Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood is glowing with marigolds and memory: the National Museum of Mexican Art is celebrating the 40th annual edition of its beloved Día de los Muertos exhibition, Where Memory Lives, now on view through November 29.
For four decades, the museum has marked Día de Muertos with ofrendas created by local artists and community members, alongside powerful works exploring remembrance, identity and Mexican art and culture. This year’s milestone edition reflects on 40 years of collecting, preserving and celebrating — a living tradition that has made the museum the heart of Chicago’s Day of the Dead celebrations.
The festivities extend beyond the galleries: the museum hosts Día de los Muertos Xicágo 2026 on October 24, from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m., a special community celebration. Admission to the museum is always free, making it one of the most welcoming cultural destinations in the city.
Located in the heart of Pilsen, the National Museum of Mexican Art is home to one of the largest Mexican art collections in the United States — and this fall, its 40th Día de Muertos is the perfect reason to visit.
Photo: National Museum of Mexican Art
