Mexican Treasures of the Smithsonian

This exhibition showcases the full range of the Mexican presence in the Smithsonian's collections through art and artifacts that span several centuries—from pre-Columbian indigenous objects to contemporary art works. The 126 objects were selected to reflect the country's history and its cultural diversity. Highlights include an Aztec obsidian mirror, historical maps reflecting changing borders, coins and currency, flags, stamps, and costumes worn by Mexican American artists Lydia Mendoza and Selena.

In selecting these objects, the Smithsonian's Latino Center worked with specialists from the Smithsonian American Art Museum, Smithsonian Archives of American Art, Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage/Folkways Recordings, Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, National Museum of American History, National Museum of the American Indian, National Museum of Natural History, National Portrait Gallery, and the National Postal Museum.