range from Mexican landscapes to people and places.
One of the main collections of art is the painting and sculpture collection. The paintings of the many different artists, including the likes of Diego Riveria, show beautiful scenes, people, and unique designs of Mexican culture. The sculptures have many details of scenes and people that show the history of Mexico. There are also collections of textiles, Pre-Cuauhtemoc, and ephemera art. The textiles reflect the various clothing and style of Mexican heritage. The Pre-Cuauhtemoc section displays ancient artifacts that help people understand life before the Classic Period.
Perfomance Arts
The National Museum of Mexican Art also showcases performing arts. The performing arts section showcases concerts, festivals, events, films, and dance performances that give insight to the Mexican culture. There are even performances for school and educational groups to see. You can hear a Mexican artist talk about his/her artwork, enjoy listening to great Mexican music, and see performances by a wide-range of Mexican dancers.
General Info
The National Museum of Mexican Art is located at 1852 W. 19th St. in the historic Pilsen neighborhood just South of downtown Chicago.
The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is closed on Mondays and on holidays. Admission is free (though donations are suggested). Tickets are sold for performance festivals. The phone number is 312-738-1503. For more information, visit www.nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org.
Guided Tours
Guided tours are provided free of charge on every hour. The exception is a tour of the Day of the Dead exhibition, which is $80 per group. You must have at least 10 people in your group and no more than 45 people. Reservations must be made for a tour. To make a reservation call 312-738-1503 Ext. 3842.
Gift Shop
The gift shop sells catalogs of art at the museum, children’s literature, Mexican music, cookbooks, accessories for a classroom (magnets, mugs, backpacks, t-shirts, etc.), Day of the Dead merchandise, books on the history, culture, and art, and other pieces of literature. The gift shop is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can also buy merchandise online at www.mfacmstore.com/.
Check out places of interest near National Museum of Mexican Art:
Mexx Kitchen at The Whiskey
1015 N. Rush St.,
Chicago, IL 60611
A long-time nightlife favorite brings in a top-name chef and becomes a player in the Latin market instantaneously.
Museum of Science and Industry
5700 S Lake Shore Dr,
Chicago, IL 60637
The Museum of Science and Industry, one of the most beloved and visited museums in the world, has origins that are tied to two great World's Fairs and to civic spirit and imagination of Chicago businessman Julius Rosenwald.
Spertus Museum
610 S. Michigan Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60605
At Chicago's Spertus Museum, expect to see a permanent collection of Judaica, a hands-on archaeology exhibit for children, and temporary and raveling exhibitions.
