When you exit the station, turn right and walk north to 19th Street, then turn right and walk east to the building in the middle of Harrison Park—that's the museum.

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2010 S. Damen St.

The National Museum of Mexican Art, the largest Latino cultural institution in the United States, holds one of the largest collections of Mexican art in the United States.

The museum is known for cutting-edge exhibitions like "The African Presence in Mexico: from Yanga to the Present," its commitment to local youth and education, and ... Moreits annual "Day of the Dead/Dia de Los Muertos exhibit," which showcases ofrendas (altars honoring the dead) by artists from Chicago and Mexico.

Its permanent exhibit, "Mexicanidad: Our Past Is Present" explores the history of Mexico in five stages: Pre-Cuauhtémoc Mexico, Colonial Mexico, Mexico from Independence to Revolution, Post-Mexican Revolution to Present-Day Mexico and the Mexican Experience in the United States.

When you're inside, notice how different it feels from a traditional art museum. The walls are painted vibrant yellows, reds and greens in a celebration of Mexico, which is "all about color," museum founder Carlos Tortolero says. Chances are good there will be kids running around, given the museum's commitment to local youth and arts education. And don't miss the gift shop, which features bilingual children's books and artisanal works as well as fine art coffee-table books and reproductions of works by Frieda Kahlo, Diego Rivera and other well-known Mexican artists.

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1852 W. 19th St.
312-738-1503
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Cost
Free
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Hours
Tuesday-Sunday 10am-5pmLess

Art isn't confined to the inside of a museum in Pilsen. Rather, it adorns the streets, buildings, even garage doors.

This two-block stretch of Wood Street will give you a feel for the diversity of murals in Pilsen.

First, you’ll see urban graffiti-style murals, then as you walk north you’ll see more traditional portraits... More of Mexican music and film icons, from Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Joan Sebastian (he’s the guy on the horse), to screen goddesses Dolores del Rio and Maria Felix.

As you're walking, look up and to the left and you'll see dramatic mosaics on the Orozco Community Academy, named for renowned Mexican muralist Jose Clemente Orozco. Local artist Francisco G. Mendoza created these and other showpieces you'll see later in the tour.

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Wood Street between 19th and 18th streetsLess

By now you might be ready for a bite or a jolt of caffeine. This café has a relaxed vibe and frequently features local artists’ work.

If you're eating, try the tamales Oaxaqueños, large steamed banana leaves full of cornmeal mush with spicy chicken inside. If you’re drinking coffee, don’t miss the signature Café Azteca.

... MoreAnd check the bulletin boards for gallery events—though many artists have studios in Pilsen, few have regular hours.
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1738 W. 18th St.
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Hours
Daily 10am-10pmLess

The church was designed by architect Henry Schlacks, a disciple of Adler & Sullivan, who went on to found the architecture department at the University of Notre Dame. Built in 1874 to serve the Polish community, it was modeled after St. Paul’s Basilica in Rome. Its twin Renaissance-style towers dominate the neighborhood skyline.

To se... Moree the gorgeous interior, your best bet is to come on a Sunday and peek in before or after Mass, or call the rectory in advance (312-226-0340) so someone can open the doors.

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1650 W. 17th St.Less

From the outside, Oxala looks like a stylish place to buy jewelry and artwork, and it is. But it’s more than that—it is also a botanica shop, selling herbs and spiritual items. You can even get your fortune told.

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1651 W. 18th St.
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Hours
Monday-Saturday 11am-8pm
Sunday 11am-2pm

This is a small, well-stocked store with a fascinating selection of handmade Mexican folk art and crafts at excellent prices. The friendly proprietors have lived in Pilsen for decades and are a great source of information about the neighborhood and upcoming events.

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1644 W. 18th St.
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Hours
Monday-Saturda... Morey 10am-7pm
Sunday ClosedLess

You can’t beat this Pilsen landmark for a taste of northern Mexico. There’s plenty of meat and beans on the menu, served up by men in black and women in frilly blouses and skirts. Be sure to order the delicious flour tortillas, made in-house and a staple of northern Mexican cooking. The corn tortillas served here are factory-made and nothing specia... Morel, while the flour tortillas are a real treat. BYO.

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1515 W. 18th St.
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Hours
Daily 7am-midnightLess

Longtime Cooper art teacher and local artist Francisco G. Mendoza created the gorgeous Venetian tile mosaic murals that adorn the school's walls and entrances. Many depict figures from Mexican art, music and literature.

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1624 W. 19th St.

If you came to Pilsen via the Pink Line, don’t walk all the way back to Damen—just jump on at the 18th Street station and get an artistic bonus. The stairwell from the street to the platforms is covered in glorious colors, the work of local youth using traditional motifs.

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1710 W. 18th