National Museum of Mexican Art

Address:	1852 W 19th St, Chicago, IL 60608, USA
Phone:	+1 312-738-1503
Site:	nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org
Rating:	4.5
Working:	Closed 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 18

Sabina Kajtezovic

This museum is located in Pilsen neighborhood and celebrates Mexican culture. The entrance is free, with plenty of free street parking available. Really, nothing to stop you from coming here. The Day of the Dead exhibit featured works of artist inspired by Posada as well as few small pieces by Posada himself. Despite being small, the exhibit is very meaningful and youll find yourself pondering the meaning of life as you inspect each piece. Some are very touching, like the one called Soldiers coming home by Carlos Gomez. This museum features one of the most unique shops Ive ever seen, I would almost call it a boutique: Tzintzuntzán - Place of the Hummingbird, exhibition unto itself where you can also find some unique art available for purchase as well as sugar-skull inspired pieces.

Crystal Wilson

I went there three weeks ago. My bf and his parents are from Mexico City,Mexico so they were excited to go. We were visiting Chicago from St.Louis.The people that were there were rude. They didnt even acknowledge us. They had no signs saying that photography was not allowed. One of their workers (a male) walked up to me in an exhibit and began lecturing me about taking photos in the exhibit. Though there were people taking pictures in the other exhibits that I visited. My bf mother came in and he said three words to her (in Spanish)about photos (no lecture). That same staff member followed us around the exhibit me especially. I felt violated. I will never return.

Stephen Poore

How could you ever give this place anything less than five stars? They have an incredible collection of Central American art. Im blown away with the scope and diversity of voices that they display in their galleries. The staff is super knowledgeable, and I learned a lot about Mexican history. I have to admit, before coming I knew very little of the historical significance of Mexican culture--I was ignorant--but, I left feeling a little more aware of our neighbors story and loved taking the opportunity to admire the art. Gosh this place was awesome, maybe one of the most underrated museums in Chicago.

Manuel Colón

Hands down one of my favorite Museums in the city. And its free! All the time, every time! There may be special events or programs that charge, but the museums permanent collection and two rotating rooms are always free to the public (open to donations of course). You can also rent the space their event space if youre looking for a swank venue. They also have a shop that sells pieces related to the art on exhibit. The history of the space is really great too, hope more people get to enjoy this museum like I do!

Filemon Santiago

Hola a todos los que colaboran en el museo y que con su esfuerzo esten logrando de este lugar un centro de inportancia atravez de los años puedo ver como a crecido, cuando yo conoci este lugar aun estaba en via de desarrollo felicidadez

Brooke Hutchison

This is a great museum that is tucked away in Pilsen like a hidden treasure. If youre visiting Chicago its a little bit of a trip out there, but their exhibitions are well executed a worth getting out to see. Hop on the Pink Line and itll take you within 2 blocks on the museum - so easy! I loved their Day of the Dead exhibit last year and look forward to seeing what theyll do to celebrate it this year. Oh, and did I mention its FREE?!

lauren g

This is the best free museum Ive ever been to. Actually, I enjoyed it more than most museums Ive paid to get into. Its fairly large with different galleries showcasing art movements throughout the years in which to roam around. My least favorite was the street art gallery, but thats my problem. And when youre done there is a paleta man (at least when I went) outside selling churritos. What more could you want?!

Melissa Sanchez

This place was awesome! I loved the gallery -- very cool and unique! Quite a spacious atmosphere to the museum. There are plenty of foods to eat nearby -- mostly mexican. It is also near the Harrison Park (the museum is right down from the park). Also check out their glass display cases -- beautiful things are displayed as well. They also have a fantastic gift store inside too.

Bryan Sandoval

Enjoyed, after many false starts I finally made it over to visit. While small and nondescript location that you can drive by like I did. The works are small compared to bigger locations. But you get a sense of struggle that show is their gallery. Lots of different art some makes you think some makes smile. I plan on coming again looking forward to what new things they bring

A Private User

The exhibitions are beautiful but I was treated very poorly. The lady at the gift shop closed the register 15 minutes early. It is a shame because I wanted to spend my money in a way that would serve the community but the staff refused to even speak to me. It was particularly frustrating because we traveled so far to see this place. Very dissappointed.

Buck Wild

Amazing although small permanent collection. Extremely diverse use of materials as well as subject matter. Our personal favorite was an enormous piece made entirely of miniscule beads. The very definition of labor of love. The Worm was spectacular as well. Bonus: I am now a complete person thanks to the Mexican wrestler mask I scored at the gift.

D Pham

Very small museum, but brimming with talented pieces. I went during the Dia de Los Muertos exhibits, and the skeleton artwork were amazing. I took me a while to walk through, and I left with many favorite pieces in my mind. I would come back to Pilsen and visit them again in a very near future. Cant wait to see what that would bring.

A Private User

Beautiful exhibitions. Loved being able to take my time and stroll through each gallery. The quality of the contents could easily merit an entrance fee. However the free admission really got me in the door. The only weird thing was having staff members hang around in the galleries - it kind of made me feel rushed toward the end.

Mohannad Safadi

A cute and small museum, full of interesting and lively pieces. It was really nice to know it is free and open to the public. They have a special exhibit with Francesco Toledo which was beautiful, unique, and wonderful. It was nice to see the transition of art style through history, giving you a true feel for Mexican art.

Christopher Aleman

Amazing FREE Museum open to the public everyday! A must see at anytime of the year but especially during October when the museum celebrates the day of the dead. You will see alters made by local artist that speak to societal injustices but also to personal traumas. Its a wonderful place to be exposed to mexican culture.

Jess Mean

Head down to Pilsen for a stunning collection of Mexican art from the 1800s to today. I especially love the seasonal Day of the Dead collection that celebrates the art of Jose Guadalupe Posada and the uniquely Mexican holiday. Parking is plentiful and its also a quick walk from two Pink Line stops.

Tomás

One of the best Mexican heritage museums in the United States, despite its small size. The permanent collection is nice, but temporary exhibits make the museum truly exceptional. The museum is closely connected to local Mexican community events, which makes it more than just a relic from the past.

Amy Wilschke

Kind of off the beaten path but worth the trip for some great Mexican art. The Dia de los Muertos exhibit was great! And the museum is small so you can get through it easily and then head to a nearby taco joint! They also have a great space for private parties, so keep this unique venue in mind!