A temporary public art exhibition titled “Fantastic Animals from Mexico: Alebrijes and Nahuales” has opened in downtown Albuquerque, featuring eight sculptures each nearly 20 feet tall. The works are installed along Route 66 near the 8th Street roundabout and are inspired by Mexican magical realism, celebrating the cultural legacy of Mexican artisans. The sculptures are illuminated at night and will remain on display through July 17.
The exhibition matters because it highlights cross-cultural collaboration between the United States and Mexico, bringing large-scale, accessible public art to a local community. By showcasing Mexican artistic traditions in a prominent urban setting, the project fosters cultural appreciation and dialogue, while also enhancing the city's public art landscape and attracting visitors to the Route 66 corridor.