How to Visit the Emma S. Barrientos Plaza Exhibits

The Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center, commonly referred to as the Emma S. Barrientos Plaza, is a vibrant cultural hub located in downtown Phoenix, Arizona. Established to honor the legacy of Emma S. Barrientos—a pioneering advocate for Mexican American arts, education, and community empowerment—the plaza serves as a living museum of Chicano and Mexican American heritage. Its rotating exhibits, interactive installations, and community-driven programming offer visitors a profound connection to the history, art, and lived experiences of Latinx communities in the Southwest.

Visiting the Emma S. Barrientos Plaza Exhibits is more than a tourist activity—it is an immersive educational journey. Whether you are a local resident seeking to deepen your cultural understanding, a student researching Latinx history, or a visitor drawn to authentic public art, the exhibits provide curated narratives that challenge dominant historical perspectives and celebrate resilience, creativity, and identity. Unlike traditional museums, the plaza emphasizes accessibility, inclusivity, and community participation, making it a unique destination in the American cultural landscape.

This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step walkthrough on how to plan, navigate, and fully engage with the exhibits at the Emma S. Barrientos Plaza. From logistical preparation to interpretive strategies, this tutorial ensures you leave with not just memories, but meaningful insight. By following the best practices, leveraging available tools, and studying real examples, you’ll transform a simple visit into a transformative cultural experience.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Confirm Exhibition Schedule and Opening Hours

Before making any travel plans, verify the current exhibition schedule and operating hours. The Emma S. Barrientos Plaza operates on a seasonal and thematic calendar, with exhibits changing every 3–6 months. Unlike fixed installations, the rotating nature of the programming means what you see today may not be on view next month.

Visit the official website of the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center to review the “Current Exhibits” section. Look for exhibit titles, opening and closing dates, and any special event tie-ins such as artist talks, film screenings, or workshops. Exhibits often open on the first Friday of the month, with extended hours for “First Friday Art Walk” events.

Opening hours are typically Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with Sunday hours from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The plaza is closed on Mondays and major holidays. Always double-check for holiday closures or unexpected closures due to community events. Bookmark the calendar page on your mobile device for quick access.

Step 2: Plan Your Transportation and Arrival

The Emma S. Barrientos Plaza is centrally located at 400 South 3rd Street, Phoenix, AZ 85003, within the historic El Barrio neighborhood. Public transportation is highly recommended due to limited on-site parking and the walkability of downtown Phoenix.

Use Valley Metro’s bus routes: Route 12 (Central Avenue) and Route 17 (Broadway) stop within a 5-minute walk. The Metro Light Rail’s Central Avenue Station (on the Green Line) is a 10-minute walk from the plaza entrance. Download the Valley Metro app to track real-time arrivals and plan your route using their trip planner tool.

If driving, use GPS coordinates (33.4500° N, 112.0738° W) to navigate. On-street parking is available along 3rd and 4th Streets, but spaces are limited. The closest public parking garage is the City of Phoenix Central Parking Garage at 2nd Street and Jefferson, approximately 0.3 miles away. Parking fees range from $2–$5 per hour. Avoid parking in private lots without signage permitting public access.

Step 3: Prepare for Your Visit

While admission to the Emma S. Barrientos Plaza Exhibits is always free, preparation enhances your experience. Bring the following:

• A notebook or digital note-taking app to record observations, questions, or emotional responses.
• A fully charged smartphone with camera and audio recording enabled (for personal documentation; flash photography may be restricted in certain exhibits).
• Comfortable walking shoes—exhibits often span multiple rooms and include standing displays.
• A reusable water bottle. While there is no on-site café, water fountains are available near the entrance.
• A light jacket. Interior temperatures are kept cool for artifact preservation, and the building lacks natural heating.

