Virgen de Guadalupe art purchase for permanent collection

MISSION

The mission of the National Museum of Mexican Art (NMMA) is

to stimulate and preserve knowledge and appreciation of Mexican culture through sponsoring events and exhibitions that exemplify the rich variety of visual and performing arts in the Mexican culture;

to develop, preserve, and conserve a significant permanent collection of Mexican art;

to encourage the professional development of Mexican artists;

and to offer arts education programs.

The Museum defines the Mexican culture as "sin fronteras" (without borders) and presents the Mexican culture from ancient times to the present and how it has manifested itself on both sides of the border.

The National Leader

• The National Museum of Mexican Art is the nation's largest Latino arts institution and the only Latino museum accredited by the American Association of Museums.
• The NMMA has aggressively challenged the cultural imperialism practiced by so many museums and advocates the return of select major pieces to the countries of origin, like the Elgin Marbles being returned to Greece.
• The National Museum of Mexican Art has become a national leader and mentor for culturally grounded
  institutions and community based arts organizations, as well as for its advocacy of  "First Voice" and cultural equity issues.
• The NMMA has been in the forefront of defining the role of museums in the 21st Century.
• The National Museum of Mexican Art serves as a cultural focus for the more than million and a half Mexicans residing in the Chicago area.
• The Museum also serves as a cultural ally to other Latino cultural groups in the City of Chicago.