Placemaking & Landmarks: The Creation of Mexican Spaces in Chicago

The exhibition examines the advent and development of places and structures within the Mexican-Chicago community. Crossing a land border connected by rail lines, the Mexican workforce that started arriving in Chicago during the end of the 19th century has been one of the city’s only ethnic groups not compelled to promptly abandon their native customs. As the Mexican population increased during the 20th century, this city of neighborhoods gradually adapted and transformed in a distinctive way. Placemaking & Landmarks takes a glimpse into some of the ways in which Mexicans made La Dieciocho (Pilsen) their home.

Credit: Exhibition overview from museum website.