Consider downloading the plaza’s official mobile app (available on iOS and Android) prior to arrival. The app provides audio guides in English and Spanish, interactive maps, and biographies of featured artists. It also allows you to create a personalized itinerary based on your interests—such as “Chicano Art,” “Immigration Narratives,” or “Indigenous Resilience.”

Step 4: Enter and Orient Yourself

Upon arrival, enter through the main glass doors on 3rd Street. The lobby features a large, illuminated mural titled “Raíces” by local artist Juan Carlos Vásquez, which serves as both an artistic welcome and a symbolic gateway into the cultural narratives within.

At the reception desk, you’ll find volunteer greeters who can provide a printed exhibit guide, answer questions, and direct you to restrooms, elevators, and accessible entrances. There is no ticketing or check-in process—entry is self-guided and open to all.

Take a moment to review the floor plan posted near the entrance. Exhibits are typically organized into three zones:

• Ground Floor: Permanent installations, including the “Barrientos Legacy Wall” and rotating community art displays.
• Second Floor: Main exhibition hall featuring the current thematic show, often with multimedia components.
• Third Floor: Archives and research center (open by appointment only) and the “Voice Lab,” where visitors can record oral histories.

Start your visit on the second floor unless you have a specific interest in the permanent collection. The main exhibit is usually the most expansive and thematically rich.

Step 5: Engage with the Exhibit Content

Each exhibit is curated to tell a layered story. Approach the space with curiosity, not just observation. Here’s how to interact meaningfully:

Read all signage carefully. Wall panels often contain primary source quotes, historical context, and artist statements. Avoid skimming—many details are embedded in small print.

Use QR codes. Most exhibits include QR codes linking to extended content: video interviews, archival photographs, or academic essays. Scan them with your phone camera or the app. Some links lead to Spanish-language content, offering bilingual perspectives.

Listen to audio stations. Many installations feature embedded speakers playing oral histories, music, or poetry. Headphones are provided at designated kiosks. Sit quietly and allow the voices to guide your emotional response.

Participate in interactive elements. Some exhibits include touchscreens, digital mapping, or response walls where visitors can leave handwritten notes. These are not gimmicks—they are part of the exhibit’s participatory design. Your contribution becomes part of the living archive.

Observe spatial design. The layout of the exhibit—lighting, color, flow, and spacing—is intentional. A narrow corridor may evoke confinement; open, sunlit rooms may symbolize liberation. Note how architecture supports narrative.

Step 6: Explore Supporting Programs

Many exhibits are accompanied by concurrent programming designed to deepen understanding. Check the digital bulletin board near the exit or the app for scheduled events during your visit:

• Artist Walkthroughs: Held on weekends, these 30-minute sessions allow you to ask questions directly to the exhibiting artists.
• Community Circles: Informal gatherings where local elders, educators, or activists share personal stories related to the exhibit’s theme.
• Workshops: Free hands-on sessions in printmaking, mural design, or traditional embroidery, often tied to exhibit materials.

Even if you don’t attend a live event, the promotional materials displayed—flyers, posters, or digital screens—offer insight into the broader community dialogue surrounding the exhibit.

Step 7: Visit the Gift Shop and Archive

Before exiting, stop by the small retail space adjacent to the lobby. It features books, prints, and handmade goods by local Latinx artists and publishers. Proceeds directly support the center’s programming. Consider purchasing a catalog of the current exhibit—it often includes essays not available online.

If you’re interested in deeper research, inquire at the front desk about accessing the archive on the third floor. While walk-in access is limited, you can request a 30-minute appointment with an archivist to view digitized documents, oral history transcripts, or ephemera from past exhibits. This is especially valuable for students, researchers, or anyone seeking primary sources.

Step 8: Reflect and Share Your Experience

Before leaving, take 10–15 minutes to sit in the plaza’s outdoor courtyard. The space is designed for quiet reflection, with benches shaded by native desert plants and a water feature that echoes the sound of flowing rivers—symbolic of migration and continuity.

