Someone You Should Know: Mexican Art Museum Founder
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Chicago is home to the National Museum of Mexican Art, which has a worldwide reputation for its amazing collection.
The founder, Carlos Tortolero, is someone you should know, CBS 2's Harry Porterfield reports.
In the 25 years of its existence, the museum has become the largest Latino cultural institution in the United States.
"I saw the fact that this culture was not being included, how rich the Mexican culture is," Tortolero tells Porterfield. "This is a void that I thought had to be filled in the city of Chicago."
During the year-long observance of its silver anniversary, which kicks off this weekend, the museum will celebrate its status as the home of one of the nation's largest collections of Mexican art.
It occupies 48,000 square feet. Within its four galleries are displays that represent the nearly 7,000 pieces in its permanent collection. The performing arts can find a home in its auditorium, while visitors can find souvenirs in its gift shop.
Since the museum opened in 1987, its reputation has mushroomed to a world-wide dimension. Now, people from more than 60 countries visit here.
"To have an art museum in a working class community tells everybody that the arts are for everybody," Tortolero says.
To learn more about the museum, click here.
