National Museum of Mexican Art image

National Museum of Mexican Art

Tourist attraction Museum Art museum

Some 18,000 paintings, photographs, sculptures & more are housed at this art museum. People often mention museum, free, Mexican, Chicago, shop, visit, gift, beautiful, exhibit, culture,


Address

1852 W 19th St, Chicago, IL 60608

Website

www.nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org

Contact

(312) 738-1503

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (2.9K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Sunday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Wednesday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Thursday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Friday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Saturday: 10 AM to 5 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: museum (31) free (20) Mexican (19) Chicago (14) shop (14) visit (14) gift (14) beautiful (13) exhibit (11) culture (10)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Mikael A. 1 year ago on Google
    An eclectic and unique mix of artifacts spanning more than two millenia and including references to issues around immigration, identity, workers rights and the Chicago community. Stunning and moving art. Nice shop. I strongly recommend a visit if you have a spare one or two hours (or more) in Chicago. It is a short walk from 18th Station on the pink line. And it is free!
    10 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Amber N. 1 year ago on Google
    Made our first visit to this National Museum but was quite disappointed with how small it is. I wish the front desk staff were a bit more more friendly and professional. Also, there is an abundance of Mexican people in Chicago, especially in the specific neighborhood the museum is located. While it’s great to have this wealth of knowledge for our nation for free, it could be so much better — and bigger! I also think this museum could be better equipped for those who need assistance. I found the labels hard to read with small font and not always ADA accessible. I would love to see this special museum become as big as the other museums in Chicago or even the ones in Washington D.C. We need to have see more investment into this establishment. Overall there were some really great pieces of art. I especially enjoyed the political art portion of the exhibit. Also, don’t miss the gift shop. The gift shop is always a good place to buy a little piece of the Mexican culture. The gift shop to me was the best part of the entire museum. Would recommend to at least give this museum a try once.
    10 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 David H. 2 years ago on Google
    Wow! First if all this museum is free so you can donate only if you want. There is a nice permanent collection as well as rotating collections. I really like the one with Covid 19 and ancestor art.
    8 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Fernando F. 1 year ago on Google
    Great small museum of Mexican artifacts. Went on a beautiful Saturday afternoon in April. There is a pay parking lot but we were able to find free parking on street. There were nice examples of art and art works. There also was a very nice section about Frida kahlo. Lots of her art and items about her life. Very impressive. Plus it was free.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Edith G. 2 years ago on Google
    Love how beautiful this museum is, so colorful so much history, arts of all varieties. Make this a stop it is small but it's so worth it. When I stopped by I got to see 3 of their Exhibits. And they have such a cute gift shop!!
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 M 3 months ago on Google • 77 reviews New
    A highlight of our Chicago visit and well worth the Uber ride out to Pilsen. We spent about two hours and felt like we really took our time to check everything out. We never felt rushed or crowded, which was a nice experience after the Art Institute of Chicago, which was hectic and at times overwhelming. I cannot believe this museum is free. I learned so much and saw some of the most interesting work I've ever seen in my life. I always kinda rolled my eyes at people who cried at art, even though I genuinely enjoy it and have been to many major museums around the country and abroad, but I actually was very moved by one piece in particular in a way I've never been before. You won't regret visiting.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Michelle F. 1 year ago on Google
    A beautiful art museum that is both fascinating, colorful and educating! The museum has street parking around it as well as its own pay parking lot that isn’t expensive. Museum entry is FREE but you can make a donation. The museum is tastefully done, very well organized in sections and displays many art mediums (painting,sculptures, glass mosaics, pottery etc…). The history of Mexico is explained simply for everyone to understand and differentiate their culture from other Hispanic origins. We really enjoyed the day of the dead items, Diego Rivera sketch and Frida Kahlo wing exhibits. The gift store was amazing and had so many interesting hand made items and crafts. There is so much you can learn in this museum and I can’t wait to go back again to visit and broaden my knowledge of Mexico!
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Brianna H. 1 month ago on Google • 88 reviews New
    Year round this is an incredible museum showcasing the work of talented artists but their Dia de Los Muertos exhibit is the highlight. The pieces are so powerful and the information so informative.

  • 5/5 Vanessa C. 1 year ago on Google
    A wonderful place! Learned a lot and so glad it exists. Parking lot is small, but still helpful. Definitely plan to go to one of their events the next time I am in Chicago.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Matthew P. 5 months ago on Google • 47 reviews
    Proud member of the NMMA! We visits several times a year and always in the fall to see the annual Día de los Muertos exhibit which never disappoints. The permanent collection is excellent and the temporary exhibits are always thought-provoking. Highly recommended. The museum is free, but I recommend getting a membership!

  • 5/5 Ana L. 4 months ago on Google • 43 reviews
    Absolutely beautiful. Wonderful space, and per their recommendation my group (elders with dementia) we stopped by after 1pm and did not have to deal with children or crowds. It was a perfect visit. Just enough seats around that when my folks got tired they could relax and still enjoy the space. Thank you for the great experience! I will definitely recommend it to others and hope to return in the future.