Use this time to journal: What surprised you? What resonated emotionally? Did any piece challenge your assumptions? Write down one question you still have.

Consider sharing your experience on social media using the official hashtag

BarrientosExhibits. Your post may be featured on the center’s website or newsletter, contributing to the collective memory of the exhibit’s impact.

Best Practices

Visiting cultural institutions like the Emma S. Barrientos Plaza requires more than physical presence—it demands ethical, mindful engagement. Follow these best practices to ensure your visit is respectful, enriching, and aligned with the center’s mission.

Respect Cultural Ownership

Many exhibits center on communities that have historically been marginalized or misrepresented in mainstream media. Avoid treating the content as “exotic” or “other.” Recognize that these are living traditions, not relics. Refrain from using phrases like “primitive art” or “tribal culture.” Instead, use precise, respectful terminology: “Chicano muralism,” “Indigenous textile techniques,” or “Mexican American oral histories.”

Practice Active Listening

If you attend an artist talk or community circle, listen more than you speak. Avoid interrupting or dominating conversations. If you have a question, wait for a pause and phrase it as an invitation to learn: “Could you help me understand how this piece connects to your family’s experience?”

Photography Etiquette

Photography is permitted in most areas, but always look for signage. Flash, tripods, and drones are strictly prohibited. If a work is labeled “No Photography,” respect it—even if others are taking photos. Some pieces contain sacred imagery or private family photographs that require cultural sensitivity.

When sharing images online, credit the artist and the exhibit. Use the official exhibit title and avoid cropping out signage or context. A photo without context can misrepresent or commodify cultural expression.

Engage with Language Thoughtfully

The center operates bilingually. Spanish is not just a translation—it is an integral part of the narrative. If you are not fluent, use translation tools to understand Spanish-language content. Don’t assume English is the default. Many visitors are native Spanish speakers, and the center intentionally centers both languages to affirm linguistic identity.

Support, Don’t Consumer

It’s easy to treat cultural exhibits as entertainment. But the Emma S. Barrientos Plaza exists to empower, not to entertain. Avoid reducing complex histories to “Instagrammable moments.” Don’t pose for selfies in front of images depicting trauma or displacement without reflecting on their meaning.

Instead, consider how you can support the center beyond your visit: volunteer, donate, or advocate for public funding of similar institutions in your own community.

Bring an Open Mind

Exhibits may present uncomfortable truths—about colonization, labor exploitation, or systemic erasure. You may encounter art that challenges your worldview. That is the point. Allow yourself to feel discomfort. Growth happens outside of comfort zones.

Ask yourself: What am I learning that I didn’t know before? Whose voices are centered here? Whose are absent? How does this relate to my own identity or community?

Be Mindful of Space and Time

The plaza is a shared public space. Avoid loud conversations, especially near audio installations. If you’re with a group, keep it small (no more than four people) to avoid crowding. Be aware of others who may be processing emotions deeply.

Plan to spend at least 90 minutes. Rushing through diminishes the impact. Some visitors spend entire days here, returning to different exhibits over multiple visits.

Tools and Resources

Maximize your visit by leveraging the digital and physical tools available to deepen your understanding of the exhibits. These resources are curated by the center’s curatorial team and are designed for both casual visitors and serious researchers.

Official Website: emmasbarrientoscenter.org

The website is the primary hub for all exhibit information. It includes:

• Current and upcoming exhibit calendars with detailed descriptions
• High-resolution images of artworks and installations
• Downloadable educator guides for K–12 and university use
• Transcripts of past artist talks and community forums
• A digital archive of past exhibits dating back to 2005

Use the site’s search function to explore past themes: “Borderlands,” “La Lucha,” “Mujeres en el Arte,” and “Chicano Movement Legacy.” These archives reveal patterns in cultural expression over time.

