New National Museum of Mexican Art Exhibit Celebrates Mexican Railroad Workers' Legacy in Pilsen

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/Pilsen · November 27, 2025

The National Museum of Mexican Art in Pilsen has unveiled its latest exhibition, "Rieles y Raíces: Traqueros in Chicago and the Midwest," exploring the profound impact of Mexican railworkers who helped establish Chicago as a major transportation hub. Located at 1852 W. 19th St., the exhibit delves into the real-life stories and contributions of these workers throughout the 1900s, highlighting a lesser-known chapter of both U.S. and Chicago history.

"One of the lesser-known chapters in U.S. and Chicago history is the way in which the Mexican and Mexican-American community really helped to create the railroad industry that put Chicago on the map, almost literally," explains Cesario Moreno, the museum's visual arts director. The exhibition features authentic mementos and personal histories from families across Chicago, offering visitors a glimpse into how the Mexican-American community shaped the city's development. The exhibit will run through April 26, 2026, giving Pilsen residents and visitors ample time to explore this important cultural contribution. As always, admission to the museum remains free, making this educational experience accessible to everyone in the community.

Sources:
1. https://blockclubchicago.org/2025/11/25/new-museum-of-mexican-art-exhibit-explores-how-mexican-railworkers-put-chicago-on-the-map/