  • 5/5 MiSangreAzteca1 4 months ago on Google • 42 reviews
    Small museum with a fantastic gift shop. Parking was on the street due to an event. Free entrance donations can be made when you purchase anything at the gift shop

  • 5/5 Nancy F. 1 year ago on Google
    The art was impactful and beautiful, I had the absolute best time here. All the staff was friendly and the gift shop was also great. Thank you for doing what you do. I will definitely be going back next time I visit Chicago and will recommend it to anyone I know who is visiting as well.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Anthony L. 2 years ago on Google
    Definitely a place to visit if you’re in Chicago! It’s a free museum that is surrounded by a great community park. The art itself blends history into it to help teach you about Mexican culture! Definitely will come back to visit
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Vanessa G. 6 months ago on Google • 6 reviews
    My daughter and I were there for a studio Saturday event. My daughter was able to sit with a group of young people her age and draw whatever inspired her. The galleries are beautiful! We visited the Carlos Cortez Koyokuikatl exhibit. It was great!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Lea D. 1 year ago on Google
    As A Mexican American Trans & Art 🎨 Lover... I ❤️ Apreciate This Place.... the Art Is Magnificent & Very Koo.... I just Wish 🤞 that The Director was Latino or Latina Of Mexican Decent..... This Year U Guys Were Locking Color, Flowers & More acreativity
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ruth R. 4 months ago on Google • 35 reviews
    This is a wonderful place!. FREE to the public any time. I recently went to a Day of the Dead ( Día de los Muertos Xicago 2023) event and it blew me away!. So many ofrendas ( altar to the dead) they had live music and traditional Mexican dances, as well as food vendors and they even gave out free pan de muerto (day of the dead bread). Everything was super fun and a great learning experience for those of us who want to know more about Mexican culture. Inside the museum they will continue to display the altars to the dead through December. In general this place is the perfect place to go if you want to immerse yourself in Mexican culture and history. Thank you so much for everyone involved in keeping this place available to anyone from any walk of life. ❤️🇲🇽🙏🏼

  • 5/5 Khaulah Naima N. 2 years ago on Google
    This is a wonderful museum to visit. The works in the permanent collection are smartly curated to share Mexican history and the contemporary Mexican experience. The current solo exhibit of Carmen Chami's paintings is beautiful figurative work. Be sure to walk the neighborhood to experience the beautiful murals and mosaics. Get a paleta and enjoy!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 b k. 6 months ago on Google
    How can you ever complain about a national museum of art that doesn't have an admission. Whenever I'm in Chicago I always stop by. So take the train to Pilsen. Stop by for some brain tacos a couple blocks away or some other really good Mexican food in the neighborhood I And get some Mexican culture 2
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Maya M. 7 months ago on Google
    Great Museum! A visit makes you think about issues such as migration, exploitation and human rights. Critical thinking experienced while looking at the paintings, posters and sculptures. Nice art approach. A must while visiting Chicago and it's free!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Michelle K. 5 months ago on Google
    Incredible collection of art, history, and humanity. I was reminded of much, and I learned even more. I've wanted to come here for so long - and it was definitely worth it!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mike W. 2 years ago on Google
    Went as a chaperone for my daughter's class field trip a few years ago. It was an amazing experience. The exhibits were so interesting, I had a hard time paying attention to the kids. We are planning to go back soon.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kathleen M. 2 years ago on Google
    Fabulous free museum with a uniquely Chicago/Mexico approach to art. It requires masks which made me feel safe. No more than 10 people were allowed in their marvelous gift shop, another wonderful safety feature. I am a member because I value their mission so much.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Salim M. 1 year ago on Google
    Loved this gem in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago. It's a must stop to understand and celebrate the true melting pot of Mexican culture. And it's all free!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 chad s. 2 years ago on Google
    National Museum of Mexican Art is a wonderful place to bring the family. A great place to learn about the very talented Mexican artists and see pieces not usually displayed. We went specifically for the Dia de Los Muertos exhibit and was not disappointed. The powerful homage to those affected and grieving due the COVid-19 pandemic is captured beautifully in the artworks. There are several galleries and a theatre to explore so plan on spending an hour a half, more if you stop into the gift shop. Support the Museum as this is truly only one of very few Free Admission Museums.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Killah B. 1 year ago on Google
    Took my parents to the museum on their first ever Chicago visit. There was a Frida Kahlo exhibit. They enjoyed it. It wasn’t too busy.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Alma J. 3 months ago on Google • 13 reviews New
    This is kind of a small space as far as museums go. It is beautiful, though. The installations are unique and have a wonderful sense of nostalgia for me. Visit their gift shop and find yourself some wonderful little knickknacks.

  • 5/5 Lourdes (. 3 months ago on Google New
    I love visiting the Museum every year to check out their ofrendas for Dia de Muertos. I participated in the first 3 years of the Xicago! Community Ofrendas event, now I just go as a spectator to see everyone else's altars.

