Downtown Houston just got a lot more colorful! Discovery Green, the city’s beloved park, is hosting Fantastic Animals from México: Alebrijes and Nahuales, a dazzling public art installation featuring eight towering 20-foot sculptures inspired by Mexican magical realism and Mesoamerican folklore. The show is on view through Sunday, October 18, so there is still time to experience it.
Created by Mexican artists, these larger-than-life creatures glow with vibrant patterns and tell stories rooted in ancient traditions. Each sculpture is an enlarged reproduction of an original work by a celebrated Oaxacan artist, in the spirit of Pedro Linares, the Mexico City artist who first dreamed up the fantastical alebrijes. Meet the mighty Armadillo by Margarito Melchor, the playful Catbird by Leonardo Linares, grandson of the alebrije originator, the mystical Cat Nahual by Angelico Jimenez, the proud Coyote by Efrain Fuentes, and the striking skeletal Dog by Adrian Xuana, each blending folk-art craftsmanship with pure imagination.
The installation kicks off Discovery Green’s fall season and its Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations, including festivities like México en el Corazón. It’s free, family-friendly, and perfect for photos. Even the flavors join in: The Grove, Zaranda and Xochi are serving mezcal cocktails inspired by the exhibition, with $1 from every cocktail sold at Xochi benefiting the Discovery Green Conservancy. Don’t miss this joyful celebration of the deep cultural bond between Mexico and Houston!
Photo: Discovery Green
