National Museum of Mexican Art

What is National Museum of Mexican Art?

The museum is a nonprofit art museum focused on Mexican art and on the work of Chicano artists, Mexican Americans in the United States. Exhibitions cover both fine art and wider culture, so a visit can take in paintings and prints as well as traditions and history. It sits inside Harrison Park in Pilsen, a short drive southwest of downtown, rather than among the big museums along the lakefront.

History of National Museum of Mexican Art

Carlos Tortolero started the museum in 1982, and it welcomed its first visitors on March 27, 1987. Since then it has earned accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums, a first among Latino museums, and has grown into what it calls the biggest Latino cultural institution in America. The word National in its name reflects that ambition: it aims to speak for Mexican art across the country, not just in Chicago.

Visiting National Museum of Mexican Art: tips

The museum has restrooms on site, parking and wheelchair access, and it welcomes families with children. Allow about an hour, more if you like to read every label. Since it is outside the Loop, it works best as a short drive rather than a walk from downtown.

Other nearby stops include Hull House about 1.7 miles away, the National Hellenic Museum about 2 miles away and the Chinese American Museum of Chicago about 2.1 miles away. Together they tell the stories of several immigrant communities that helped build Chicago.