Exploring the Latino-heavy Pilsen neighborhood is a bit like stepping into a different city, where the smell of spicy meats and soft corn tortillas fills the air, emanating from the many tempting taquerias. One of the cultural highlights here is the National Museum of Mexican Art, which, with more than 7,000 items, is one of the largest collections of Hispanic art in the country. With that said, it’s a small, friendly, and easy to navigate museum, and it’s free. What I love about this museum is the wide range of mood of its works, from serious to whimsical to laugh-out-loud funny. I’ve thought back many times to the lawnmower sculpture I once saw there: It was a pimped-out lowrider on hydraulics, with spinners on the tires and a light-up steering wheel. The museum is family-friendly and offers art classes and family-centric tours. Allow 1 hour.
Chicago› Attraction
National Museum of Mexican Art
1852 W 19th St. (a few blocks west of Ashland Ave.), Chicago, IL 60608
Our Rating
Hours
Tues–Sun 10am–5pm
Transportation
Subway/El: Pink Line to Damen/Cermak
Phone
312/738-1503
Web site
National Museum of Mexican Art
Other
Free admission. Closed major holidays
Map
1852 W 19th St. ChicagoNote: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.