Emma S. Barrientos Mobile App

Available on iOS and Android, the official app enhances the physical visit with:

• Audio guides narrated by curators and community members
• Interactive floor maps with real-time location tracking
• Push notifications for live events or last-minute schedule changes
• A “My Journey” feature that saves your favorite exhibits and lets you revisit them later
• Language toggle between English and Spanish

The app also includes a “Resource Library” with links to academic journals, documentaries, and books referenced in the exhibits.

Valley Metro App

For transportation planning, the Valley Metro app provides real-time bus and light rail tracking, fare calculators, and accessibility features such as wheelchair route optimization. It integrates with Google Maps for seamless multi-modal navigation.

Arizona Historical Society Digital Collections

For deeper research, the Arizona Historical Society hosts a free digital repository with over 12,000 photographs, letters, and documents related to Mexican American life in the Southwest. Search for “Phoenix Barrio,” “César Chávez Arizona,” or “Mexican American Labor Movement” to find primary sources that contextualize exhibit themes.

Library of Congress: Mexican American Collections

The Library of Congress offers free online access to digitized oral histories, newspapers, and manuscripts from the Mexican American community. Notable collections include the “Chicano Movement Oral History Project” and “La Raza Newspaper Archives.” These are invaluable for understanding national connections to local exhibits.

Local Academic Institutions

Arizona State University’s Department of Mexican American Studies and the University of Arizona’s Latin American Studies Program offer public lectures, reading lists, and curated bibliographies. Their faculty often collaborate with the plaza on exhibit development, making their resources highly relevant.

Community Blogs and Podcasts

Follow local voices:

• “Barrio Voices” Podcast: Episodes feature interviews with past exhibit artists and community members.
• “El Sol de Phoenix” Blog: Written by local journalists, it covers exhibit openings and cultural events with critical analysis.
• Instagram: @emmasbarrientoscenter: Daily posts highlight individual artworks, behind-the-scenes prep, and visitor testimonials.

These platforms offer perspectives not found in official materials—raw, personal, and immediate.

Real Examples

Understanding abstract concepts is easier through concrete examples. Below are three real exhibits from the Emma S. Barrientos Plaza, each illustrating different approaches to storytelling, community engagement, and cultural preservation.

Example 1: “Tiempos de Cambio: The 1970s Chicano Movement in Phoenix” (2022)

This exhibit focused on the local impact of the national Chicano civil rights movement. Rather than relying on textbooks or statistics, the curators collected over 40 oral histories from Phoenix residents who participated in walkouts, farmworker strikes, and mural projects.

One powerful installation featured a recreated classroom from a 1973 high school walkout. Visitors could sit at desks and listen to audio of students reciting demands for bilingual education. On the wall, handwritten protest signs from the era were displayed alongside contemporary student responses written on sticky notes.

The exhibit also included a “Memory Wall,” where visitors could pin notes sharing their own experiences with educational inequality. Over 1,200 notes were collected during the exhibit’s run, forming a living archive of intergenerational resistance.

Example 2: “Raíces en la Tierra: Indigenous Farming Traditions of Sonora” (2023)

This exhibit explored pre-colonial and contemporary agricultural practices among Indigenous communities along the Arizona–Sonora border. It featured a full-scale replica of a traditional “milpa” (corn, bean, squash) planting system, complete with soil samples and seed varieties.

Visitors could touch the soil, smell the herbs, and watch a 15-minute film showing elders planting using ancestral methods. QR codes linked to audio recordings in O’odham and Yaqui languages, explaining the spiritual significance of each crop.

The exhibit ended with a call to action: “Grow Your Own Milpa.” Visitors received free seed packets and a guide to planting native crops in Arizona’s climate. Over 800 families took seeds home, turning the exhibit into a grassroots movement.

Example 3: “Mujeres que Inspiran: Female Artists of the Barrio” (2024)

Highlighting 17 women artists—many previously unrecognized—this exhibit displayed paintings, quilts, ceramics, and performance videos. Each artist was interviewed in-depth, and their stories were woven into a narrative of resilience against gender and racial barriers.