  • 4/5 Martha D. 3 months ago on Google New
    I love visiting this museum, it’s a small place but pleasant. I do not like the prizes in their gift shop is very expensive. Parking used to be free, now you pay $3@ hour. That is not bad, and they have handicap parking.

  • 5/5 Cameron C. 2 years ago on Google
    Do yourself a favor and go here! From downtown it's a quick ride on the Pink line and a casual stroll through the eclectic and beautiful mural-filled streets of Pilsen. Admission is free. Bonus if you go during late October to early December to see the Dìa de los muertos ofrendas!

  • 5/5 Jesus G. 2 years ago on Google
    Very well organized. Beautiful Art!

  • 4/5 Jim A. 2 years ago on Google
    This place has a nice collection of mexican art. A lot of pieces are focused on identity, history, and culture. The focus on social justice was interesting, however I was surprised there was not more content on current conditions in Mexico and here in the US.

  • 5/5 chandkilla 2 years ago on Google
    Covid hours are not regular hours. Make sure not to walk in with only 10minutes to view the gallery. The permanent exhibit has a lot of classic pieces 😍

  • 5/5 Carolyn B. 10 months ago on Google
    The National Museum of Mexican Arts is an excellent event place to visit. You can go on event brite to find all kinds of activities and events that are hosted several times a year. They also host vendor events where you can buy authentic handmade items. Very diverse and equity inclusion to support all life of people. LGBQT friendly and advocate. Visit their website or call to see what is happening. Went to a Selena drag show, and it was the bust!!! Event served Free drinks alcohol and non alcohol consumption. Excellent hospitality place.

  • 5/5 Michaela W. 2 years ago on Google
    Loved the museum and the Dia de Los muertos exhibit. It's a free museum but please donate. Lot of history and culture shared here. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

  • 5/5 gloria d. 2 years ago on Google
    The National Museum is beautiful, and free to the public. It is surrounded by a spacious park, filled with the laughter and joy of children. The street vendors and local shops and restaurants seal the deal for me!

  • 5/5 M C (. 5 months ago on Google
    This place is an awesome place to visit. It’s free and it has so much history in its artwork. There is a lot to explore. If going with kids, just be mindful and keep an eye on them to make sure they are being respectful of the art work/place. Definitely recommend checking out.

  • 3/5 Francis R. 2 years ago on Google
    Stunning collection of art, but what is up with the museum staff? In the first twenty minutes of my visit, I was harshly (and loudly) scolded by no fewer than three employees. Once for (accidentally) brushing a sculpture as I walked past it for a picture, once for standing a foot away from a piece instead of two feet away, and once for holding my backpack in one hand like a purse instead of hooking both straps over my front.

  • 5/5 H B. 10 months ago on Google
    Spectacular! You MUST go see this collection! We are very impressed with the collection, layout and bilingual signs. I am grateful for the difficult topics that this museum tackles.

  • 5/5 Orlando A. 1 year ago on Google
    Very neat mesuem. Lots to walk through and see. Worth a trip, I would like to see a few interactive elements in the future as you can tell there is a lot of detail and passion here. For a free museum of its size-very much appreciated. Great gift shop even if a little expensive.

  • 5/5 Paul M. 1 year ago on Google
    I went as part of a tour for my university class. Our tour guide, Ama, was very professional and courteous. Staff at the front desk were also very nice and welcoming. We chose the one day of the year that the museum would be overflowing with visitors. XD Luckily, our guide made us feel like we were the only ones there. :D I'd totally go back on my own time to check everything out in detail. Wonderful accessibility for those with physical disabilities too. Overall, I had a blast! :D

  • 5/5 Don M. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful art in a lovely, modern building. Easy parking

  • 5/5 Priya T. 1 year ago on Google
    What a little gem! I learnt so much about the beautiful culture and history. Definitely a must-do! Parking on site. Nearby restaurants are great for lunch as well. Worth spending immersive time.

  • 5/5 Liliana P. 1 year ago on Google
    I really enjoyed this free gem. The neighborhood had a lot of Mexican street to vendors selling elote, aguas frescas and fruit cups and I loved it. Bring cash so you can support local. I traveled via train on a Friday afternoon. The staff points you to the sign in tablet and from there in it's super easy to see the exhibit rooms. They had a seamlessly way about them and the art and description was in English and Spanish. The staff was super friendly. I'll come again.

  • 5/5 Andrew S. 1 year ago on Google
    Fantastic museum! Lots to see, beautiful art, very welcoming staff and well laid out. You’ve got to check out the gift shop too!

  • 5/5 Norma R. 1 year ago on Google
    Great exhibit. Friendly staff. Beautiful art. Check it out you will not be disappointed and while in the neighborhood check out one of the local restaurants for some Mexican fare.

  • 5/5 Matt N. 2 years ago on Google
    Absolutely awesome! Galleries are very well laid out and easy to work through. Narratives explaining the pieces are in English and Spanish. Plan an hour or two to work through the museum. Admission is free and worth the friendly donation.


Call (312) 738-1503 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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