The National Museum of Mexican Art, located at 1852 W. 19th St, in Pilsen, presented its 38th annual Día de Muertos Exhibtion on Friday, Sept. 20. While this exhibition will be open until Dec. 8, visiting this weekend is the perfect way to celebrate Día de Muertos at NMMA.
This year’s exhibition, “Where the Past Is Present,” honors the centuries-old tradition of celebrating departed loved ones, blending Mesoamerican beliefs with Catholic practices.
READ MORE: Top Spots for Fall Foliage in Chicago
Honoring Mexican Artists
The exhibition pays tribute to Ray Patlán (1946–2024), a beloved Chicago muralist. Most notably, he was known for his iconic mural on the former Casa Aztlán community center in Pilsen. Aside from Patlán, the event will also highlight nearly 70 pieces of art from the museum’s collection. Through the work of multiple generations of popular artists, the exhibition reflects the collective emotion surrounding death and remembrance.
Celebrating Life Through Art and Offerings
Explore stunning installations like “El Camino de las Almas,” designed by Yollocalli Arts Reach, which delves into the transition between life and the afterlife. Visitors can contribute to the community ofrenda with messages and drawings, or simply leaving their names.
For those who don’t know, an ofrenda is an altar or display that is set up in homes to honor and remember deceased loved ones. This is done during the Mexican celebration of Día de Muertos, or Day of the Dead. The word ofrenda is Spanish for “offering”.
Works by renowned artists such as Héctor Duarte and Fulgencio Lazo also make this exhibit an immersive cultural experience. From vivid paintings to intricate altars, every piece is a heartfelt tribute to life, death and memory. As you walk through the exhibition, you not only witness vibrant celebrations of life and death but also contribute to the cultural preservation of a tradition deeply rooted in Mexican and Mexican-American heritage.
