A THOUSAND AND ONE FACES OF MEXICO

Images Courtesy of Museo Franz Mayer © Michel Zabe

A THOUSAND AND ONE FACES OF MEXICO: Masks from the Collection of Ruth D. Lechuga
MARCH 1 – MAY 5
 
Masks have been an integral part of the rituals and ceremonies of societies all over the world and this exhibition, curated by folk expert Marta Turok, features over 140 masks accompanied by a selection of photographs, figurines, costumes and musical instruments that reflect the regional traditions, religious rituals and celebrations of the indigenous populations in Mexico from the Ruth D. Lechuga Collection. Together, they provide a salient example of the diversity and richness of Mexican culture.

A prodigious collector of folk art, Dr. Lechuga (1920-2004) travelled around the country for fifty years collecting over 10,000 pieces, including 1,200 masks, which constitute one of the most important Folk Art collections in Mexico. Upon her death, Lechuga donated her collection to the Museo Franz Mayer in Mexico City. A selection of her masks is on exhibit at the Mexican Cultural Institute.

GALLERY TALK & OPEN HOUSE:  
SATURDAY, MARCH 3 @ 12:00 TO 4:00 PM
At 2:00 pm a Gallery Talk with exhibition curator Marta Turok, who will highlight the uses, significance, evolution and dynamism of the mask tradition in Mexico.

FREE ADMISSION. RSVP RECOMMENDED.
rsvp[at]instituteofmexicodc.org

MEXICAN CULTURAL INSTITUTE
2829 16th Street NW, Washington, DC, 20009
Gallery Hours: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm Monday to Friday | 12:00 - 4:00 pm Saturday