Free National Museum of Mexican Art Dia de los Muertos Chicago

Celebrate the Mexican tradition of Día de los Muertos or Day of the Dead, with the free “Día de Los Muertos Xicago” event organized by the National Museum of Mexican Art on October 24, 2026, in the Pilsen community.

Photo courtesy of Verbs & Vision

Honoring loved ones who have passed away with ofrendas or altars filled with photos, flowers and personal mementos is the hallmark of the Dia de los Muertos tradition. The National Museum of Mexican Art and Harrison Park will be transformed into a space for remembering 

loved ones with dozens of ofrendas created by community members. Community members are encouraged to participate by submitting a photo by October 15. or creating their own ofrenda in Harrison Park, at 1824 S. Wood St.

Photo courtesy of National Museum of Mexican Art

The Dia de los Muertos Xicago event will include live music, art activities and a large illuminated ofrenda projected outside of the museum. The event runs from 3-8 p.m. and is free. Don’t miss the “Where Memory Lives: 40 Years of Día de Muertos” exhibit in the museum’s main gallery.

The exhibit celebrates four decades of collecting, preserving and displaying Mexican art and culture. Pieces from the museum’s permanent collection will trace the evolution of the Day of the Dead and the museum itself. This year’s exhibit is dedicated to the memory of Dr.Gilberto Cardenas, a pioneer of Chicano Studies who contributed to the museum’s permanent collection.

Admission to the museum is always free. Over 10,000 visitors attend the museum’s Día de los Muertos celebration every year, making it the largest in the U.S., so arrive early. The exhibit runs through November 29, 2026.

National Museum of Mexican Art Día de los Muertos Celebration

National Museum of Mexican Art, 1852 W. 19th St.

October 24, 2026, 3-8 pm

Free

Discover more Fun