Lowrider Exhibitions Set To Cruise Into the Smithsonian

Lowrider culture will cruise into the Smithsonian and across the country through two upcoming exhibitions, “Corazón y vida: Lowriding Culture” opening Sept. 26 at the National Museum of American History and the traveling exhibition, “Lowrider Culture in the United States / Cultura Lowrider en los Estados Unidos,” which begins its tour Sept. 13–Dec. 12 at the Muzeo Museum and Culture Center in Anaheim, California, and continues through summer 2029.

Rooted in Mexican American culture, lowriders are customized cars that sit low to the ground and feature elaborate paint jobs with hydraulics for bouncing. Both exhibitions will highlight a selection of vibrant photographs depicting lowrider culture and its artistic iconography. For the traveling exhibit, local venues will have the opportunity to highlight objects from their collections and from area lowrider communities. The National Museum of American History will feature two classic Chevy Impalas, the 1963 “El Rey,” named for the song by Mexican singer Vicente Fernández, and the iconic 1964 “Gypsy Rose,” featured in the opening credits of the 1970s TV show Chico and the Man. The National Museum of American History also will showcase tools of the trade, posters and car club-related clothing. 

Lowriding is a quintessential cultural tradition begun by Mexican American communities post-World War II, in an era when auto culture was American culture. People began customizing factory-made cars, reshaping, rebuilding and repainting them to express their own style. In the 1960s and ’70s, a Chicano identity was embraced by some Mexican Americans and that pride was reflected in the art of lowriders and its rich stories of creativity, family and tradition.   

“Lowriding has developed over the past 80 years as an expression of intergenerational artistry and cultural affirmation across the nation and even the world with its focus on family, culture and community,” said Anthea M. Hartig, the Elizabeth MacMillan Director of the National Museum of American History.  

“The influence of lowriders on popular culture reaches across the United States,” said Kara Blond, director of the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service | Smithsonian Affiliations (SITES | Affiliations). “Through these exhibitions, the Smithsonian is able explore the American experience through the lens of a unique car-making tradition, in collaboration with communities nationwide.”  

Constructing a lowrider involves selecting paint colors, finishes and chrome details, installing hydraulic systems to make the car bounce and perform other tricks, selecting custom upholstery and wheels and rims as well as deciding on the murals, which can range from religious iconography to depictions of family members. It can take years of labor to make a unique and individually significant lowrider. 

“Cars tell stories of individuals and communities, and car clubs are a reflection and extension of that community,” said Steve Velasquez, the “Corazón y vida” exhibition curator. “Growth of all-women car clubs have brought together a new generation of builders.” 

“Lowrider Culture in the United States / Cultura Lowrider en los Estados Unidos” is organized by SITES | Affiliations in collaboration with the National Museum of American History. The exhibition received federal support from the Latino Initiatives Pool, administered by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino. The current tour schedule includes seven museums and cultural centers. 

“Corazón y vida – Lowriding Culture” will be showcased in the Marcia and Frank Carlucci Hall of Culture and the Arts at the National Museum of American History. The exhibition is made possible by Marcia and Frank Carlucci, Pendleton Woolen Mills and Lowrider Magazine Events. The exhibition and acquisitions received federal support from the Smithsonian Latino Initiatives Pool, National Museum of the American Latino. This project received federal support from the Smithsonian American Women’s History Initiative Pool, Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum. It is organized by SITES | Affiliations in collaboration with the National Museum of American History. The “Corazón y vida: Lowriding Family Festival” at the National Museum of American History Sept. 27 (rain date Sept. 28) between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. is co-presented with the National Museum of the American Latino. 

About SITES | Affiliations

The Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service | Smithsonian Affiliations (SITES | Affiliations) deepens the impact of the Smithsonian beyond Washington, D.C., by bringing its high-quality content, resources and expertise to people across the nation in collaboration with museums and cultural organizations. SITES | Affiliations is home to traveling exhibitions, a vast network of Smithsonian Affiliate organizations and the Museum on Main Street program that brings the Smithsonian to rural communities across the United States and beyond. Visit SITES | Affiliations for more information.

About the National Museum of American History

Through incomparable collections, rigorous research and dynamic public outreach, the National Museum of American History seeks to empower people to create a more just and compassionate future by examining, preserving and sharing the complexity of our past. The museum, located on Constitution Avenue N.W., between 12th and 14th streets, is open daily except Dec. 25, between 10 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Admission is free. The doors of the museum are always open online and the virtual museum continues to expand its offerings, including online exhibitions, PK–12 educational materials and programs. The public can follow the museum on social media on Instagram and Facebook. For more information, go to https://americanhistory.si.edu. For Smithsonian information, the public may call (202) 633-1000.

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