National Museum Of Mexican Art
Ellie Cunningham
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Like it or not, tourist attractions are part of this city, too. But do they deserve the bad rap they get from grizzled locals? The A.V. Club takes an ongoing, objective look at the cold, hard facts of establishments that largely exist to draw in transients in Tourist Trap. In this edition, travel guide Lonely Planet is taken to task on the National Museum Of Mexican Art.
Lonely Planet says:
“Your views on Mexican art will never be the same once you’ve visited the National Museum Of Mexican Art—it’s that good.”
The A.V. Club says:
This small museum, located on a residential Pilsen street, feels more like a Mexican cultural center than a museum. At times sparse, the permanent collection positions classically Mexican macabre figurines next to modern-day, often depressing paintings (check out Oscar Moya's "Blue Collar"). Ancient vases line the neon pink and orange walls, which all boast some image of the Virgin Guadalupe. The Kraft room, meant to encourage local Mexican artistry, shows off new works from contemporary artists—Juan Carlos Macias, at the moment. The exhibit informs visitors by adorning each wall with bi-lingual explanations of the artwork, but leaves museum-goers feeling like "struggle" is the only appropriate description of Mexican history.
Contrary to the guidebook's claim, the NMMA does not truly overturn preconceived notions of Mexican art—at least it didn't for Decider. With the exception of artist Mario Castillo’s Magic Eye-like mural, which is made with a semen acrylic (yes, that means what you think it does), most of the pieces would sit comfortably among another museum’s Mexican collection. But if the urge strikes to jump on the pink line and explore a bit, it’s worth the trip. The staircases at the 18th Street El stop are an added bonus, and just may be the most enjoyable climb in the city—vibrant murals adorn every inch of wall space, hinting at the dynamic spirit of Pilsen and its residents.
Tourist trap? Definitely not. Worth a trip for everyone, and not just because of semen-encrusted art. Now's the time to go, too, with Day Of The Dead in full swing through mid-December.
