The National Museum of Mexican Art, located in Chicago, is the first Hispanic art museum in the nation to receive accreditation from the American Association of Museums. The museum identifies Mexican traditions as being "sin fronteras" or without borders.
Their mission is to display "the Mexican culture from ancient times to the present and how it has manifested itself on both sides of the boarder".
The NMMA's permanent exhibit, "Mexcanidad: Our Past is Our Present", embraces the ideals and way of life that connect Mexican communities in spite of geographical separation. This exhibit has an extensive collection of indigenous artifacts, traditional folk art, photographs and contemporary pieces.
Pre - Cuauhtemoc Mexico
The first section of the exhibit displays pre-Columbian artifacts that date as far back as 1100 B.C.E. There is a large collection of ceramics displayed spanning from many indigenous cultures throughout Mexico. Pottery played a significant role in everyday life in Mesoamerica and the art of ceramic making was highly revered. Ceramic skills were passed down from generation to generation and in some areas of Mexico these traditions remain.
Colonial Mexico
It was during this era that the influence of Spanish customs and Christianity left an impact on Mexican art. A collection of paintings features religious iconography and the Spanish ruling elite. This section of the exhibit showcases a number of images of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Considered to be the patron saint of Mexico, the icon has played a significant role in Mexican culture since the 16th century. The museum is currently fundraising to make the "Virgen de Guadalupe" painting from Colonial painter Miguel Cabrera part of their permanent collection.
Mexico: Independence to Revolution
Once Mexico won independence from Spain in 1821, the nation began a process of economic development. The NMMA has an extensive compilation of photographs, taken between the mid 19th century and early 20th century, which document Mexico's journey into modernization. There is also a section of photographs that feature individuals that played an extensive role in the Mexican Revolution that took place from 1910 to 1920.
Mexico in the Present-day
The exhibit regarding contemporary Mexican art focuses heavily on the concept of Mexicanidad or a cultural consciousness that unifies all Mexicans. One of the exhibits most notable pieces is a collection of photographs taken by artist Lourdes Almeida. Over the span of two years, Almeida had traveled throughout Mexico and had taken portraits of a variety of families. The families featured vary in socio - economic status, ethnic background, and lifestyle but they all they all share a common thread of tradition, history, and culture that bring them together according to Almedia's artist statement.
Dia de los Muertos
Every fall, the NMMA holds an annual exhibit celebrating the Day of the Dead traditions. The customs are a blend of indigenous rituals and Christian traditions. Day of the Dead celebrations often include an altar decorated with family pictures, favorite possessions, and food and drink. This practice also signifies the duality of life and death. The annual exhibit includes the work of local and international artists whose work provides their own personal take on Day of the Dead traditions.
Location: 1852 W. 19th St., Chicago, Il 60608
Telephone: (312) 738-1503
