The National Museum of Mexican Art (NMMA) in Chicago was founded in 1987 by a group of public school educators, led by Carlos Tortolero, to address a lack of Mexican history and culture in the curriculum. It has grown into a 48,000-square-foot institution with a collection of over 20,000 objects, spanning from Pre-Columbian times to the present, and was the first Latino museum in the U.S. to be accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.
The museum's unique mission, rooted in education and social justice rather than art collecting, makes it a vital community institution. It serves as both a professional museum adhering to national standards and a community-focused center, offering free, bilingual access and showcasing both established and emerging artists. Its exhibitions, like "The African Presence in Mexico," challenge perceptions and educate broadly about Mexican identity and history.