One standout piece was a large quilt titled “Sueños Sin Fronteras,” stitched by a grandmother and her granddaughter over three years. The quilt depicted scenes of migration, from crossing the desert to working in fields, with each square embroidered with the name of a woman who had made the journey.

The exhibit included a “Create Your Own Quilt Square” station. Visitors could design a square representing their own journey or family story. These squares were later compiled into a community quilt displayed in the city’s public library.

These examples demonstrate how the Emma S. Barrientos Plaza transforms static displays into dynamic, participatory experiences. Each exhibit doesn’t just show culture—it invites you to become part of its continuation.

FAQs

Is there an admission fee to visit the Emma S. Barrientos Plaza Exhibits?

No. Admission to all exhibits and programs at the Emma S. Barrientos Plaza is always free. The center is publicly funded and committed to accessibility for all community members, regardless of income or background.

Are guided tours available?

While the exhibits are designed for self-guided exploration, volunteer docents are often present on weekends to answer questions. Group tours for schools or organizations can be scheduled in advance through the website’s “Education” portal.

Can I bring children or students?

Yes. The plaza welcomes visitors of all ages. Many exhibits include child-friendly elements such as tactile displays, coloring stations, or simplified storyboards. Educational guides for teachers are available for download on the website.

Is the plaza accessible for visitors with disabilities?

Yes. The building is fully ADA-compliant with ramps, elevators, accessible restrooms, and wheelchair-accessible exhibit displays. Audio descriptions and tactile maps are available upon request. Service animals are welcome.

How long do exhibits typically last?

Exhibits generally run for 4 to 6 months. Some thematic installations may extend if they receive strong community response. Always check the website before planning your visit to confirm what is currently on view.

Can I submit my artwork or story for consideration in an exhibit?

Yes. The plaza actively seeks community contributions. Submit proposals through the “Call for Artists” page on the website. Submissions are reviewed quarterly by a community selection committee.

Are there events on weekends?

Yes. Saturdays and Sundays often feature artist meet-and-greets, live music, poetry readings, and family workshops. Check the calendar for details. First Friday events include extended hours and special performances.

Can I volunteer at the plaza?

Yes. Volunteers assist with exhibit setup, visitor engagement, archival digitization, and event coordination. Training is provided. Applications are accepted year-round through the website.

Is photography allowed in all areas?

Photography is permitted in most galleries, but not in areas displaying private family photos, sacred objects, or loaned artifacts with copyright restrictions. Always check signage or ask a staff member if unsure.

How can I support the Emma S. Barrientos Plaza?

Support can come in many forms: attending events, donating materials, sharing exhibits on social media, writing letters to local officials advocating for public funding, or volunteering your skills (graphic design, translation, event planning).

Conclusion

Visiting the Emma S. Barrientos Plaza Exhibits is not a passive experience—it is an act of cultural reciprocity. Each exhibit is a bridge between past and present, between individual memory and collective identity. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you don’t just observe history; you become part of its ongoing narrative.

The plaza’s power lies in its refusal to treat culture as a commodity. Here, art is not framed behind glass to be admired from a distance—it is lived, spoken, felt, and passed on. The stories you encounter are not relics of a bygone era; they are living threads in the fabric of contemporary Phoenix, and of the broader Mexican American experience.

As you plan your next visit, remember: the most valuable souvenir you can take is not a print or a postcard, but a changed perspective. Let the voices in the exhibits linger in your thoughts. Let the questions they raise guide your actions. And when you leave, carry forward the spirit of Emma S. Barrientos herself—someone who believed that culture is not just preserved, but practiced, shared, and expanded.

Return often. Bring others. Listen deeply. And know that in walking through these halls, you are honoring a legacy that continues to grow—with every visitor, every story, every new exhibit that dares to ask: Who are we? And who will we become?