El Museo Latino

El Museo Latino is a museum featuring Latino and Hispanic art and history that is located at 4701 South 25th Street in South Omaha, Nebraska. Established in 1993, by Magdalena García, it is the first Latino art and history museum and cultural center in the Midwest, and is one of only eleven Latino museums in the United States.

History

El Museo Latino opened in the Livestock Exchange Building in 1993, and in 1997 moved to its present location. In 1887 the South Central School was built on the site.[1] The school building was essentially rebuilt in 1916.[2] When it was discontinued as a school, the brick and red tile roof building became the South Omaha American Legion Hall.[1] In 1937 when the American Legion defaulted on their mortgage, it was purchased by the Polish citizens of Omaha as their Polish Home.[1]

About

El Museo Latino features exhibits about Latino and Hispanic art and history. Educational programs for kindergarten through twelfth grade, post-secondary, and adult audiences at the museum include lectures, slide presentations, films, art classes, workshops, demonstrations, art history classes, gallery talks, guided visits, and dance classes. Additionally, El Museo Latino is a resource center for Latino studies in the Midwest. Museum highlights have included an exhibit from the Smithsonian Institution organized by actor Edward James Olmos ,[3] along with works by Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo.[4] Photographer David Bacon[5] and painter Terry Rosenberg[6] have also been featured.

El Museo Latino organizes special events highlighting Cinco de Mayo, including an annual almuerzo, or brunch. Hispanic Heritage Month in September features a banquet. During the year, Family Day celebrations are also scheduled as well as special dance performances by the museum's dance company, "CHOMARI" Ballet Folklorico Mexicano, and by visiting artists.[7] The museum also coordinates an annual celebration for El Día de Muertos, including a festival, special exhibits and cultural celebrations.[8]

The museum's founder and Executive Director is Magdalena A. García, who has won several local and regional awards for her work organizing El Museo Latino.[9]

See also

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "Legion Hall Sale Gets Board's Aid". The Omaha World-Herald Newspaper, Omaha, Douglas County, NE, USA. March 16, 1937. p. 4.
  2. ↑ "Crowded Quarters of Omaha Students Board's Problems". The Omaha World-Herald Newspaper, Omaha, NE, USA. August 15, 1916. p. 1.
  3. ↑ Rooney, P. "Latin Omaha: El Museo Latino... 12 years old and just getting started," Omaha City Weekly. Retrieved 8/31/07.
  4. ↑ "El Museo Latino: The Diego Rivera Exhibition and other Highlights", Nebraska Arts Council. Retrieved 8/31/07.
  5. ↑ "UNO, El Museo Latino to Host Photo Exhibition by David Bacon" University of Nebraska. Retrieved 8/31/07.
  6. ↑ "Press release" City of Omaha. Retrieved 8/31/07.
  7. ↑ "History" El Museo Latino. Retrieved 8/31/07.
  8. ↑ Harrison, J. "Graceful Dead: Living Honor the Departed in Upcoming, Hybrid Holiday," Omaha City Weekly. Retrieved 8/31/07.
  9. ↑ "El Museo Latino’s García to receive UNO Alumni Citation" University of Nebraska at Omaha Alumni Association. Retrieved 8/31/07.

External links

Coordinates: 41°12′43″N 95°56′53″W / 41.21194°N 95.94806°W