National Museum of Mexican Art

The National Museum of Mexican Art is located in Chicago’s main Mexican neighbourhood of Pilsen. The neighbourhood itself is a work of mural-covered walls and even the manhole covers are designed in an Aztec style. But it’s too cold to see them (except maybe a glance as you get off the Pink Line) so head into the Museum of Mexican Art to get a free splash of colour without having to endure the cold.

The museum was started in 1982 as a way to promote Mexican culture from both sides of the border. Not only is the art itself fantastic, but unlike most museums much of it is largely political. In the museum you’ll see many references to the struggle Mexican immigrants faced in the US. One of my favourite pieces is a Mexican labourer painted on a US immigration form, a cutting piece of satire for those who understand the US’ exploitive use of immigrant labour. Definitely worth the price, even if it had one.